Muscatine County Iowa Obituary Archive

Last rites for Mrs. Dorothy Mildred Backus, former Muscatine resident who died June 1 at Weston, Va., were conducted at St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock this morning. The Rev. Henry Sendbuehler, pastor, officiated and the requiem high mass was sung by the high school choir, directed by Sister Mary Vera.  Beverly Hoffman was organist. Serving as acolytes were John Conway, Larry Rogge, Robert Goetzman,  James  Duggan, Vincent Pauly and Louis B. Schebler. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery with the Rev. George Snell in charge of services at the grave. The funeral was directed by the Riley Funeral home.

Muscatine Journal June 7, 1948 page 2
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

John Henry Baer, 90, 914 Leroy St., died Monday, April 4, 1994, at Muscatine General Hospital.  Services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Kevin Bohnsack, Robert Baer, Don Bohnsack, Richard Baer and Tom Bohnsack.
(rest of obit cut off page)

Source:  Muscatine Journal, Monday 04 Apr 1994
Contributed by webmaster (I have no further info-not related)

Elder S.A. Bagley, son of Samuel, was born in Grafton County New  Hampshire April 26, 1798, raised and educated in Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont and married on the  1st of August 1819 to Miss Almira Latham of Royalton, Vermont where they lived six years before  imigrating to Athens Co., Ohio, where they lived nine years.

In October 1838, he removed with his family to West Liberty, Iowa Territory (at the time) Muscatine Co. This town, he and his brother William, platted, building log cabins in the woods til they could clear and build the streets of the town.  Later, several siblings and cousins followed from Ohio, Eliza Bagley, Nancy Morrow, his sister, wife of Jacob Morrow, the Chesebros and all of William's children. In 1844, he removed to Cedar County where he settled on a farm where he lived for six years, when he moved to the town of Tipton, where he died.

Elder Bagley embraced the Christian religion in his 18th year and united with the Christian Church in Sharon Vermont. He was a minister. When he moved to Iowa, he and his pious companion went into the organization of a Christian Church in Moscow, Muscatine County, Iowa. This was the first church he was ordained by Elders Baker and Beardsley. Here he assisted in an organization of a Conference the first within the territory, then known as the Iowa Christian Conference. Elder Bagley continued his ministeral duties within the churches of which this conference was composed, receiving little material aid for his services and laboring with his own hands for the support of his family. He was very punctual in the attendance of every annual conference until his death.  In the organization of a Christian Church at York Prairie, seven miles from Tipton, Samuel and his wife with some of their children, composed part of the congregation.

He died suddenly of apoplexy December 3, 1873, in the presence of his wife and family expiring about fifteen minutes after the attack, aged 75.

Tipton Advertiser January, 1874. (Written by James Williamson of the Tipton Advertiser)
Contributed by Janice Bagley Taylor
Note: Simeon Arvin Bagley is also on record with the government in Post Office Postmasters, as being the first Postmaster of West Liberty. More can be found on the family in the History of Muscatine County, Iowa.

Ernest W. Bailes, 71, of 1422 1/2 4th Ave., Moline, Illinois, died at 5:15 yesterday afternoon at Moline Lutheran Hospital, following an extended illness.  Funeral services are pending at the Knox-Larson Funeral Home, Rock Island.

Mr. Bailes was born Aug. 8, 1897 in Muscatine, Iowa, a son of M. B. and Nancy O'Brien Bailes. He received his education in Muscatine and had resided in Moline the past 14 years.  He married Mary Becker June 21, 1921 in Superior, Mont.

He was a veteran of World War 1, and had been employed as a roofer for 14 years, by the former Holmquist Roofing Co.
He was a member of the Roofers Union, Local No.32.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Cassie Loran of Butte Mont.; two brothers, William Bailes of Bettendorf  and Edward K. Bailes of St. Paul, Minn., and four grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Rock Island IL Argus Friday Dec. 6, 1968
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Linda Sue Bailey, seven-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bailey, died at 5 a.m., today at the family home on route 6 following an illness since birth.

The child was born on Oct. 19, 1947, at Fairfield and came here with her parents two months ago. She was the daughter of Robert and Thelma Mae Axtell Bailey.

Surviving are the parents; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bailey, Selma, Ia., and Mrs. Maude Axtell, Letts; the great grandmothers, Mrs. Martha Axtell, Grandview, and Mrs. Emma White, Muscatine; three sisters,  Mary Lee, Roberta Anne and Lila May, all at home. Preceding her in death was a brother in infancy.

The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals. Arrangements are pending.

Muscatine Journal June 11, 1948 page 14
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
Notes: Date of death June 11, 1948 (Muscatine death records). Burial in Island Cemetery.

COLUMBUS JUNCTION-- Services for Mabel Bailey, 90, were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Letts United Methodist Church.
Rev. Robert Gamble and Rev. Robert Ahlstrom both officiated. Mrs. George Crist was the organist.
Ted Small and Jack Estle were ushers.  Her grandsons were pallbearers. They are Phillip Bailey, Randall and Douglas LaFayette and Dan Schaapveld.
Mabel Bailey died July 13 at Lutheran Homes.

Muscatine Journal (date of death July 13, 1978)
Contributed by: Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Services for Thelma M. Bailey, 204 1/2 Walnut St., 54, will be held Thursday at 2 p.m.  at Riley Funeral Home. Mrs. Bailey died Monday at 7:15 p.m. at University Hospitals, Iowa City, after an extended illness.
Rev. James Leonard will officiate. Visitation will be all day Wednesday and Thursday until the services. Burial is to be in Island Cemetery, Fruitland.

Mrs. Bailey was born July 16, 1922, in Louisa County.  A Muscatine resident for over 17 years, the former Thelma M. Axtell married Robert Bailey in 1941.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lester (Mary) Taylor of Atalissa, Mrs. Alfred (Roberta) Johnson of Muscatine, and Mrs. DeWayne (Lila) Carpenter of Dumas, Texas; seven grandchildren; five brothers, Cleo Axtell, Harold Axtell, and Raymond Axtell, all of Muscatine, and Thomas Axtell and Leo Axtell, both of Letts; and four sisters, Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Shock, Mrs. Charles E. (Mary) Saultz, and Mrs. Violet Douglas, all of Muscatine, and Mrs. Marion (Betty) O'Haver of Davenport.    She was preceded in death by a daughter, her parents and a brother.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday December 6, 1977 page 3
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

WEST LIBERTY--Walter Bailey, 74, a retired farmer and life-long resident of this community, died Saturday afternoon at a Muscatine hospital after an illness of about 10 days.

He was born July 14, 1877, on a farm near West Liberty, the son of Phillip and Mary A. Whitacre Bailey.  He married Anna Caroline Wiese at Atalissa March 27, 1901.

He is survived by his wido, one son, Arthur, of West Liberty, a daughter, Mrs. L.A. Schanck, of Muscatine, and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Snider funeral home in West Liberty.  The Rev. Clinton J. Frank will officiate.

Iowa City Press Citizen 28 Feb 1952

 Mrs. Alice Rice Baker, 73, prominent in church work in Muscatine, died at her home, 209  West Sixth street, Sunday morning at 6:30 after an illness of two weeks. Mrs. Baker was corresponding  secretary of the Ladies' Aid society of the First Methodist Episcopal church, a member of both home  and missionary societies, an active member of Hershey Hospital guild and of the First Methodist  Episcopal church. She and Mr. Baker were pioneer members of High Prairie church.

Alice Rice Baker was the eldest daughter of John W. and Harriet Rice and was born in Lake township  Aug. 17, 1855. She was married to George Baker, Nov.14, 1877, and three children were born to them,  one daughter, Myrta, at home, and two sons Warren G., at home, and Roy R. who with his wife and  daughter Wilma reside on the old home farm in Lake township. Mrs. Baker's entire life was spent in  Muscatine county, she with her husband, removing to this city in 1909. Mr. Baker died in 1911. Early in  life she joined the High Prairie Methodist Episcopal church of Muscatine, in which she was always an  active member. Other near relatives surviving besides the children are two sisters Mrs. John Baker of this city and Miss Harriet Rice of Chicago; one brother, Wilson Rice, of Muscatine. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afernoon from the home of Rev. E. A. Bentzinger. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery with the Fairbanks Home for Funerals in charge.

Muscatine Journal -- September 24, 1928
Contributed by Debbie Flanagan
Further information available on her website: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~dflanagan/page110.html

Edna C. Baker, 79, Fruitland, died Sunday morning at Muscatine General Hospital following an extended illness.
Services are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fruitland Baptist Church where the casket will be taken at 12:30 p.m. The Rev. Laverne Hubbard will officiate. Organist will be Patsy Finley. Burial will be at the Island Cemetery at Fruitland.
Visitation is this evening and Tuesday, during the day and evening, at the Riley Funeral Home.

Mrs. Baker was born Dec. 16, 1907 at Hillsboro, Ill., a daughter of Henry and Mary Row Costello. She was a life resident here. The former Edna Costello first married Harold Herlein, July 17, 1929 at Muscatine. He died Aug. 1, 1966. On Dec. 6, 1974 she married Hiram T. Baker at Muscatine who died April 13, 1976.

Survivors include four sons, Kenneth "Sonny" Herlein and Leonard "Jack" Herlein, both of Muscatine; Frank Herlein, Evergreen, Colo.; and Gary Herlein; three stepsons, Bruce Herlein, Fruitland; Kenneth Herlein, Berona, Wis.; and Dale Herlein, Muscatine; several grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Tucker, Matoon, Ill.
In addition to both husbands, she was also preceded in death by one son in infancy.

Muscatine Journal Monday November 9, 1987 page 4A
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh 

Mrs. Emma L. Baker, age 80 of 404 MacArthur Street, died at 830 a.m. today at the home of her daughter Mrs O.O. Donohoo, 523 Monroe St. after an illness of three weeks with complications due to old age.

She was born April 6, 1857 at Cedar Rapids and was married to Theodore Baker at Pleasant Prairie, Ia.
Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Baker went in a covered wagon to Delta, Cole.  Mrs Baker returned to Muscatine 40 years ago following the death of her husband.  Two sons also preceded her in death.

Surviving are six children, Glen Baker, Mrs. Maude Harker, Mrs. Pearl Schauland, and Mrs. Rubie Donohoo,  all of Muscatine , and Calvin Baker, and Mrs. Mary Ruckdeschel, both of Portland, OR, besides 12 grandchildren.

The body is at Hoffman Funeral home where rites will be conducted a 2;30p.m. Saturday, burial in Parr Cemetery.

Source: Muscatine Journal   June 16, 1937
Contributed by: GG Grandson Al Harker Davenport, Ia.
additional information: Parents SYLVANUS HARRIS, ESTER M DANIELS Siblings WALTER, HATTIE (WIEDLE), CARRIE (McCLOSKEY) , GUSSIE
Theodore Baker parents ANDREW BAKER, MARY JANE EATON

Funeral rites for Mrs. Emma L. Baker , 80 , of 404 MacAurthur Street were conducted at 230 p.m.this afternoon at Hoffman Funeral church.  The Rev. A----- Brandsteitier pastor of the United Brethren church officiated.  Burial was in Parr cemetery near Pleasant Prairie.  Mrs Harry H----  was solist at the service accampanied by Miss Eda Critz.  Flower attendant were Miss Annie O'T---- and Mrs. Winfield Wells.
Serving as pallbearers were Richard Harker, Frank Vorwerk, O O Donohoo, ------ Baker, Ronald Conkling and Alfred Beach.

Source:  Muscatine Journal   19 June 1937 Page 3
Additional information from Al Harker G grandson, Davenport, IA.
Richard Harker was her grandson; Frank Vorwerk was her grand daughter Betty Harker husband
O.O. Donohoo was son in law married to Ruby; Emma Lavina Harris parents were Sylvanus Harris, Ester M Daniels of Cedar Rapids, Ia.

Obituary -- George Baker, one of the best known residents of Muscatine county, died yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, at his home, 914 Cedar Street. he was in his sixty-third year; and death resulted from paralysis, with which he had been stricken last Friday. Mr Baker was a retired farmer and moved in from the country about a year ago. Funeral services will be conducted at the late home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. Dr. L.M. Grigsby of the Methodist church, officiating. Interment will be made at Greenwood cemetery, and the Masons will have charge of the services at the grave.

George Baker was born in Perry County, Ohio, March 14, 1848. His father died in 1852, and in 1854 the mother and her two sons, John and George, moved to Iowa, locating in Muscatine County. He began teaching school when about twenty years old, and continued for about ten years in his home community, being one of the most successful teachers of his time. In 1878, he quit teaching to devote his time to farming, locating in Lake Township, of which he was a substantial resident until he moved to Muscatine in November 1909. On November 14, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Rice, who, with the three children, the daughter Myrtle, and son Warren, at home, son Roy, residing on the home farm, and one grandchild, survive him. There are also living, one brother, John Baker, residing in the city; one half-sister, Mrs. Charles Will, of this city, four half-brothers, Thomas Fletcher of Cherokee, KS; Benjamin Fletcher, of Creighton, NE; Frank Fletcher of Lake Township, and William Fletcher of Seventy-Six township. Mr. Baker became a member of the High Prairie Methodist Episcopal church in 1876, and affiliated with that church throughout the balance of his life.

Muscatine Journal -- January 11, 1911
Contributed by Debbie Flanagan
More information available at her website http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~dflanagan/page100.html#A040

Glen F Baker, age 81,  804 East Sixth Street., died at 530 pm.   Saturday (9 dec 1961) at his home after an extended illness.  Funeral services are pending at the George M. Wittich funeral home.

Mr. Baker was born June 8, 1880 Ouray, CO.., son of Theodore Baker  and Emma Harris Baker. He had been married twice- to Alta Mackley and Bessie McTavish.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ina Nelson, Muscatine and sister Mrs. O.O. Donahue, Wilton.

Source:   Muscatine Journal  page 6 Date: 11 Dec 1961
Contributed by : Collene Harker and Al Harker
additional  information:
grand parents were SYLVANUS HARRIS, ESTER M DANIELS;  ANDER BAKER   MARY JANE EATON
siblings , CALVIN, MADUE (MRS ALFRED L HARKER), PEARL (MRS. SCHAULAND),  RUBY (MRS DONAHUE),  MARY (MRS RUCKDERSCHEL) ; Glen and daughter buried Parr Cemetery, Pleasant Prairie, Muscatine Co, Ia family plot.. Ina died 12 June 1971

Word comes to us from Pleasant Prairie, that Mrs. Harvey Baker died at her home in Fulton township, near Pleasant Prairie, yesterday, at 3 o'clock, of pleurisy.   Her death was quite sudden and unexpected to her family  and friends.  The deceased had been in failing health all winter, but with the return of spring hopes were entertained that her health would be restored again.  But alas for human hopes about two weeks ago she took a severe cold, which developed a slight attack of pueumonia, but pleurisy set in and the enfeebled body gave up the struggle and succumbed to the inevitable.  Thus the Master's sheaves of ripened grain are harvested one by one.

Harriet Freeman Baker was born in June, 1823, and was consequently, about 71 years of age.  In 1843 she was united in marriage to Mr. Harvey Baker, who survives her.

Mrs. Baker came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in early day, being among the oldest settlers in the county.
She is survived by her husband and five children George and Cyrus, of Muscatine county, Frank and Mrs. Mallicoat, of Jasper county, and Mrs. Gatton. of Milburn, Iowa.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 10 o'clock from the family residence in Fulton township.

Muscatine Journal  April 5, 1894
Submitted by : Collene Harker and Al Harker (GG nephew)
Addition information: Harriet born and married in Indiana; Mary E. Baker married George Gatton of Boulder, Montana; nna Baker married Thomas Mallicoat of Newton, Iowa

Mrs. Hattie Mae Baker, 52, wife of Roy R. Baker, a resident of Muscatine county all her life, died at 3:15 a.m., today at Hershey hospital after a short illness. Her home was on rural route No. 5.

She was born in Muscatine on Feb. 28, 1882, the daughter of Cornelius and Eva Fry Herrick. Her marriage to Roy R. Baker occurred on Jan. 17, 1907. Mrs. Baker was a member of the High Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church and was president of the Aid Society of that church.

Surviving are her husband; her mother, Mrs. Eva Herrick; one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence J. Boshart, of Ainsworth; two brothers, A. C. Herrick, Muscatine; and C. C. Herrick, Letts; one grandson, Robert R.   Boshart, Ainsworth. One sister, Mrs. A. E. Cole, died 12 years ago.

The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals and will remain there until Friday morning when it will be taken to the residence near High Prairie. Funeral services will be conducted ar 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fairbanks chapel by the Rev. W. H. Slack, pastor of the Musserville Methodist church and Dr. B. F. Schwartz, pastor of the First Methodist church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Muscatine, IA, Journal, Jan. 31, 1935
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Funeral services for Hazel B. Baker, 77, of Fruitland, will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel. Mrs. Baker died Monday evening at Muscatine General Hospital.
Officiating at the services will be Rev. Greg Caldwell. Burial will be in the Island cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6:30 to 9 p.m Wednesday and from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
Mrs. Baker was born June 11, 1896 in Galena, Ill. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Goodwin. She was preceded in death by her first husband. She then married Hiram T. Baker Aug. 7, 1957 in Muscatine.
She was of the Methodist Faith.
Surviving are her husband; four sons, Weldon, Lloyd and Ivan Strause, all of Fruitland, and Ernie Strause, Monticello, Wis.; one daughter Mrs. Kenneth (Sylvia) Herlein, Belleville, Ill.; one sister, Bessie Yates, Max Creek, Mo.; 24 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by  her parents, one son and her first husband.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday November 20, 1973 page 10
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Services for Hiram (Bert) Baker, 75, Fruitland, are planned for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel. Mr. Baker died Tuesday afternoon at the Muscatine General Hospital.
Officiating will be Rev. LaVerne Hubbard. Visitation is after 1 p.m. today and burial will be in Island Cemetery.

Born Oct. 28, 1900, in Ottumwa, he was a son of John and Rosie McCoy Baker. He married Edna Costello Herlein Dec. 6, 1974, at Muscatine.  He was a member of the Fruitland Baptist Church and a retired farmer.

Survivors include his wife, stepsons, Dale, Kenneth E., Bruce, Kenneth H., Frank, Leonard and Gary Herlein, Muscatine, Weldon, Ivan and Lloyd Strause, Fruitland and Ernest Strause, Monticello, Wisc.; a stepdaughter, Sylvia Herlein, Verona, Wisc.; and a brother, John, Ottumwa.  Preceded him in death were three sisters and a stepson.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday April 14, 1976 page 6
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
Webmaster Note: m1 Hazel  Viola Goodwin Strause (she was previously married to John C Strause) m2 Edna Costello Herlein (she was previously married to Harold Herlein- hopefully this will help you sort out his assorted stepchildren.

The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals and it will remain there until 10 a.m. Tuesday, when it will be taken to the church.  Dr. Claude W. Cooper, pastor of the church, will have charge of the services and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Miss Baker was born Aug. 4, 1879, in Lake township, the daughter of George and Alice Rice Baker.  She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, the Ethics club and the Muscatine Garden club and has served as secretary of the First Methodist church for 22 years.

Survivors include one brother, Roy, and three nieces, Mrs. Lawrence Boshart, Miss Ruth Ann Baker and Miss Alice Marie Baker.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Warren G. Baker.

Taken from Muscatine Iowa Journal, Oct. 27, 1952;
Research Source June Welsch
Note I think her name was Myrtle

Mr. Baker was the son of George and Alice Rice Baker and was born Aug. 1, 1881, in Lake township. He married Hattie Mae Herrick Jan. 17, 1906, in Lake township. A retired farmer, he was a member of the High Prairie Methodist Church.

For many years, Mr. Baker served as treasurer of the Muscatine County Beef Producers' Assn. and had been active in the affairs of the organization.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Jan. 31, 1935.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Boshart, Route 5; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of the Fairbanks Home for Funerals with the Rev. Lester Moore, pastor of Park Avenue Methodist church, officiating.   Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Muscatine, IA, Journal, Aug. 1956
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note he died Aug. 26, 1956 

William E. Baker, one of southeastern Iowa's pioneers and a native of Muscatine, is dead in Ridgefield, Wash., according to word received here today. He was 74 years old.

He was born in Muscatine Sept. 15, 1847. He married Miss Martha Ellen George at North Liberty May 29, 1869, and removed to Henry county, Ia. The Bakers resided there until 1892, and from then to 1912, in Webster county, Nebraska. They lived at Ridgefield, Wash., for the last ten years.

He was a former Grand Army commander and postmaster in Nebraska, at Lawrance and Neflunda, respectively. He was also a Mason, Pythian and Odd Fellow.

He is survived by his widow, two daughters and three sons. They are Mrs. M.M. Barrett of Grand View Ark, and Mrs Eva Kuhlman of Portland; George W. Baker of Ridgfield, C.A. and A.E. Baker of Edgemont, S.D. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Edwards of Nevada Mo., and Mrs. Hannah Williams of Dunlap, Ia; and one half-brother, Reed Hankens of Oklahoma, also survive.

Source: Muscatine Journal  February 23, 1922
Contributed  by Susie Martin-Rott
(please note I am not related to this person and have no other information. The obit was on the same page with that of my great great grandfather and I thought someone might need it)

J.W. Ballard, an old citizen of Drury township, Rock Island county, Ill., residing about eight miles from this city, was murdered last evening by an Irishman named John Ferrell, who crept stealthily behind him and broke his skull with a stick of cord-wood.

It appears that Ballard, who was the owner of an extensive coal bed, had leased a shaft to Farrell and a dispute originated about the rent.  Ballard levied on coal got out by Farrell for his pay, which highly incesnsed him and he threatened to take Ballard's life.  Accordingly, yesterday evening Farrell came up behind Ballard, who was standing near the coal mine, and dealt him a deadly blow over the head with a billet of wood.  Farrell fled before any attempt was made to arrest him, and though diligent search has since been made he has not yet been found.

The wounded man survived only about seven hours.  He was upwards of 50 years of age and leaves a wife and four or five children.  His residence was near the river and was familiarly known as "Ballard's Landing".

Burlington Hawk Eye 23 Jul 1858
noted [Muscatine Journal]- clearly a reprinting of a Journal article.

Austin James Ballenger, 5, son of "Butch" and Cheryl Plyer Ballenger of 2579 Stewart Road, died Wednesday, July 13, 1994, at his home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at George M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Pallbearers will be Harry Schultz, Clarence Brown, Kevin Ballenger and Kyle Ballenger. Burial will be at Island Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials.

Austin was born July 7, 1989, in Muscatine.  He had attended Cotter Elementary Preschool and was to begin kindergarten at Hayes Elementary School.

Survivors include his parents, "Butch" and Cheryl; two brothers, Kyle Ballenger of Algona and Kevin Ballenger of of Buchanan, Tenn.; three sisters, Marisa Roate Ballenger and Brittany Ballenger, both of Muscatine, and Kimberly Ballenger Crossfield of Algona; and his special friends, his godfather Harry Schultz, his grandpa Charence Brown and Sharon Thompkins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and an uncle, Robert Plyer.

Muscatine Journal Friday July 15, 1994 page 5A
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh 

Services for Chester L. Ballenger Sr. 64, of 107 1/2 Iowa Ave., will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Greenwood (sic)  Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday.
Mr. Ballenger died at 3:15 p.m. Monday at Muscatine General Hospital after suffering a sudden heart attack.

A son of Joseph and Elizabeth Frances Kidwell Ballenger, he was born March 29, 1912, at LaGrange, Mo. He was a resident here 60 years.  His marriage to Gladys Brown took place in October 19**  in Missouri.

He was affiliated with the Moose and Eagles lodges and Iowa Commercial Fisherman's Association. Mr. Ballenger was a retired city employee.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Chester L. Ballenger  and Darwin "Butch" Ballenger, both of Muscatine; two daughters, Mrs. Burton (Frieda) Parsons of Toccoa, Ga., and Mrs. Ronald (Betty) Hills of Letts; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, William, Muscatine, and Otis, Milan.   His parents, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday May 4, 1976 page 10
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
Note: ** could not read the marriage date very well but looks like it could be 1933. Also note Greenwood cemetery is Incorrect. He is buried in Island Cemetery.

Mrs. Gladys Bertha Ballenger, 60, 1102 Grandview Ave., died at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday at Muscatine General Hospital following an extended illness.

Services will be held June 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Gamble will officiate. Burial will be in the Island Cemetery. Visitation will be held beginning at noon Thursday.

Gladys Brown was born July 28, 1916, in Louisa County, the daughter of George and Pansy Almindinger Brown. She was a life resident of the Muscatine area.

Surviving are two sons, Chester I. Ballinger Jr. of Langley, Okla., and Darwin "Butch" Ballinger of Muscatine; two daughters, Mrs. Burton (Freda) Parsons of McHenry, Ill., and Mrs. Ronald (Betty) Hills of Letts; 20 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; her father, George Brown of Muscatine; four brothers, Fred Brown of Drury Township, Ill., Clarence Brown of Muscatine, George Brown Jr. of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and Gerald Brown of Muscatine; and two sisters, Mrs. Grover (Mildred) Kinsley and Mrs. Clifford (Pearl) McGill of Muscatine.    She was preceded in death by her mother, husband and a brother.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday June 8, 1977
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Wilbur H. Balmos, 95, formerly of 1419 First Ave, Muscatine, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000 at Lutheran Homes.
Services will be 10:30 am Saturday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Rev. John P. Gallagher will officiate. Pallbearers will be Bill Herath, Pete Beeding, Jonathan Herath, Eric Whisler, Don Strange, John Oberhaus and Ray Strange. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery with a military service performed by the V.F.W.   Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota.

Mr. Balmos was born March 17, 1905 in Atalissa, the son of Jacob and Anna Marie Timm Balmos. He married Ada G. Palmer on April 26, 1945, in Neumea, New Caladonia in the South Pacific

He was a veteran of World War II, having served as an Adjunct to General Douglas MacArthur. He achieved the rank of Colonel and served as an advisor to the National Security Council. He retired from the US Army in 1965.

He graduated from Iowa State University in 1929 and participated in the R.O.T.C. program. He also served in the Civil Conservation Corp and was a member of the V.F.W.

He taught school in Guttenberg, Iowa and West Des Moines Valley. He was one of Iowa's first scientific farmers and also did farm construction. He owned and operated Balmos Pallets.

He served on the Community Workshop Board. He was active in the Port City and TriCity Coin Club and also served as Past District Governor of INA.

Survivors include three daughters, Anne Sanney of Wilton; Patty Herath and her husband Bill, of East Moline, Ill.; and Judy Beeding and her husband, Pete, of Oakville; two grandchildren, Anna Hearth of East Moline and Jonathan Herath and his wife Holly, of Champaign, IL.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ada in January 1999, a son-in-law, Fred Sanney; three sisters and one brothers.

Wapello Republican, September 28, 2000
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Note: Obit also contained a picture of him in his Army uniform.  I am not related to this person and know nothing more about him

ATALISSA, Iowa -- Services for Beverly J. Barclay, of Atalissa, will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Overman Cemetery, Atalissa.  Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Monday at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton.

Mrs. Barclay died Friday, Nov. 13, 1998, at her home. She had worked for 17 years at Louis Rich, West Liberty.
Beverly Tharp was born June 29, 1942, in Muscatine. She married Raymond Maurer in 1960 in Wilton. She married Wayne Barclay in 1986 in Atalissa.

Memorials may be made to the Iowa City Hospice.

Survivors include her husband; daughters, Barbara Maurer, Wilton, and Tamara Hofmeiser, Ackley; a son, Douglas Maurer, West Liberty; stepsons, Brian Barclay, Davenport, Cory Barclay, Durant, and Randy Barclay, Thornton, Colo.; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis Tharp, Wilton, and Garey Tharp, Muscatine; and a stepbrother, Jerry Morrison, West Liberty.

Source unknown; probably Quad Cities area newspaper

Graveside services for Verl Barkalow, 77, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Island cemetery under the direction  of the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home. Rev Walter Ross will officiate.
There will be no visitation.
Mrs. Barkalow died at 3:25 a.m. Monday at Muscatine General Hospital after an extended illness.
A son of William L. and Milly LaRue Barkalow, he was born March 18, 1895.
He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Del H. Me---*, Davenport.
Mr. Barkalow had resided at the Oakwood Nursing Home.

Muscatine Journal June 20, 1972
Contributed by: Carolyn Hidlebaugh
*could not read the spelling Me---

WEST LIBERTY--Frank O. Barkhurst, 80, a lifelong resident of this community died Thursday at a Tipton nursing home.

He was born February 22, 1880 in Cedar county.  Mr. Barkhurst was married March 18, 1908 to the former Eva Larue in Atalissa.
He was a member of the Methodist church at Rochester.

Survivors include three sons, Harold, Lester and Herbert, all of West Liberty, two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Pederson, of West Liberty, and Mrs. Lorena Beaver, of Atalissa, 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Barkhurst died March 7, 1960.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Snider funeral home.  Burial will be in the Bethel cemetery near Rochester.

Iowa City Press Citizen 03 Jun 1960

Wilton----Charlotte A. Barnhart, 77 died Monday at 8:20 PM at her home at 4l6 East Third Street, Wilton, of lengthy illness.

She was born Sept. 3, 1886 in Fayette Co. the daughter of Hirum and Katherine (Siglin) Seamons. She had been a resident of Wilton for 50 yrs. and a former resident of Clinton. She married Urban Barnhart May 24,  1909, in Clinton.
Mrs. Barnhart was a member of the United Church of Christ.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Mrs. John (Viona) DeBord, San Diego, CA. Mrs. Jack (Lola) Willis, Tacoma, WA. and Mrs. Raymond (Ileta) Sambdman of Davenport; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband,
3 sons 2 daughters, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 28 at the Griffith Funeral Home in Wilton with Rev. Homer Perry officiating. Interment will be at the Oakdale Cemetery. Friends may call at the Griffith Funeral Home.

Muscatine Journal 26 Jul 1966 (died 25 Jul 1966)

Daniel M. Barrick, 75, Muscatine, died Wednesday, July 5, 2000 at Unity Hospital in Muscatine.
A Memorial Service was held at 1:30 pm Friday, July 7, at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home in Muscatine, followed by a luncheon in the Community Room of the funeral home.
A Daniel Barrick Memorial Fund has been established.

Mr. Barrick was born March 1, 1925, at Morning Sun, the son of Raymond and Isa Curran Barrick.   On May 12, 1961, he married Hazel Snyder.

He worked at V.H. Willis Company as a foreman for more than 35 years.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Barrick of Muscatine; two sons, Michael Barrick and wife Anna of Aurora, Colo., and Thomas Snyder of Iowa City; three daughters, Beverly Turner and husband Glen of Petaluma, Calif., Cheryl Paterson and husband Bill of Muscatine, and Diane Meyer and husband Thomas of Muscatine; nine grandchildren, Kerryann, Sierra, Lindsey, Whitney, Heather, Max, Emily,  Joseph and Matthew; one brother Fred Barrick and wife Mary Jo of Aurora, Colo.; and one sister, Barbara Holmquist of Wapello.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wapello Republican.    July 13, 2000
Transcribed by Nancy Wagner
I am not related to Mr.  Barrick and have no further information.

Muscatine, Ia. Jan. 13-- Nicholas Barry, 92, who helped develop an automatic button making machine nowin world wide use, died last night.

Barry, who came to Muscatine in 1866, perfected the machine in the 1890's with his father and two brothers. The machine, which faces and drills buttons in one operation, was credited with giving manufacturers the first tool for mass production in the industry.

Dixon (IL) Evening Telegraph July 13, 1948

Wilton --- Funeral services for Gustav Carl Bartles, 93, Wilton's oldest resident, whose death occurred Wednesday at his home here, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Griffith Funeral home, where the body is remaining. The Rev J. M. Newgard, pastor of the Grace Evangelical and Reformed church, will be in charge with burial in Oakdale cemetery.

 The son of Gottlieb and Charlotte Becker Bartels, he was born in Germany On May 5, 1855 and came to this country at the age of 14 years. He resided in Blue Grass before coming to Muscatine county and had resided in Wilton for 60 years. He was a retired farmer and cabinet maker and was of the Lutheran faith.

Mr. Bartels married Anna M. Nolte on March 22, 1888 at Wilton and her death occurred in September, 1937. His parents, one brother and two sisters also preceded him in death.

Nieces and nephews surviving are Emma Dietze and Eda Duffe of Wilton; Anna Calvert of Ottumwa; Minnie Goodman of Keswick; Emma Robbins of Davenport; Gustav and Otto Dietze of Deep River, Ia., Louis Dietze and Roy Bartels of Davenport.

Muscatine Journal June 10, 1948 page 9
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Richard "Dick" K. Bartenhagen, 55, of 2738 Stewart Road, died Thursday morning, April 21, 1994, at Muscatine General Hospital.
Services will be at 3:30 p.m.  Sunday at the Geo. M. Wittick-Lewis Funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jeff Terhune, Steve Spies, Brad Montgomery, George Schmidt, Mitch Bartenhagen and Don Wilson. Burial will be at the Island Cemetery in Fruitland   Township, Muscatine County.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home where a memorial has been established.

Mr. Bartenhagen was born Feb. 5, 1939, in Muscatine a son of Richard W. and Alma H. Harder Bartenhagen. He was a life resident of the area.
On July 10, 1964, he married Patricia Ann Terhune in Muscatine.
He had farmed on the Muscatine Island and surrounding area for most of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Pat; one son, Richard K. "Rick" Bartenhagen Jr. and his wife, Denice, of Muscatine; one daughter, Mrs. Brent (Rebecca) Giberson of Muscatine; one brother, Bill Bartenhagen of Muscatine; and two sisters, Mrs. Alwayne (Betty) Spies of Eldridge, and Mrs. George (Janice) Taylor of Muscatine.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Muscatine Journal Friday April 22, 1994 page 5A
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Jimmy "Lamb" Bartley, 70, of Rock Island, formerly of Macomb, died at 12:15 a.m. Monday, July 15, 1996, at a friend's home in Stockton, Iowa.
He was born May 25, 1926, in Macomb to James G. and Elva M. Edwards Bartley.
Surviving are two sons, Mike and Jeff, both of Bushnell; one daughter, Sandra Bartley of Torrance, Calif.; one brother, Melvin "Jack" of Macomb; two sisters, Mrs. Tom (Mary Lou) Friday of Colchester and Mrs. Gary (Ruth) Statler of Macomb; three grandchildren; and friend, Beverly Simmons of Stockton, who took care of him. One grandchild preceded him in death.
He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the Americal Division in the Pacific Theater and in Japan. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was a welder in the Quad Cities and a stock car driver for many years.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Cemetery in St. Mary's. The Rev. Tom Van Meter will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by Macomb VFW Post 1921.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sargent-Worthington Funeral Home in Macomb.
Memorials may be made to McDonough County Humane Society.

Source: Peoria Journal Star p. D7 : July 16, 1996

Sarah F. Barton  died at the home of her father in Cedar County, Iowa on October 3; wife of Abram Barton and daughter of Horatio & Abigail Barrett, formerly of Monson, Maine.  (Rock Island Republican, 19 Oct 1853)

Source:  Hawkeye Heritage, issue not recorded (article entitled "Iowa Related Deaths Reported in Rock Island  IL Newspapers, 1851-1857) , abstracted by Janet K. Pease of Arvada Colorado

Columbus Junction--Services for Harriette Jane Bass, 61, of Memphis, Mo., formerly of Conesville, who died at her home on June 9, were at 10 a.m. today at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral home in Columbus Junction.  Visitation was Wednesday afternoon and evening.  Burial was at the Conesville Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Frank; and her 10 children, Mrs. Clarence (Barbara) Skipton of Gorin, Mo; Mrs. Charles (Leah) Colbert of Chickamauga, Ga; Bill Bass, Toni Brown, Mrs. Dan (Tracey) Swanson, Boot Bass, Mrs. Robert (Veronica) Mittan, Clint Bass and Pete Bass, all of Gorin, and Fred Bass of Wilton.

Source: Muscatine Journal Date 11 Jun 1992
contributed by the webmaster

DAVENPORT -- Services for Sylvia Batchelor, Davenport, will be 11:30 a.m. Friday at Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Visitation is 9:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Davenport.  Mrs. Batchelor died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at Trinity Medical Center-North Campus, Davenport.

She was employed as a waitress and bartender at various downtown Davenport establishments.  She retired from Musco Lighting Group, Muscatine, Iowa.

Sylvia Renner was born March 15, 1919, in North Dakota. She married Marion Batchelor in 1938. He died in 1981. Memorials may be  made to the family.

Survivors include a granddaughter, Jackie Bernauer, Davenport; a  great-grandson, Casey Bernauer; and a sister and two brothers.

Quad City Times 14 Dec 2000
Contributed  by Susie Martin-Rott

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Runge Mortuary Chapel in Davenport. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made to the family.

Mrs. Batchelor was born March 5, 1919, in North Dakota. She was united in marriage to Mahon (Marion) Batchelor in 1938. He died in 1981.

She worked as a waitress and bartender at various downtown Davenport establishments.  She retired from Musco Lighting Group.

Survivors include one granddaughter, Jackie Bernauer of Davenport; one great-grandson, Casey Bernauer of Davenport; two brothers, Johnny Renner, Grandview; Harold Renner of California; one sister, Dolly Hites of Albuquerque, N.M.
She was preceded in death by her children, Edna Mae Kemp, Ben Batchelor and Elsie Heaton.

From the Muscatine Journal 14 Dec 2000:
Contributed  by Susie Martin-Rott
Daughter of Henry "Hank" & Edna Jane Titus Renner; m1 Forrest L. Sedig (Edna May was a daughter from this marriage) m2 George Collison (no issue) m3 Marion Batchelor (two children, Ben & Elsie from this marriage)

Services for Mrs. Pearl Skolnik Bateman, 46, of Dearborn, Mich. formerly of Muscatine whose death occurred at 4:45 p.m. Saturday at the home of her father Max Skolnik, 608 East Fifth street, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the residence.  Burial was in the B’Nai Moses cemetery.  The Geo. M. Wittich Funeral home directed arrangements.

Mrs. Bateman had been visiting at the home of her father for the past six months.  Her death followed an extended illness with complications.

 The daughter of Max and Celia Glaststein, she was born here on Aug. 24, 1900 and was married and was married to Clyde Bateman on April 15, 1923 at Detroit Mich.

Survivors are her husband of Dearborn, Mich., her father, one brother, Sam Skolnik and three sisters, the Misses Anna, Rose and Edith Skolnik, all of Muscatine.  Her mother preceded her in death.

Muscatine Journal Monday, December 2, 1946
Submitted by Eleanor B. McCleary

Muscatine Iowa - James L. Bates, 57, of Muscatine, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at his home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the George Wittich Funeral Home in Muscatine.  Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Bates was born Feb. 3, 1946, in Hannibal to Fred Sr. and Joyce Marsh Bates.  He was married to Rita Fankhouser on Dec. 3, 1965, in Letts, Iowa. She survives.

Other survivors include one son, James Bates of Bettendorf, Iowa; one daughter, Tammy Bates Snyder of Bettendorf; five grandchildren; one sister, Judy (Dolly) Smith of Hannibal; and two brothers, James (Fuzz) Bates of Philadelphia, Mo., and Tommy Lee Bates of Muscatine  He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Larry Ray Bates.

Mr. Bates owned Bates Sanitation Service and was a school bus driver for Muscatine School District.

Memorials may be made to the National Cancer Society or Muscatine Hospices in Muscatine.

Hannibal Courier Post  Hannibal MO Friday 09 May 2003

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home for Lillie A. Bates, 100, 1200 Iowa Ave. Mrs. Bates died at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday at the Hershey Convalescent Home.

Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will begin at noon Thursday.

Lillie Bates was born March 3, 1875, in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Henry and Katherine Hess Stellrecht. Her marriage to George Bates took place Dec. 27, 1899, in Davenport. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Loring of Largo, Fla., and Kenneth and Raymond, both of Muscatine; two daughters, Mrs. Ernest (Bernice) Schwietzer of Muscatine and Mrs. Norman (Dorothy) Bowlus of Phoenix, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.    She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 29, 1915, two sisters and three brothers.

Muscatine Journal  February 4, 1976 page 5
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Jackson Batterson, for over fifty years a resident of Washington and vicinity, died yesterday evening at 5:30 at the home of his daughter, Mrs C. W. Knotts, in Muscatine. The remains will be brought to Washington this evening on the Firefly and the funeral service will be held tomorrow after noon at two O'clock at the N. L Hancock home, 802 South Avenue D.  in charge of* the Rev. W. O.Fisher, assisted by the Rev. U. S. Smith.

About fifty-five years ago Mr. Batterson came to this county from his home in Ohio, and lived in this community until two years ago, when he went to Muscatine and had since lived with a daughter in that place. He lived on a farm for a number of years after coming to the county, but for thirty-five years lived in Iowa. His wife died in Washington twenty-five years ago and since that time Mr. Batterson made his home with his children here and in other Iowa towns, He was eighty-six years of age at the time of his death, which was mainly caused by the infirmities of old age. For two months he had been
confined to his bed.

The following children surviving Mr. Batteson, James Batterson, Alonzo Batterson, Mrs. Susan Todd and Mrs N. L. Hancock of Washington, Mrs C. W. Knotts of Muscatine, Mrs Lou Kuhn, of Fort Madison, Mrs, Anna Wilson, of Fruitland, One brother, David Batterson, lives in Missouri, and a sister, Mrs Abbie Devine, resides in California, Mr. Batterson was well known in Washington, and had many friends here who deplore his death even as such a ripe old age and will extend their sympathy to the children.

Source:  Washington Evening Journal, Washington, Iowa
Date:  Nov. 16, 1912
Contributed by Madeline Gungl
Notes: Jackson and Rosetta are both buried on the Hancock lot in Elm Grove cemetery. Washington, Iowa
The children of Jackson and Rosetta are:(the town after the names is the town where they lived.)
William Henry Batterson m.Mary E.Weeks Livermore, IA
Alonzo J Batterson m Sophianetta Scribner, Washington, IA
Orlando Batterson
Priscilla Batterson m Charles Knotts, Muscatine, IA
Lucinda Batterson m Henry Kuhn, Muscatine, IA
Susan Batterson m Oliver P.M. Todd Washington, IA
James S Batterson m Rhoda Eggleston Shockley, Washington IA
Anna Batterson m Bunn Wilson, Muscatine, IA
Rose Batterson m N. Lawrance Hannccock, Washington, IA.

Marian I. Bayers, 76 of Muscatine, died Wednesday, January 6, 1999 at Genesis East Medical Center in Davenport.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home in Muscatine. The Rev. Shirley Rozendahl will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Jim Phillips, John Phillips Jr., Mike Wilson, Greg Saylor, Kevin Moore and Eric Sywassink.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory.

She was born on September 9, 1922, in Fairmont, Minnesota, the daughter of James and Mary Akers Hart. She married Bruce M. Swain on June 3, 1938, in Muscatine.

She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed crossword puzzles as well as crocheting and needlework. Most of all, she loved and adored her grandchilden and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her four daughters, Linda Ford of Moline, Ill., Janice Shafer of Lincoln, Neb., Karen Scott and her husband, Donald, of Muscatine and Ellen Swain of West Liberty: one son, David Swain; nine grandchildren, Janey, (should be Janie) Gene, Doug, Jimmy, Danny, Kim, Chris, Jennifer, and Heather; 18 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Leone Freeman and her husband, Ralph, of Mission, Texas, Joan Moore and her husband, Lyle, of Davenport, Mildred Moore of Muscatine, and Ruth Ann Phillips and her husband, John, of Moscow; and one brother, William Hart, and his wife, Kay, of Davenport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruce, on September 11, 1960; one brother, James W. Hart Jr., in 1942 and one brother-in-law, Earl Moore.

Contributed by Janice Swain Shafer

BETTENDORF--- William H. Bayles, 81, of Riverdale died Tuesday at the Americana Home, Davenport. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m., at the McGinnis Chapel, Bettendorf. Burial will follow im Memorial Park Cemetery, Muscatine.

Born Feb. 9, 1890 in Muscatine, he was the son of Moses and Nancy Bayles. In 1946 he married Ruth E. Perkins in Muscatine.
A member of the Odd Fellow's Lodge, Davenport and the Knights of Pythias, Muscatine, he was a retired electrician. He was a 41 year member of the Knight of Pythias, Muscatine, and the Odd Fellows Lodge of Davenport.

Surviving are his wife; one step-son Morton Perkins, Muscatine; one step-daughter, Mrs. Adeline Norman, Coldwater, Mich., and six grandchildren.

Visitation began at McGinnis Funeral Home at 3 p.m. today.

Muscatine, IA, Journal, July 21, 1971
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
For some reason he changed his last last name to Bayles when it should be Bailes.

 Fred Beach, 82, of 800 West Third street, who had been identified prominently with Muscatine business circles for more than 60 years, died at 3 p. m. Sunday at Bellevue hospital. Death followed an extended illness.

Mr. Beach was born at Muscatine Aug. 2, 1868, being a son of Benjamin A. and Mary Meason Beach, and had spent his entire life in the community. He married Emma Rankin Oct. 11, 1893. Mrs. Beach died March 30, 1946. Mr. Beach entered the lumber business Oct. 6, 1888, with the Hershey Lumber co. as a bookkeeper, after prior service as a mailing clerk at the Muscatine postoffice. He later became office manager for the Hershey Lumber co., remaining with the firm until the mill closed in 1901. In 1902 he became one of the owners of the Mira Hershey Lumber co., Inc., which later was reorganized as the Beach and Stortz Lumber co.

In 1928 he became sole owner and the firm became known as the Beach Lumber and Supply co.,with Mr. Beach as president. He remained active in business until 1946.  He had also served as president of the Central State bank.

Mr. Beach became a member of the Presbyterian church April 7, 1892. He was elected an elder in 1908 and had continued to serve in that capacity since. He also served as clerk of the session for several terms and for a period as Sunday school superintendent.

Mr. Beach was an honorary member of the Muscatine Rotary club, of which he was also a past president. He had also served on the Muscatine board of Education and had been a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by one daughter, Miss Glyde Beach of Muscatine. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents and one son.

Funeral services were conducted by Dr. Joseph Kennedy of the First Presbyterian church at the Fairbanks Chapel at 2:30 p. m. today. Miss Hilda Michels was organist and pallbearers included L. B. Hoopes, B. L. Gallaher, George Webster, Albert Evans, Kenneth Schreurs and Gus Ohlsen. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.

 Source: Muscatine Journal
Date: December 24, 1950
Contributor:Arthur J. Rankin III
Note: Fred Beach was married to Emma Rankin, an older half-sister of my paternal grandfather, Arthur J. Rankin. Their father, Burris Black Rankin migrated with his family to Muscatine from Scioto County, Ohio in 1851. My grandfather was born in Muscatine on April 13, 1878 and raised in the immediate area. He later spent most of his adult life in Nevada and California, dying in San Francisco in 1972.

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Services for Sharon L. Bean, Muscatine will be 1 p.m. Monday at Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home, Muscatine. Burial will be in Island Cemetery, Fruitland. Visitation is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bean died Thursday, June 22, 2000, at Unity Hospital, Muscatine.

She retired in 1998 as a bartender at the Hilltop Tap.
Sharon Blake was born June 17, 1939, in Muscatine. She married Danny Bean Sr. in 1954.

A memorial fund has been established.

Survivors include a daughter, Belinda Howland, Muscatine; sons, Danny Jr., Robert, Bruce and Norman, all of Muscatine; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Truitt, Muscatine, and Kathy Meyer, Burlington; and a brother, Harold Blake, Muscatine.

Quad Cities Times 24 Jun 2000

Mrs. Stella E. Bear, 86, RT. 1, New Boston, Ill. died at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Hershey convalescent home after a lengthy illness.  A longtime resident of the New Boston area, Mrs. Bear was born March 7, 1880 in Muskingum county, Ohio, the daughter of Sarah T. and Frank M. Bateman.  She was married Oct 29, 1903 at Aledo, IL to Madrew Bear. She was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Boston, Mass.

Mrs. Bear is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Banner of Rock Island; a number of nieces and nephew; one step grandchild, one step great granchild, and two step great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters.

The body is at the Ralph J. Wittich funeral home where services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. Interment will be at the Eliza Creek cemetery, Eliza, IL.

Muscatine Journal  Thursday, Feb 23, 1967
Contributed by : Marcia Fiedler

Word was brought to the city this afternoon, of the death at his home in Seventy Six township, last night, of William Beard, one of the oldest pioneer settlers in the county.  Mr. Beard came to the county in 1836, and had lived on his place in Seventy Six some forty Years.  He would have reached his 88th birthday anniversary next summer.

Father Beard was highly respected and trusted by his fellow citizens, and at one served the public as County Commissioner with marked ability.  He leaves a wife and five children.

The funeral will take place to-morrow from the residence at 11 a.m.

Muscatine IA, Journal Thursday Jan. 15, 1885 page 2;
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch (she is not related to this individual and has no further information)

William Beard was born March 30, 1866 and died January 23 1894, aged 27 years, 9 months and 23 days.  The disease causing his death was pneumonia, which proved fatal after a ten days illness.  He was the son of William and Sarah Beard, who were among the early settlers of Seventy-Six township.  His father died about nine years ago., and the son had since been a great comfort to his aged mother, who is now bereft by death of the staff and support for her declining years.  There are three sisters and a brother who survive to mourn his untimely death.

William was converted about four years ago and joined the U. B. church in whose communion he lived till death.

The funeral was held in the Brick U. B. church in Seventy-Six township, and the remains were interred in the Jeans cemetery.  The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community in their affliction

Muscatine Iowa Journal Monday Jan. 29, 1894 page 4
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Not related no further info: Note that Jeans Cemetery is now known as Oak Grove

Don Beatty, 75, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Saturday, April 2 1994.  Graveside services will be in Salt Lake City later this week.
Survivors include a daughter, Norma J. (Mrs. Danny) Titus of Muscatine.

Source:  Muscatine Journal 04 Apr 1994
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
note: Mr. Beatty's daughter Norma is my aunt (by marriage)

Final services for  A. Becker, 86, of 713 East Fifth street, a resident of Muscatine for 40 years, were conducted Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the home of his son, J.B. Becker, 1365 Smalley avenue, with burial in the Jewish cemetery here.  Mr. Becker died Friday afternoon in Bellevue hospital, following a lingering illness.

He was born in Russia in 1854, and came to America in 1900.  His wife, whom he married in Russia about 63 years ago, preceded him in death.
Survivors include five children, J.B. Becker of Muscatine, Mrs. J. Bleadon and Mrs. Julia Shames of Chicago, Mrs. Harry Strohm of Detroit, Mich., and O.L. Becker of Cedar Rapids, Ia., besides a number of grandchildren.

Muscatine Journal & News Tribune  Monday, Nov. 11, 1940
Submitted by Eleanor B. McCleary

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Arley P. Becker, 75, of 140 Main St., Fruitland, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at Unity Hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Rev. Roger Hubbard of the Letts Bible Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be John Carsten, Greg Lindle, Tom Sneddon, Jimmy Painter, Larry Gage, Steve DeRiemacker, and David Cooper. Burial will be at Island Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Arley Becker Memorial Fund.

Mr. Becker was born on Aug. 12, 1925, in Muscatine, the son of Herman and Margaret Shurck Becker. He married Nellie M. Foor on May 10, 1949, in Iowa City.

He was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Navy.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, playing cards and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a construction worker and after his retirement, he spent most of his time remodeling his daughter's homes.

Survivors include his wife, Nellie Becker, of Fruitland; four daughters, Mary Ann Gatzke and her husband, Donald, of Atalissa, Arla Becker Stapp and her husband, Gary, of Grandview, Connie Hawley and her husband, Curt, of Loveland, Colo., and Jody Becker of Muscatine; one step-son, Richard Hathaway and his wife, Penny, of Clayton, N. C.; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Gertrude Carsten of Davenport and Virginia "Pete" Lindle of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marian Painter and Mildred DeRiemacker.

Muscatine Journal February 01, 2001

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Timothy Allen Begey, 44, of Muscatine, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, in Davenport.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Thursday the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Begey was born March 1, 1956, in Muscatine, the son of John and Alleyne Meyer Begey.  He graduated from Muscatine High School in 1974 and attended Scott Community College. He married Debra Martin on Jan. 8, 1977.

He was a carpenter in Local No. 4 in Davenport.  He was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish.
He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association.  He was also a veteran of the Army.

Survivors include his wife Debra; one daughter, Sarah Begey; one son, Robert Begey; his parents, John and Alleyne Begey, all of Muscatine; three  brothers, Mike Begey of Muscatine, Mark Begey and his wife, Kathy, of Wapello, and Eric Begey and his wife, Kathy, of Muscatine; and several  nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal  grandfather.

Muscatine Journal 14 Nov 2000
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
Note: This was my cousin's husband.

MUSCATINE -- David Francis Behrens, 58, of Muscatine, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 1997, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, at the Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery, directed by the Jeffrey S. Nichols-Chapel Hill Funeral Home.  There is no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the David Behrens Memorial Fund.

Mr. Behrens was born May 1, 1939, in Muscatine, a son of Henry and Helen Wickey Behrens.

He was a heavy equipment operator for Brauns Construction

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Smith of Muscatine, and Balinda McMullin of Tennessee; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; three sisters Henrietta Costas, Kathy Brown and Judy Gillespie, all of Muscatine; and a special friend, Sandy Brace, of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one son, David J. Behrens in 1979.

From, Muscatine IA, Journal, Oct. 1997
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

BELL, Cornelius M

Cornelius M. Bell, who was formerly connected with the Hildebrand Vault Co., died at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at his home, 2313 ½ Eastern avenue, following a short illness.

Mr. Bell was born March 23, 1863 in Shelby county, Mo., and received his education in the schools there. His first wife, Tennie Phillips, to whom he was married in 1884, died in 1890. There were five children by his first marriage. He was married in July 1919, to Edith Raff in Muscatine, and to this marriage one daughter was born.

He had resided in Muscatine for some time before coming to Davenport 12 years ago. He was a member of Calvary Baptist church.

Surviving are his widow; two daughters, Mrs. William Peterson of Muscatine and Mrs. James Hanson of Davenport; three sons, Elmer Bell of Rock Island, Earl Bell of Long Beach, Calif.; four sisters, four brothers and six grandchildren.

The body was removed to Hill & Fredericks mortuary and services will be held in the chapel Friday. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.

Davenport Democrat, Davenport, Iowa, ca. January 2, 1946
Submitted by: Elaine Rathmann

 Davenport Democrat, Davenport, Iowa, ca. January 4, 1946
Submitted by: Elaine Rathmann

Israel BENEDICT, son of John and Amy BENEDICT, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, October 14th, 1827, and departed this life Sabbath morning, Feb. 14th, 1909. On the 23d of September, 1849 he was married to Sarah COMFORT, of Knox County, Ohio, who proceeded him to the better land on March 6th, 1903.

To this union were born three children, Elwood--who died in early manhood; Ella, now Mrs. C. S. PURVIS, of Truro, Iowa; Nora, now Mrs. Eldo RUPP, of Washington, Iowa.

In early life he was very active and energetic in business, and a loving and indulgent parent.  He was a birth-right member of the Friends church, and during early life was active in promoting the church interests. For several years defective hearing has barred him from active enjoyment of church services. During these last declining years he greatly enjoyed the society of his little great granddaughter and other children, and thus, in a measure became childlike and ready to enter the Kingdom as a little child, though "gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe," at the age of 81 years and four months.

Source unknown -died on Feb. 14th, 1909
Submitted by:Linda Slycord
NOTE: Israel BENEDICT lived in West Liberty, IA from approx. 1860 to 1903.

West Liberty, March 18.--Rev. J. E. NEWSOM officiated at the funeral of Mrs. Israel BENEDICT, from her late residence on North Calhoun Street, at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The music was in charge of the choir of the M.E. church and was feelingly rendered.

Mrs. BENEDICT, whose maiden name was Sarah COMFORT, was born in the state of New York August 10, 1824. At the age of 12 years she moved with her parents to Knox county, Ohio, where she was married to Israel BENEDICT September 23, 1849. They lived in Monoio County, Ohio, for a few years and in 1865 came to Iowa settling on South Prairie, where they lived for thrity years, then removed to West Liberty, which place was her home until her death, which occurred March 16, after having been an invalid for ten years. She was a good woman and a kind neighbor and much attached to her family. She had a birthright membership in the society of Friends, which she retained through life.
She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Phebe Ellen PURVIS, of Madison county, and Lenora ROUP, of Fremont county. She is also survived by four grandchildren. The remains were laid to rest in Oakridge cemetery. The pall bearers were R. C. WAGNER, E. G. H. BYERS, S. PRO??, J. NICHOLS, J. C. HALL, and H. PO???.

Source : unknown died 1903
Submitted by Linda Slycord

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home for Mrs. Mary Bennert, 84, a resident of Muscatine county, who died at 10:40 p. m. Saturday at Hershey hospital after an extended illness.  She had resided on Route 3.

The Rev. James Sloan pastor of the North Methodist circuit, will officiate at the services and burial will be in the Parr cemetery.  The body will remain at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bennert was born Aug. 1, 1866, in Ohio, the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine Welsch Eis.  Her marriage to Robert Bennert took place in Muscatine April 1, 1895.

Survivors include two daughters.  Mrs. Sadie Wunder, rural route 3, and Mrs. Hazel Wulf, Muscatine; two grandchildren.  Preceding her in death were her husband, two brothers and five sisters.

Muscatine Journal  Oct. 23, 1950
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Robert Bennert, 74, Muscatine county resident for the past 60 years, died at his home in Pleasant Prairie at 5 p. m. Monday after a several months illness.

Mr. Bennert was born in Germany Jan. 3, 1867, coming to this country and settling at Pleasant Prairie at the age of 14 years.  He married Mary Eis in Muscatine on April 1, 1896.

Mr. Bennert was a member of The Lutheran faith and had served as trustee in Fulton Township.  He engaged in farming for many years, retiring in 1918, and had recently operated a filling station at Pleasant Prairie.

Surviving are his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Sadie B. Wonder and Mrs. Hazel Wulf, both of Pleasant Prairie; a step brother, Jacob Flocke of Hebron Neb. a step sister, Mrs. Selma Busch of Davenport, Neb. two granddaughters, Mrs. Marjorie Wells and Dorothy Wulf and a great grandson Harold Wells Jr. all of Pleasant Prairie.  His parents a half brother and a half sister preceded him in death.

The body is at the Hoffman Funeral Home and will remain there for rites at the Hoffman church at 1:30 p. m. Thursday.  The Rev. B. F. ickering of the Blue Grass church will be in charge.  Burial will be in the Parr cemetery at Pleasant Prairie.

Muscatine Journal Oct. 28, 1941
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Emma Bennett, 97, 401 Bartlett St., died Friday afternoon at the Muscatine Care Center.  Services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

A life resident of Muscatine, she was born May 9, 1884, to Fritz and Tena Boeham Dickman in Davenport. On May 27, 1901, she married James Gordon Bennett in Davenport. She was a member of the Otterlein United Methodist Church.
Surviving are one son, Roy, St. Paul, Minn.; two daughters, Mrs. Ward (Stella) Chapman, Tacoma, wash., and Vivian Chapman, Letts; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, three sons, one daughter, six brothers and one great-grandchildren.

Contributed by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa - Frances Marie Bennett, 83, Columbus Junction, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at McCreedy Nursing Home, Washington.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home, Columbus Junction. The Rev. Betsey Neipert will officiate. Pallbearers are Denny Bennett, Butch Bennett, Ralph Ramer, Larry Ramer, Bob Murdock and Jerry Murphy. Burial will be at the Conesville Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Conesville United Methodist Church after the burial.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Conesville United Methodist Church or the Washington County Hospice.

Mrs. Bennett was born Sept. 22, 1919, the daughter of Chester and Ruth DeLap Ramer. She married Harrison Eugene Bennett Sept. 3, 1938, in Muscatine.

She worked at S and L Grocery, Bettendorf, for many years.
She was a member of the Conesville United Methodist Church.
She liked to cook, sew, shop and feed the birds.

Survivors include a son, James Bennett of Davenport; a daughter, Norma Jean McCormac and husband Dick of Columbus Junction; five grandchildren, Nancy Jo Reed, Jeffrey Eugene Bennett, Bret James Bennett, Brenda Myers and Brian McCormac; eight great-grandchildren, Adam Reed, Kayla Reed, Ryne Bennett, Hailey Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Michael Myers, Lynnsey Myers and Amanda Myers; four brothers, Don Ramer of Conesville, Bob Ramer and wife Helen of Iowa City, Max Ramer and wife Margaret of Conesville and Jack Ramer of Cedar Falls; and two sisters, Alice Hazen and husband Bob and Jean Yedlik, all of Muscatine.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Pete.

Muscatine Journal November 25, 2002

CONESVILLE, Iowa - Harrison E. Bennett, 81, of Conesville, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Services will be 10:30 am Thursday at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home in Columbus Junction. Burial will be at the Conesville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the the funeral home. A memorial has been established for the Conesville Fire Department and the Conesville United Methodist Church.

Mr. Bennett was born Feb. 4, 1919, in Lovilia, the son of Walter and Carrie Amber Bennett.
He married Frances Ramer on Sept. 3,1938, in Muscatine.

He worked 26 years for the Bettendorf School District as the superintendent of buildings and grounds, retiring in 1980.
He was a member of the Conesville United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and feeding the birds.

Survivors include his wife, Frances, of Conesville; his son, James Bennett and his wife, Joanne, of Davenport; and his daughter, Norma Jean McCormac and her husband, Dick, of Columbus Junction; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Jessie Wehmeyer, of Lone Tree.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Donald, Elbert, Gordon, Glenn, and Robert; and a sister, Ruby

Source: Muscatine Journal  January 09, 2001
Contributed by webmaster

Mr. Arthur E. Beranek, 80, died Monday, December 21, 1998, at Muscatine General Hospital.

Services will be held Thursday, December 24, 10:30 a.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home, Muscatine. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 23, 4-8 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Rev. James Beranek of Pella, Iowa will officiate and burial will be in Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Jeff Beranek, Dean Beranek, John Beranek, Ed Beranek, Mike Beranek, and Bob Jenn.

Mr. Beranek was born June 24, 1918, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Edward and Gertrude Kallaus Beranek. He married Luella G. Droll on June 28, 1941, in Riverside, Iowa. He was a member of the Muscatine Moose Lodge #388 and the Muscatine Power Boat Club. Before his retirement, he was a machinery mechanic.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Dennis Beranek (wife, Jewell) of Milan, Illinois; a daughter, Dorothy Drake of Muscatine; five grandchildren, Teresa Collins, Tonya Drake, Jeff Beranek, Taura Drake, and Tiarr Friedley; two great-grandchildren, Justin Johnson and Brittany Johnson; a brother, Donald M. Beranek; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and a sister.

 West Liberty Index Dec 24 1998

Services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church for Clarence Edward Bermel, 84, Route 1, Box 259.  He died this morning at Muscatine General Hospital.

The Rev. Walter Helms of St. Mary's Catholic Church will conduct the service.  A rosary will be recited at 8 p. m. Wednesday.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-8p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich Lewis Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.  A memorial has been established at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers for Mr. Bermel will be Robert Doran, John Conway, Emmet Byrne, John Hanft and John Bermel.
Beverly Weber will serve as organist and Shirley Lindall, vocalist.

He was born in Muscatine, Aug. 27, 1905, the son of Peter and Florence Bermel and lived his entire life here.
His marriage to Isabelle McElroy took place Feb. 3, 1932 at Muscatine. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Moose Lodge. He had farmed all his life.

Survivors include his wife, Isabelle; one son William, Muscatine; one daughter, Karen Bermel of Iowa City; and one brother, Ralph, Muscatine. There are five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Mr. Bermel was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one daughter.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal, Oct. 9, 1989
Research Source June Welsch

MUSCATINE -- Isabelle B. Bermel, 84, formerly of Route No. 1, Muscatine, died Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, 1996, at the Elkader Care Center, Elkader.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, at the St. Mary Catholic Church.  The Rev. Walter Helms will officiate.  Beverly Weber will be the organist.  Vocalist will be Shirley Lindell.  Pallbearers will be Steve Nussbaum, Robert Doran, Jack Hanft, Jim Bermel, John Bermel.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Following the committal service there will be food and fellowship at the community room at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today, at the funeral home.  As a memorial, the family requests flowers or Mass offerings.

Mrs. Bermel was born Jan. 6, 1912, in Sweetland Township, Muscatine County, a daughter of William and Mabel Carter McElroy.  Her marriage to Clarence Bermel took place Feb. 3, 1932, in Muscatine.

She was a member of the church, and a former member of the Catholic Daughters.

Survivors include a son, William Bermel of Wellman; one daughter, Karen Bermel of Elkport; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one daughter, Mary Ellen Chody.

Muscatine, IA, Journal, Oct. 1996
Contributed by : June Brewer Welsch

Cheryl L. Beverlin, 40, of 803 Cypress St., died Wednesday afternoon, July 21, 1993, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. The Rev. Dan Robbs of the Sycamore Baptist Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be Kevin Rick, Ron Rick, Jason Rick, Ed Rick, Sydney Williams and Michael Eagle. Honorary pallbearers will be James Jasper and Keith Langfitt. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home which is accessible from the Tipton Road entrance off the Highway 61 Bypass. A memorial has been established.

Mrs. Beverlin was born May 11, 1953, in Muscatine, of Daryl Mark and Ida Fannie (Savage) LaRue. She was a life resident of the area.She married Jack Lee Beverlin in October of 1977 in Muscatine.She was a member of the Sycamore Baptist Church of Muscatine.She enjoyed playing bingo.She was a nurse's aid in Muscatine for 17 years.

Survivors include her husband, Jack; two sons, Joseph Troy LaRue and Jack Lee LaRue, both of Muscatine; one daughter, Christina Ann LaRue Krise of Muscatine; one granddaughter, Breiana Lynn Krise of Muscatine, four brothers, James LaRue of Muscatine, Daryl LaRue of St. Roberts, Mo., Randy LaRue of Muscatine, and Russell LaRue of Davenport; and three sisters Joyce Jasper of Letts, and Juanita Rick and Mishelle Thomas, both of Muscatine.She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother.

Muscatine Journal Date of death July 21, 1993
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Elizabeth Mary Beverlin, 59, Route 1. Illinois City, Ill., died Saturday at University Hospitals, Iowa City.
Services will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Visitation will be held began at 2 p.m. today. Burial will be in the Leech Cemetery. A memorial fund has established at the funeral home.

Mrs. Beverlin was born Aug. 20, 1925, at Muscatine, a daughter of William and Ida Starkweather. She was a life resident of the area.  She married Eldon Beverlin, April 21, 1942, at Kahoka, Mo.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Sandra LeDuc, Gladstone, Ill., Mrs. John (Sharon) Shelangoski, Muscatine; two brothers, Edward Eisele and Ralph Starkweather, both of Muscatine; two sisters, Anna Latimer and Nona Jarrett, both of Muscatine; and six grandchildren.

Muscatine Journal
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Emery Beverlin. 70, 117 W. 3rd St., died Monday evening at Muscatine General Hospital.Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Geo. M. Wittch-Lewis Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home.

The son of Millard and Minnie P. Cooley Beverlin, he was born Aug. 22,1911, in Eliza Ill. He was a life resident of the surrounding area.  His marriage to Marie Perleth took place April 29, 1950, in St. Joseph, Mo. He was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Beverlin was retired a farmer.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Bob and Allen Beverlin, both of California, and Joseph of Muscatine; one stepson, William Harry of Dubuque; one daughter, Tamroy Beverlin, at home; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Edward (Patricia) Ludwick of Dubuque and Bonnie Harry of Iowa City; 11 grandchildren, six brothers Paul and Wayne both of Michigan, Eugene, Willard and Frank, all of California, and Virgil  of Muscatine; and two sisters, Mrs. Harry (Ollie) Mulkerson of California and Mrs. George (Marjorie) Holm of Fruitland.    He was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and a son.

Muscatine Journal Date of death Nov. 30, 1981
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

DONIPHAN--- Kline M. Beverlin of Route 1 died at 10:50 p.m. Thursday at the Doctors Hospital; Mr. Beverlin had been in the hospital for five months and had been ill for 18 months.

The 68 -year-old retired laborer was born on Feb. 28, 1910, in Eliza Ill. He was member of the Baptist Church. On May 12, 1968, he married Goldie Cotton in Doniphan.

Survivors are his widow; a son James Beverlin of Florida; a stepson, Hurbert  Ezell of Poplar Bluff; two sisters Margaret Holern of Doniphan and Olive Fulkerson of Los Angelas; seven brothers, Emery Beverlin and Virgil Beverlin, both of Muscatine, Iowa, Willard Beverlin of Nobel Ark. Eugene Beverlin of Mullhead City Arz. Wayne Beverlin of Warren Mich., Paul Beverlin of Ferndale Mich. and Frank Beverlin of California and nine grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Edwards Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Hunter Cemetery. The Rev. James Gore will officiate. Visitation is to begin at 2 p.m.  Saturday.

Daily American Republic Jan 28, 1977 Poplar Bluff Mo. Date of death Jan 27, 1977
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

 Joint funeral services for John Irving Beverlin, 29, and his four-year-old son, Joseph Andrew Beverlin, who drowned here Sunday, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel.  Rev. Richard Mullin will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.  Visitation will be held after 3 p.m. today.

The 12-foot  Beverlin motorboat was found empty late Sunday in turbulent waters near Lock and Dam 16 just east of Muscatine. The body of John Beverlin was found at 10:40 a.m. Monday some 500 feet upstream from where the boat was found; and the boy was found at 3 p.m. by dragging crews in the same area. Rescuers said the water was about 10 feet deep in the area.

Dr. V. W. Swayze, Muscatine County medical examiner, said both died as a result of drowning, and he ruled their deaths accidental.

According to a spokesman for the Muscatine Emergency and Rescue Unit, the boat a 1972 Seaking model, was small for use in the river. He said the waters in the area where the boat was found were rough from the motion created by the lock and dam.
Although authorities found an adult life jacket in the boat, rescuers said neither were wearing life jackets when discovered. Beverin was reported to be a good swimmer, the spokesman said.

According to Curt Noble, state water officer for the Iowa Conservation  Commission, Beverlin reportedly was testing a new starter cord. Noble said, however, the accident did not appear to be the result of mechanical failure.

John Irving Beverlin, 29, 1801 Foster St., was born July 26, 1945 at Muscatine, the son of Willard and Effie Steckman Beverlin. He was a life resident of the area.  He married Gloria J. Honts March 12, 1966 at Muscatine. He was employed at R. J. Dick.

Surviving are four daughters, Theresa, Melissa, Beth and Denise,  all at home; a brother, James Moore, Muscatine; two sisters Mrs. Emmett (Judy) Norwood, Letts; and Linda Moore, Muscatine; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs.Vernie Moore, Muscatine.He was preceded in death by one brother.

Joseph Andrew Beverlin was born Oct. 27, 1969 at Muscatine, the son of John and Gloria Honts Beverlin.

Surviving are his mother, four sisters, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Honts, Muscatine; Mr. and Mrs. Vernie Moore; and great grandparents, Mrs. Archie White, Muscatine; Mrs. Mary Hauschild, Davenport; and Mrs. Bessie Hardin, Muscatine.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday Aug. 27, 1974
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Funeral services for Millard Beverlin, 81, were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ralph J. Wittich funeral home.
Rev. H.B. Mason officiated. Mrs. Floyd Scott was the organist.
Pallbearers were Raymond Whittaker, Lynoon Carlisle, Clyoe Carlisle, Lyle Hepker, Arthur Schwabenlander, and Kenneth Phillips.
Interment was at Greenwood cemetery.
Mr. Beverlin died Tuesday at his home at 712 East Sixth st.

Muscatine Journal date of death Jan. 26,1960
Contributed by: Carolyn Hidlebaugh
he is related to me.

Graveside services for Perry Wayne Beverlin, two and one-half month old infant son of Jerry and Gardenia Visker Beverlin, 821 Onida, Davenport, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood cemetery with Rev. Joseph Stoube officiating.Visitation is being held at Riley Funeral home.

The infant boy died early Sunday morning at the home of his aunt Joyce Beverlin, route 1, Letts, where he and his parents were visiting.  Death was attributed to natural causes, probably "crib death".

Born Feb. 1, in Pueblo, Colo., he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Beverlin; one brother Christopher Eugene  of Davenport; two half-brothers, Robert Junior Beverlin and Jerry Eugene Beverlin Jr., one half-sister, Medea Carol Beverlin, all of route 1 Letts; maternal grand-parents, Eltjo Visker, Cannon City, Colo. and Mrs. Rebecca Rilling, Puebelo, Colo. paternal grandparents, Mrs. Ruth Cole, route 2 Muscatine and Eugene Beverlin, Hunter, Mo., maternal great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Gerlock, Sugar City, Colo.; paternal great-grandparents, Fred Schwartz of Muscatine and Mr. and  Mrs. Jachob Friedline, Hunter, Mo.

Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Virgil Beverlin, 67, 1302 Oak St., died early today at Muscatine General Hospital.
Services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home where a memorial has been established.

Mr. Beverlin, a life resident of the area, was born May 17, 1921 at Eliza ILL., a son of Millard and Pearl Cooley Beverlin. His marriage to Janice Emma Keever took place April 6, 1943 at Kahoka, MO.
He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the American Legion.
He worked as a self-employed truck driver.

Survivors include his wife, Janice; a son, Jack Lee of Muscatine; a daughter, Mrs. Rodney (Sharon Ann) Morris of Naperville, ILL.; seven grandchildren; five brothers, Willard, Gene and Frank, all of California; and Paul and Wayne, both of Michigan; and two sisters, Mrs Harry (Olive) Fulkerson of California; and Margaret Holem of Muscatine.
He is preceded in by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

Muscatine Journal date of death Feb. 13, 1989
Contributed by: Carolyn Hidlebaugh
he is related to me.

ILLINOIS CITY Ill.-  Wayne N. "Sparky" Beverlin, 81, of Illinois City died Monday Aug 21, 2000, at the Trinity West Medical Center in Rock Island.

Services will be 1:30 p.m.   Thursday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  The Rev. Paul Brooks of the Providence Baptist Church in Illinois City, Ill. will officiate Burial will be at the Eliza Creek Cemetery with full military honors by the Eliza American Legion. Pallbearers will be Mike Terrell, Brian Swanson, Kevin Swanson, Larry Brown, Lyle Beverlin, Tommy Haglogh, David Frieden Sr. and Tommy Watson Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Miller, Bill Schrock, Dwight Irwin, Thomas Watson Sr, and Leland Ziegenhorn.  Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for Wayne Beverlin Memorial Fund.

Mr. Beverlin was born Oct. 29, 1918, in Mercer County in Illinois, the son of Samuel  F. and Caroline M. Noble Beverlin. He married Alma J. Smith on Feb. 2, 1946, in Muscatine.

He was member or the Providence Baptist Church where he was active in the past as a deacon and usher. He was an active member of the Eliza Lions Club, Mercer County Farm Bureau and the Eliza American Legion. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Corp in Hawaii. He loved people, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a good neighbor.He farmed all his life, growing grain and raising cattle.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Beverlin of rural Illinois City, a daughter, Merry Cantrell and her husband, Don of rural Illinois City, four grandchildren, Kelly Cantrell, Jeramy Cantrell and his wife, Jamie, Todd Cantrell and Brian Cantrell and his wife, Melissa, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents a brother Cecil Beverlin, sister, Marie Pettegrew, M. Pearl Frieden, V. Genevie Hagloch and Velma ??? and infant siblings, Floyd and Eva.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday Aug. 23, 2000
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
(some portions not legible in last paragraph)

Private funeral rites for Willard Lee Beverlin, infant son of Willard and Effie Steckman Beverlin, 310 E. Second street, were held at the chapel of the Fairbanks Home for Funerals at 2:30 p.m. today. The Rev. Lee Allen officiated and burial was in Greenwood cemetery.

The child died at Hershey hospital at 10:30 p.m. Thursday after a 24-hour illness. He was born Jan. 23, 1943 in Muscatine. Survivors are the parents, the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Millard Beverlin and two great-grandmothers, Mrs. Effie W?der and Mrs. Nellie Brown, all of Muscatine.

Muscatine Journal and News Tribune Friday April 30, 1943
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Elbert W. Beverly Jr., 65, of Keithsburg, Ill., died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000 at Grandview, Iowa.

Funeral services were at 9 am Sunday at the Geo M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home in Muscatine with a time of food and fellowship following in the Community Room of the Wittich-Lewis Bereaevement Center. The Rev. Steve Wall of the Seventh Day Adventist Church officiated at the service. Visitation was Saturday evening at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established in the name of Bert Beverly and gifts may be left at the funeral home.

Mr. Beverly was born February 19, 1935, in Muscatine, the son of Elbert and Pearl White Beverly Sr.
He was a lifelong resident of the Muscatine area. In 1956, Bert married Shirley Cummings. Later he married Edina Eaton. On Sept. 2, 1983, he married Phyllis Davidson Paul.

He served his country in the Army in the 11th Airborne Division from 1954 to 1957. He was a member of the United States Parachute Association for 40 years, maintaining an Expert License D-288. He was a member of the Muscatine Chapter 111 and Davenport Chapter 75 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the AOPA, the Iowa Aerial Applicators Association, and the National Rifle Association.

He had been an Ag Pilot since 1979 and became self-employed in 1983 at Beverly's Aerial Applications Inc.

Survivors include his wife Phyllis at home; one daughter, Sally Arlene Beverly of Rock Island, Ill.; two sons, Neal Craig Beverly and his wife Chris of Fort Bragg, N.C., and Danial Duane Beverly of Muscatine; one granddaughter, Ariel Ann Beverly; two stepsons, Shannon Paul and his wife Joan and Dwayne Paul and his wife Tammy, both of Muscatine; one stepdaughter, Denise Steahr and her husband Craig of Muscatine; seven step-grandchildren, Isaac and Minday Paul, David, Abby and Joshua Paul, and Curtis and Cory Steahr; two sisters, Elsie Hall of Pocahontas, Ark., and Vera
Carlisle and her husband Oral of Crescent City, Fla.; and one brother, Carl Theobald and wife Betty of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Danial.

Wapello Republican November 30, 2000
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Note: . I am not related to Mr. Beverly and have no further information regarding him.

NICHOLS – Betty Irene Bieri, 77, of Nichols, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a lengthy illness.  Services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday at Ralph Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Rev. Marilyn Winch of the Nichols United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Nichols Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Ralph J Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Betty Bieri Memorial Fund.

Mrs. Bieri was born on Jan. 30, 1923, in Nichols, the daughter of Charles W. Elder and Clara Frances Kirchner Elder. She married Roy E. Bieri on Dec. 29, 1948, at the First Methodist Church in Muscatine. Mrs. Bieri was a homemaker. She was a member of the Nichols United Methodist Church, a member of Muscatine Women’s Auxiliary of both the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Survivors include her husband; Roy Bieri of Nichols; a daughter, Debra Smith and her husband, Kent, of Tipton; a son, Gordon Bieri and his wife, Laurie, of Davenport; three grandchildren, Chad Wright and his wife, Kris, Jesse Smith, and Jenna Bieri; one great-grandchild, Emma Wright; and a sister, Alice Grable of Bettendorf. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Kathryn Vaupel and Jeanne Poeltler; and a brother, Charles R. Elder.

06 Mar 2000 Muscatine Journal

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Roy E. Bieri, 78, of 1616 Davis Ave., Nichols, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001, at Mercy Hospital in
Iowa City. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Rev. Betsy Neipert
of the Nichols United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be at Nichols Cemetery with military honors provided
by the Lone Tree American Legion, Post 457. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may
be made to the Roy Bieri Memorial Fund.

Mr. Bieri was born on July 28, 1922, in Lamar, Mo., the son of Jake and Lottie Patterson Bieri. He married Betty Irene Elder on Dec. 29, 1948, in Muscatine. He retired from Amoco Oil Company; before that he farmed in Nichols area for 15 years. He was a member of the Muscatine VFW, the Lone Tree American Legion Post 457, the Lone Tree Masonic Lodge and the Nichols United Methodist Church. During World War II, he served in the U. S. Army throughout the South Pacific with the 82nd Chemical Mortar Battalion.

Survivors include one son, Gordon Bieri and his wife, Laurie, of Davenport; one daughter, Debra Smith and her husband, Kent, of Tipton; three grandchildren, Jenna Bieri, Jessie Smith and Char Wright and his wife, Kris; and one great-granddaughter, Emma Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty, in 2000, and a brother, Wayne Bieri.

Source: Muscatine Journal   Feb 19, 2001

Charley A. Bierman, 90, of 2389 Bayfield Road, Muscatine, died Tuesday, Sep 3, 2002, at his home.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Rev. Arturo Carranza of the Bloomington-Muscatine Friends Church will officiate. Burial will be at the Bloomington-Muscatine Friends Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bloomington-Muscatine Friends Church, where he was a member.

Mr. Bierman was born Sep. 29, 1911, in Muscatine, the son of George and Martha Welk Bierman. He married Eunice Hoag on Feb. 23, 1941, in Muscatine.  He farmed all his life.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice Bierman of Muscatine; one son, Kenneth C. Bierman and his wife, Tammy, of Muscatine; three daughters, Janice Dougherty and husband Donald of St. Charles, Helen Coyner and husband Kenton of Muscatine, and Gladys Murphy and husband Patrick of Wapello; five grandchildren; and three sisters, Viola Garnes of Davenport, Velma Shafer of Muscatine, and Dorothy Gilleland of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Gerald Bierman and two brothers, Raymond and Ralph Bierman.

Wapello Republican. September 5, 2002
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Nancy is not related and has no further information.

Services are planned at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home for Mrs. Ida May Bierman, 78, life resident of Muscatine, who died at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Muscatine County hospital, following an extended illness. The Rev. Alvin Hirsch pastor of the Mulford Congregational church, will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery.

The daughter of Fred and Martha Belle Shellabarger Eberling, she was born May 26, 1878, at Muscatine. Her marriage to John Bierman took place here on Feb. 25, 1901.

Surviving are one son, Edward H. Bierman, Muscatine; four daughters, Mrs. George Schaffer, Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Carl Shingledecker, Lone Tree, and Mrs. Alfred Brown, Davenport; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.    Preceding her in death were her husband, one daughter, three sons and four brothers.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday January 7, 1957 page 2
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Shirley J. Bierman, of 1119 Logan St., died Wednesday, June 30, 1999, at her home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, Muscatine. Burial will be in Island Cemetery, Fruitland. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bierman had worked for the Muscatine schools.
Shirley Gerels was born Sept. 30, 1936, in Muscatine. She married Virgil Bierman Sr. in 1962 in Muscatine.

Memorials may be made to Shirley Bierman Memorial Fund.

Survivors include daughters, Karen Ramos, Patty Sotelo, Alice Molina and Anna Hahn, all of Muscatine, and Nancy Hotchkiss, Columbus Junction; a stepdaughter, Barbara Marshall, Muscatine; sons, Virgil, Rick and Rodney, all of Muscatine; stepsons, Larry Bierman, Colorado Springs, Jack Bierman, Muscatine, and Randy Bierman, Yukon, Okla.; 35 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Zorn and Leona Gerels, both of Muscatine, and Ruby Telsrow, Durant; and brothers, Joe Gerels and Sherman "John" Gerels, both of Muscatine.

Quad Cities Times 01 Jul 1999

Virgil E. Bierman Sr. 76, 1119 Logan St., died Tuesday, May 3, 1994, at Muscatine General hospital following a brief illness.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Riley Funeral Home. The Rev. Cyril G. McKay will officiate. Pallbearers will be Daniel Brown, Jose Molina Jr., Jeff Gerels, Jay Gerels, Rosendo Ramos Jr. and Doug Mathes. Burial with military rites conducted jointly by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be at Island Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday afternoon and evening at the funeral home where a memorial fund has been established.

Mr. Bierman was born on Nov. 25, 1917, in Muscatine, the son of Edward and Mary Campbell Bierman. He was a lifelong resident of Muscatine.  He married Shirley Gerels on Sept. 23, 1963, in Muscatine.

He had been very active in Citizen Band Radio using the handle of "Hoochie."
He was a former member of both the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
At one time he had been employed for many years at the International Harvester Plant in Rock Island, Ill.
He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army in Europe and also the Philippines.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; 12 children, Mrs. Larry (Barbara Ann) Marshall of Muscatine, Larry Bierman of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jack Bierman of Muscatine, Randy Bierman of McCloud, Okla., Mrs. Rosendo (Karen) Ramos Sr., Mrs. Jose (Alice) Molina, Mrs. Rey (Patty) Sotelo, Virgil Bierman Jr., Rick Bierman, Mrs.. Robert (Nancy) Hotchkiss, Rod Bierman and Mrs. Episanio (Anna) Bautista, all of Muscatine; 32 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by two daughters, two grandchildren and one sister.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday May 4, 1994
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Mrs. Bierman was born Feb. 13, 1872 in Illinois, and came to Muscatine in her youth.  She was married to M. B. Bailes and later to William Bierman, about 23 years ago in Muscatine.

Surviving are her husband and six children by her former marriage, William H. Bailes and Mrs. Herman Hildebrand of Muscatine, Lloyd Bailes of Boone, Ia., Edward and Ernest Bailes of Stillwater, Minn., and Mrs. Harry Rowe of Rock Island. Fourteen grandchildren also survive.

The body is being taken from the Meyers Funeral home to the family residence at 216 Gilbert Street tonight, where funeral rites will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal Jan. 5, 1938
Research Source June Welsch

Mrs. Leona Biery, 74, 901 Sycamore St., died Wednesday afternoon at Muscatine General Hospital.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel.  Rev. Daniel Schoepf will officiate.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation is after 6 this evening at the funeral home.

Leona Biery was born Feb. 20, 1905 in Wilton, the daughter of Convers and Dephia Pratt Lutz.  Her marriage to Glen Biery took place in 1932 at Muscatine.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Cecil of Muscatine, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Source:  Muscatine Journal   Thurs, April 19, 1979
contributed by the webmaster (not related-no further info)

The death of Mrs. Peter Bigelow occurred Thursday evening at 6 o`clock at her home, 1001 Iowa avenue. Mrs. Jane DuMont Bigalow had attained the age of 67 years and the cause of her death was paralysis of the heart. She was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, always being known as an earnest Christian and a loving mother. She leaves to mourn her loss a devoted husband, and four daughters, Mrs. Nellie Chase, Mrs. Harriett Garard, Miss Flora Bigalow and Miss Grace Bigalow, besides a host of friends.
The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from the home on Iown avenue, Dr. C. L. Stafford conducting the services.

SOURCE: Muscatine Newspaper date unknown- she died 10 Apr 1902
Submitted by: John Michael O'Melia

Word was received in this city yesterday afternoon by Mrs. R. M. Chase, 112 East Fifth street, of the death of her father, Peter Bigelow, in New York state yesterday morning. The sad news brought sorrow into the homes of his children in this city and their friends will unite with them in their bereavement. Several weeks ago Mr. Bigelow went to New York on a business trip, but while in that state became ill. Miss Florence Bigelow, his daughter, went to his bedside immediately and all that could be done to relieve his pain was done, but he gradually weakened until the end yesterday morning. The remains will arrive here tomorrow morning, after which the funeral arrangements will be made by the family.

Peter Bigelow was born in New York state and was about 76 years of age. In 1854 he moved to Wilton and a few years later to Moscow where he made his home for several years. At that place he built the first dam ever constructed across the Cedar river and also built a large flour mill. For many years he operated this mill and was one of the best known men in the county.
When the mill was destroyed by fire Mr. Bigelow moved to this city with his family. Mrs. Bigelow passed away three years ago on April 10, 1902.

Being a man interested in the welfare of those around him, Mr. Bigelow took an active part in the affairs of the county. For years he had been a faithful member of the M. E. church and was always ready to help in any good work. By his cheery ways he won many friends and by his continued good will he held them for life.
He is survived by his daughters, Mrs. R.M. Chase, Mrs. Hattie Garard, Miss Florence Bigelow, and Mrs. John Ficken, all of this city.

Muscatine Journal  date unknown (death 28 Apr 1905)
Contributed by John Michael O'Melia

Mrs. Frances M. Billick, 88, died Thursday, January 7, 1999, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty, following a brief illness.

Services were held Monday, January 11, 1999, at the Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty with Rev. Frank Schultz officiating. Organist was Georgia Kiwala with Darren Brooke as soloist. Casket bearers were Phil Gingerich, Mike Fridley, Jerry Elder, Mark Elder, Joe Akers, and Tom Pierson. Burial was in the Nichols Cemetery, Nichols. A memorial fund has been established. The Barker Funeral Home, West Liberty, was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Billick was born October 13, 1910, in Nichols, the daughter of Fred and Grace Mitchell Elder. She graduated from Nichols High School and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. On June 30, 1935, she married Leland Billick in Sigourney. Mr. Billick died in 1992. Frances had taught school for several years and was employed as a teller at the West Liberty State Bank until her retirement.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Dowler (husband, Ted) of West Liberty; a son Fred Billick (wife, Sheila) of Gillette, Wyoming; six grandchildren, Curt, Charyn, Kari, Cindi, Cami, and Dana; ten great-grandchildren; two special friends, Kathy Gingerich and Chris Fridley; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, husband, and a brother.

West Liberty Index Jan 14 1999

Mrs. Geneva M. Billick, 90, died Sunday, January 3, 1999, at the Simpson Memorial Home, West Liberty, following a brief illness.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 6, 1999, at the West Liberty United Methodist Church with Rev. Frank Schultz officiating. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty. A memorial fund has been established. The Barker Funeral Home, West Liberty, was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Billick was born May 29, 1908, in Burlington, the daughter of William and Matilda Meisner Heintze. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She graduated from Burlington High School and attended Coe College. She married L. Raymond Billick on March 16, 1929, in Nichols. The couple farmed in the Nichols and West Liberty area for many years.

Survivors include two daughters: Jean (husband, Ralph) Kirchner of West Liberty and Joyce (husband, Bob) LaKose of Clear Lake, Iowa; a sister, Daisy Herr of Burlington; four grand-children; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, two sisters, and a brother.

 West Liberty Index Jan 7 1999

Elma Binggeli, 81, of Hills, died Tuesday, July 20, 1999, at Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty.
Funeral services were held July 23, 1999, at the First Church United, with Rev. Al  Zimmerman and Rev. John Newberg officiating. Burial was in Overman Cemetery,  Atalissa.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimers  Association. Music was provided by organist Marianne Phelps and soloist Robert  Larson. Casket bearers were Lisa Exline, Tami Plank, Heather Binggeli, Corey Manary, Tony Williams, Jaime Manary and Sarah Binggeli. Barker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Binggeli was born June 26, 1918, in Atalissa, the daughter of Fred and Eva DeVore Oepping. She graduated from Atalissa High School in 1935 and from AIB in Des  Moines later. She married Robert Binggeli on May 27, 1944, in Davenport. The couple lived in Davenport before  moving to Sharon Center in 1946. Following Robert’s retirement in 1981, the couple moved to Hills. Elma had owned Moeller Accounting in Iowa City, retiring in 1982.  Following retirement, the couple spent their winters in  Texas.

She was a member of the Sharon Center United Methodist  Church, E-Z Wheeler RV Club, and the 39ers Card Club.
Survivors include her husband, Robert of Hills; two daughters, Donna Williams of Atalissa and Linda (husband, Steve) Manary of Solon; two sons, Al Binggeli and Fred  (wife, Cheryl) Binggeli, both of Iowa City; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was  preceded in death by her parents, a son in law and a great granddaughter.

West Liberty IA Index Thursday, July 29, 1999

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Grace M. Birch, of 3450 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, at Muscatine General Hospital. There will be no local services. Services will be held at a later date in Glendive, Mont.

Grace was born Dec. 24, 1905, in Glendive. She moved to Chicago in 1926, where she worked for Illinois Bell Telephone until her retirement. She moved to Muscatine in 1990.

Survivors include a niece, Marilyn Kathrein, Muscatine, and other nieces and nephews.

Source unknown; most likely Davenport or Rock Island newspaper

AMBOY--Mrs. Anna May Bishop, 86, died at her home, 43 N. Metcalf av, Amboy, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  She has been in failing health during the past year.

She was born in Letts, Ia., April 25, 1865, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William McMayhill.  She was married to Levi Bishop Nov. 23, 1883.

Surviving are five children, Miss Leona Bishop and Lee, both of Amboy; Mrs. Mary Drawbaugh, Leonard and Oral, all of Muscatine,Ia. and a brother, John, Grandview, Ia.  She was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters and a son.

The body will be taken from the Mihm funeral home, Amboy, to Muscatine, Ia., where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Fairbanks funeral home there.

Dixon IL Telegraph (date not noted)

Mrs. Hazel M. Bishop, 51, of Atalissa, died at 920 p.m. Monday at Mercy hospital, Iowa City.

The body was brought to the Fairbanks Home for Funerals here where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday by the Rev. Ralph Fischer.  Burial will be in the Oak Grove cemetery, Cranston.

A daughter of Leo and Sarah Ellen Coder Snyder, she was born March 28, 1906 in Muscatine county. She spent her entire life in this area.  Her second marriage was to Oral Bishop on Feb. 23, 1935, at Rock Island.

Surviving are her second husband, one son, Henry H. Miller, of Muscatine; one daughter, Mrs. Bill Workman of Illinois City; her parents; two brothers, Harold Snyder, of Muscatine, and Laverne Snyder, of Burlington; one step brother, Virgil Fuhlman, of Letts; two sisters, Mrs. Forest Townsley, of Letts, and Mrs, Doris Glissman, of Detroit, Mich., nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Her first husband preceded her in death.

Source:  Muscatine, IA, Journal  Nov. 12, 1957
Contributed by : June Brewer Welsch

Lorene M. Bishop, 90, of Tigard, Ore., formerly of Muscatine, died Monday morning, May 12, 2003 at the Paloma Unit of Tigard Rehabilitation and Care Center.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Burial will be Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Association.

Mrs. Bishop was born April 3, 1913, in Lone Tree, Iowa to Grover C. and Effie Strong Fountain. She married George Brase on September 8, 1928, in Muscatine. He died November 7, 1932. She later married Leonard Bishop on August 15, 1939. He died January 7, 1970.

Mrs. Bishop lived in the Muscatine area until 1979 when she moved to the Beaverton, Oregon area.
She was a longtime member of Mulford Evangelical Free Church in Muscatine.

Surviving are three sons, Jack Brase of Iowa City, Iowa, Howard Brase of Muscatine, Leland Brase of Beaverton, Ore; one daughter, Mrs. Deborah Schmeiser of Las Vegas, Nev.; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Phyllis Fry of Moline, Ill., Mrs. Ruby Waters MacGowan of Iowa City and Mrs. Joyce Snyder of Fredonia.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, four sisters, one grandson and one great-great-granddaughter.

May 22, 2003 Wapello Republican
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Nancy is not related and has no further information.

Oral E. Bishop, 78, who had been a lifelong resident of Muscatine County, died at 9 a.m. Friday at the Park View Nursing Home at Wellman, Ia.

Services will be held at the Riley Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Cranston. Friends may call starting Sunday morning at the funeral home.

The son of Levi W. and Anna May McMahill Bishop, he was born Jan. 23, 1901, at Wapello.
Mr. Bishop was married to Hazel Miller, in 1932, at Rock Island.

He is survived by one sister, Miss Leona Bishop, Wapello, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 1951; his parents, three brothers, and three sisters

Muscatine, IA, Journal, Sept. 15, 1979
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

NORTH CANTON, Ohio --- M. Elizabeth Bixler, 80, North Canton, died Wednesday at Siebring, Ohio.
Services are pending in Ohio.  Burial will be in North Canton.

Mrs. Bixler was born Sept. 18, 1905 in Lake Township, Muscatine County, a daughter of L. G. and Druzilla Kerr Coder.  She and Milo Bixler were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua 1934.
In the early 1930s she taught in the Muscatine County schools and was a music director in the Newton schools.  For many years she taught in a North Canton preschool, retiring in the late 1970's.

Survivors include one son, Dr. Donald M. Bixler, Cleveland; three grandsons; one brother, Clinton Coder, Muscatine; and one sister, Mrs. G. V. (Mildred) Chapin, Kasson, Minn.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1983.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal Dec. 5, 1985
Research Source June Welsch

WEST LIBERTY--Mrs. Johanna Bjork, 73, died suddenly at 8:30 p.m. Friday at her home here.

Mrs. Bjork was born February 24, 1887, in V. Wram. Sweden., the daughter of Per and Hannah Martensson Nilsson.
On January 21, 1906, she was married to Nelsa Bjork in Esthult, Sweden.  They came to the United States in 1912 and have lived here for 22 years.

Mrs. Bjork was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Agnes Luetje, of Hamiton, Ohio, and Mrs. Edith Arnold of Atalissa; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Snider funeral home here with burial in Oakridge cemetery.

Iowa City Press Citizen 25 Jun 1960

COUNCIL BLUFFS --- Mary L. Blackman, 78, of Council Bluffs died Tuesday, Feb.. 11, 1997. Services are Thursday at the McCurdy Chapel.

Mrs. Blackman lived in Muscatine for about four years with her husband, Harold Lee Blackman, then moved to Council Bluffs.

Survivors include two sons Harold W. and Raymond, both of Council Bluffs; and three daughters, Mary Lee Wells and Karen Bryen, both of Council Bluffs, Betty Cozad-Browning of Muscatine.

Muscatine Journal
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
my grandmother

Linda Marie Blankenship 38, Carriage House Apartments, Columbus Junction, died early today at Muscatine General Hospital.

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon at the Donald Howard residence at Letts followed by a memorial   service at 6:30 p.m. at the Independent Bible Church at Letts. The Rev. William Strickland will officiate.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Geo. M. Wittich Lewis Funeral Home.

Mrs. Blankenship was born April 11, 1950 at Muscatine, a daughter of Donald and Janet Marshall Howard. Formerly of the Grandview and Letts areas, she had lived here for five years. She married William C. Blankenship on April 30, 1982 Reserve, La. She was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include her husband, William; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Howard of Letts; three brothers, Donald Howard Jr. of Letts, Steven Howard of West Liberty; and David Howard of Columbus Junction; and two sisters, Kristy Kerr of Muscatine; and Lori Lindner of Algona.  Two brothers precede her in death.

Muscatine Journal June 15, 1988 page 4.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Hilda Nelson Blau, 97, formerly of Alexander, died  Sunday (Feb. 4, 1996) at the Tompkins Memorial Health Center in Fort Dodge.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Reformed Church in Alexander, with the Rev. Gerald Norman  officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Union Cemetery in Humboldt.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Tenold Funeral Home, Belmond.

Hilda Nelson Blau, the daughter of Andrew and Anna Mathison  Nelson was born Feb. 18, 1898, in Wilton Junction. As a small child, she moved with her parents to Humboldt County settling  in the Bradgate area.   She graduated from Bradgate High School and received her teaching  certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.  She taught school in Garner, Belmond and Alexander.

She was united in marriage to George Blau on June 22, 1930,  at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, and they established their home in Alexander.

In 1934, she was appointed postmaster at Alexander, a position  she held until retirement.
During retirement, she and her husband wintered in Arizona.  After her husband died in 1982, she continued to live in Alexander  and spend her winters in Arizona.

Following hip surgery in October of 1989, she became a resident of Tompkins Memorial Health Center, Friendship Haven, Fort Dodge, where she has been a resident for the past six years.  Hilda is survived by many nieces and nephews

Mason City Globe Gazette  06 Feb 1996

COLUMBUS JUNCTION--Funeral services, for Mrs. Bertha M. Bliven, 68, who died Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., (cst.) at the Stacy Funeral Home.  Rev. Wayne Ryan will officiate.  Burial will be in the Columbus City Cemetery.

Born Oct. 30, 1896, in Osceola, Mo., she was the daughter of Jerry and Lilly Knickerbocker Lord.  She married Blaine Bliven Mar. 17, 1914, in Columbus Junction, and except for three years in California, they have spent their married lives in this community.

Survivors include the husband, three sons, Cecil and Max of Kansas City, Mo., Lee, Grass Valley, Calif. and one daughter, Mrs. Walter (Marguerite) Smith, Westweigo, La., 14 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three brothers, Henry Lord, Butler, Mo., Edward Lord, Muscatine, and William Lord, Kenosha, Wisc.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal, May 26, 1965
Research Source June Welsch

The former Bessie Acheson, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca McConnell Acheson, she was born near Ainsworth, Jan. 18, 1868.  She was married to John Bliven, who died some years ago.

Surviving are three sons, Blaine Bliven of Columbus Junction, Albert Bliven of Muscatine and Harry Bliven of Davenport; three daughters, Mrs. Arthur Ewing of Muscatine, Mrs. Robert Carey and Mrs. Cecil Schlichting, both of Columbus Junction; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and one sister, Miss Muda Acheson of Wapello.

The body is at the Stacy Funeral Home in Columbus Junction where funeral arrangements are being completed.

Muscatine IA, Journal Tuesday Oct. 24, 1950 page 2
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note from June Brewer Welsch marriage record and cemetery records have her last name as Atcheson.  She is buried in the Columbus City Iowa Cemetery.  She died Oct. 23, 1950.

COLUMBUS JUNCTION-- Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30, at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home, for Blaine Bliven, 78, who died suddenly at his home at 11 a.m. Saturday from an apparent heart attack.  Rev. Denley Ganfield, pastor of the United Presbyterian church, will officiate, and burial will be in the Columbus City cemetery.

Born Jan. 22, 1893, in Columbus Junction, he was the son of John J. and Bessie Atcheson Bliven.  He married Bertha Lord March 17, 1914, at Columbus Junction, and she died May 25, 1965.  On August 13, 1966, at Columbus Junction he married Fannie Houseal.

Survivors include the widow; three sons, Cecil and Max Bliven, Kansas City, Mo., Lee Bliven, Escancada, Ore.; one daughter, Mrs. Walter (Margerite) Smith, Gretna, La.; four step-sons, Richard and Kenneth Houseal, Columbus Junction, Rolla Houseal, Burlington, John Houseal, Davenport; one step-daughter, Mrs. William (Margaret) Morgan, Columbus Junction; 23 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Arthur (Anna) Ewing, Muscatine and Mrs. Cecil (Margaret) Schlichting, Conesville.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal, May 18, 1971;
Research Source June Welsch

Columbus Junction, Ia.; Nov. 13 Mrs. Lena Bliven, former resident of Columbus Junction, passed away at Wapello Wednesday morning at the home of her nephew, Clarence Kremer, after a few months' illness.

Miss Lena Whicher was raised near Columbus City and was 84 years of age Oct. 28.  She was married to H. W. Bliven, who preceded her in death.  Her sister, Mrs. Laura Seger of Wisconsin, was with her in her last illness.  During the war she was a faithful worker for the Red Cross knitting many sweaters and socks for the soldier boys.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The funeral services were held at Wapello 1:30 today, after which the body was brought to Columbus City for interment.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal, Nov. 13, 1919
Research Source June Welsch

Last night, at 8:30 occurred the death of Mrs. Marion Alberta Wheelen Bliven at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. McKee, at 809 West Third street.  The deceased was born in Stockton county, O., July 17, 1833, and had attained the age of 68 years when she answered the final summons.

Mrs. Bliven came to Iowa Nov. 11,1854, was married, August 14, 1856, and settled on a farm near Conesville, where she resided until her husband died Oct. 2, 1899, when she came to Muscatine and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. S. McKee until the time of her death.  Two children survive the deceased, one son and one daughter, Wm. E. Bliven and Mrs. J. S. McKee.

Two years ago Mrs. Bliven had a fall, which made her an invalid the remainder of her life.  Almost six months ago she was taken worse and since that time has not been able to be out of the house.  For months she was a patient sufferer, bearing her pain in silence.  She was a conscientious Christian being a member of the Reform church at Conesville.  She was a consistent member for 44 years and devoted a great deal of time to Sunday school work.

Her life was pure and spotless and her children rise up and call her blessed, and can justly feel proud to call such a noble woman mother.  Her pure and noble deeds will live after her.  Her memories linger as her monument.  Friends and acquaintances were always made welcome in her household.

Short private funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Herr at the resident on West Third street Sunday at 4 p.m., attended only by intimate friends.  The remains will be taken to Conesville Monday morning on the 8 o'clock train, and the final services will be held at the Reform church in Conesville, Monday at 10:30 a.m. by the minister of that church.  Interment to be made in the Conesville cemetery.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal, March 16, 1901
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
She died March 15, 1901
She was in the 1900 Muscatine County Iowa Census page 77a living with her daughter Anna McKee.

OREGON--Services for Mrs. Charles Blobaum, 74, who died Friday at her home, will be at 1:15 p.m. Monday in Farrell funeral home and at 2 o'clock in Paynes Point Emmanuel Lutheran church.

The Rev. C. J. Althoff, pastor, will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Blobaum had suffered a stroke Tuesday.  She was born in Germany and had lived here the past 14 years.  She was married Dec. 12, 1901, at Lincoln, Neb.

She is survived by her widower; three sons, the Rev. August Blobaum, Coatsburg; Arthur, Brodhead, Wis; and Ed, Chana; a daughter Frieda, Muscatine, and 11 grandchildren.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday afternoon and night.

Dixon Evening Telegraph 22 Nov 1952

Vivian Bloomer 59, 1311 Smalley Ave., died Sunday evening at Muscatine General Hospital.
Services will be held at 1;30 p. m. Wednesday at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel, Rev. A. A. Buntenbach will officiate.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.  There is no visitation.
Vivian Bloomer was born July 30, 1921 in Muscatine, the daughter of Harold and Beatrice Flood Essex.  She was a life resident of the Muscatine area.
Her marriage to Archie Bloomer took place March 22, 1941 in Muscatine.
Survivors include two sons, Timothy of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Daniel of Muscatine; two grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Howard (Betty) Smith of Wapello and Mrs. Robert (Hazel) Jaynes of Glenarm, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Muscatine Iowa Journal Monday Oct. 20, 1980
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

 Herman Blyth 71, former Muscatine resident, died Sunday night at his home at Oquawka, Ill.
Surviving are the widow;  two sons; and two daughters, including Mrs. Ralph Price of Muscatine.
Services are pending.

Muscatine Journal Monday Sept. 25, 1967
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

SILVIS, ILL.---- Juli A Bodman, 24, 3430 49th St., Moline, Ill., died Friday at the Moline Public Hospital.
Services were held at 2 p.m. today at the Schroder Mortuary in Silvis. Her body will be cremated. Memorials may be made to
the Arthritis Foundation.

The daughter of Richard and Lois Safley Bodman, she was born May 24, 1959, in Muscatine. She graduated from the United
Township High School in East Moline and the McConnell Travel School in Minneapolis, Minn. She had been employed as an account supervisor at Executive Travel Inc., Davenport.

Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Vincent and Lois Method of Silvis; one sister, Barbara Brown of Moline; Maternal
Grandmother, Henrietta Safley of Muscatine; and paternal grandfather, Fred Bodman of Muscatine.
She was preceded in death by her father.

Muscatine Journal Jan. 16, 1984
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Robert L. Bohling, 74, of Muscatine, Iowa, formerly of Letts, died Saturday, June 15, 2002, at LUtheran Homes after a lengthy illness.

The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Island Methodist Church. burial was in the Letts Cemetery with full military rites.  Visitation was Tuesday, at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  A memorial has been established for the Letts Fire Department and the Louisa County Ambulance.

Mr. Bohling was born June 23, 1927, in Muscatine to Alfred and Mildred Beatty Bohling. He married Linnie A. Rieke August 27, 1949 at the Island Methodist Church.

He served in the 5th Air Force Corps serving in the Pacific Theater and Japan. He was a foreman at Kent Foods for 38 years, retiring Dec. 31, 1988.

He was a lifeling member of the Muscatine VFW Post No. 1545, the Allen Wright Hanft Post No. 100 of the American Legion, and a former member of the Muscatine Moose Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing cards, raising lifestock and being with people.

Survivors include his wife of Muscatine; a daughter, Roberta Jacobs and husband Melvin of Wilton; two sons, Jeffrey Bohling and wife Barbara of Muscatine and Mark Bohling and wife Cindy of Letts; six grandchildren, Corey and Kim Jacobs, Ben Brett, Austin and Aaron Bohling; and three great-grandchildren, Nicholaus and Katlin Sanders and Brandon Jacobs; three sisters, Mary Anna Wilson, Muscatine, Inez Cross, Muscatine, and Frances Pelton, West Point, California.; two brothers, Alfred "Cal" Bohling, Fruitland and John Bohling, Muscatine; and sister-in-law, Betty Bohling, Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, James, a sister, Alice Peters, and a great-granddaughter, Alexandria.

Wapello Republican  June 20, 2002
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Notes: photo accompanied obit. Nancy is not related and has no further info.

Lois E. Bohn, 81, of Calvary Fellowship Homes, 502 Elizabeth Drive, died at the home Monday after a lengthy illness. She lived there for five years.

Born in Nichols, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Harry F. and Anna Adam Bohn.

She worked for 48 years as a missionary for the Gospel Mission of South America, retiring in 1990.  She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and from the National Bible Institute in New York City. She then became a medical missionary. A midwife, she opened a medical clinic in Liquine, Chile.

Surviving are two nieces.

Source: Intelligencer Journal Lancaster, PA p B-3 : February 14, 1996

DAVENPORT --   Hazel R. Bohnsack, 84, died Wednesday in Good Samaritan Center, Davenport.
 Private services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Weerts/Hill & Fredericks Funeral Home, Davenport. Burial will be in Blue Grass Cemetery. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Hazel Bohnsack was formerly employed at the F.W. Woolworth Co. store in Davenport.
Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Phylora Burmeister, Davenport.

clipping from an unidentified newspaper handwritten note: 8-29-79
Contributed by Dixie A. Laire

Miss Viola L. Bohnsack, 80, of 202 E. 15th St., Davenport, died Thursday in Mercy Hospital.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the Hill & Fredericks Chapel, Davenport. Burial will be in Blue Grass cemetery.
Visitation begins at 2 p.m. today at the mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport.
Miss Bohnsack was a former school teacher.
She was born in Montpelier, Iowa.
Miss Bohnsack is survived by sisters, Mrs. E. P. (Phylora) Burmeister and Miss Hazel Bohnsack, both of Davenport and a brother, Harry Bohnsack, Walcott.

clipping from unknown newspaper
Contributed by Dixie A. Laire

Mrs. Edna G. Bomke, 80, 408 Chestnut, died at 3 pm Tuesday at Muscatine General Hospital.

Mrs. Bomke was a like resident of Muscatine, born here Dec 7, 1888, the daughter of Chockley Smith and Adaline Fisher Smith.

She was married in Muscatine, March 24, 1915, to Dr. John J. Bomke.  Her husband , a dentist, died in 1957.  She was also preceded by her parents and two children in infancy.

Mrs. Bomke was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, Whit Shrine of Jerusalem, daughter of the Nile, and Lady Elks.

She is survived by a brother Milo  D. Smith, of Davenport, and 2 nephews.

The body is at the Fairbanks home for funerals, where friends may call after 7 this evening.  Rev. Walter R. Ross will conduct services at 10am  Friday at the Fairbanks chapel.  Interment will be at Greenwood cemetery.

Source: Muscatine Journal
Date: 22 Jan 1969 page 13
submitted by Collene Harker and Al Harker 1 cousin 2 removed Davenport Iowa
Additional information;
ADALINE FISHER parents CORNELIUS W FISHER, MARY BOWER
CHOCKLY SMITH parents HENRY G. SMITH, SARAH JANE HUNT
MILO D. SMITH married BULAH LAVILLE FINCK
Nephews  MILO, and GARY L. SMITH of Davenport

Ruth Rachel Bond, age 102, a resident of Morning Sun Care Center, died there Monday morning, November 13, 2000. The daughter of John and Emma Butcher Thornton, she was born June 21, 1898, at Muscatine, Iowa. She married Chester Bond on October 24, 1917, at Wapello. He died April  20, 1974.

Ruth had four children given to adoption, of which two daughters survive; Leota Kiefer of Central City, Iowa and Francelia Monteleone of Corning, Iowa. The two sons have preceded her in death.

A graveside service for Ruth Bond was held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2000, at the Columbus City Cemetery.

The Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home at Wapello provided the care and arrangements for Ruth Bond.

Morning Sun News Herald November 16, 2000
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Note: I am not related  to Ruth and have no further information.

Funeral services for 86 year old Omer Bopp of Columbus Junction, Iowa were held at 10:30 am Wednesday, Oct 11, 2000 at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home in Columbus Junction. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Muscatine, Iowa with Military Rites. Omer died early Sunday, October 7 at the Lone Tree Care Center, Lone Tree, Iowa.

Visitation was held from 4-7 pm Tuesday at the funeral home with the family present. A Scriptural Prayer Service followed at 7 pm.  A memorial has been established at the funeral home.

Omer George Bopp was born March 18, 1914 in Richmond, Iowa to John and Margaret Lytle Bopp.
Omer married Grace Miller, July 2, 1949 in Muscatine. Grace preceded Omer in death.

Omer was a WWII Veteran, had served in the Army, and served overseas in Australia.

Omer was of the Catholic faith. He was a member of the Allen Wright Hanft Post #100 of the American Legion and VFW, Columbus Junction. Omer had farmed in the Columbus Junction area since 1954 and also worked at the Wapello Sale barn for many years. Omer also delivered furniture for the Stein Furniture Store in Muscatine in his earlier years.  Omer loved to play cards.

Omer is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Helen Rotenberger, St. Michaels, Minnesota; Mrs. Rosella Attig, Lone Tree; and Mrs. Gerry Idle, Washington; and a brother Ralph Bopp, Iowa City.

Omer was preceded in death by his parents, wife Grace, a brother Walter Bopp, a half-sister Agnes Duwa, and a half brother, Lawrence Droll.

October 19, 2000 Wapello Republican newspaper.
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
Note:  I am not related to Mr. Bopp and know nothing further about him.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Lawrence J. Boshart, 79, formerly of Muscatine, died today at the Americana Health Care Center in Orlando.

Services will be Saturday at 19 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Orlando.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine.  Arrangements in Muscatine are under the direction of the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel.

Mr. Boshart was born March 16, 1906 in Wayland, a son of John M. and Addie Miller Boshart.  He married Wilma Baker.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma, in Orlando; two sons, Robert Boshart, Metere, La.; and Ronald Boshart, Orlando; one sister, Edith Pinkus, Knoxville, Tenn.; and six grandchildren.

Taken from the Muscatine, IA, Journal, Nov. 26, 1985
Research Source June Welsch

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Wilma G. Boshart, 78, died here Wednesday. Services are Saturday at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando, 32801.  The Rev. Jimmy Jones will officiate.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Woodlawn Funeral Home, Orlando.

Mrs. Boshart was born April 1, 1908 in Muscatine, a daughter of Roy R. and Hattie Baker.   A former Muscatine resident, she lived here 15 years.  She married Lawrence J. Boshart who preceded her in death.  She was a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Boshart, New Orleans; and Ronald Boshart, Orlando; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Taken farm Muscatine IA, Journal, Nov. 6, 1986;
Research Source June Welsch

Clayton J. Bosten, 63, 160 Sherman St. died Tuesday afternoon at Mercy Hospital, Davenport.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home.  Father William O. Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Clayton Boston was born July 25, 1916, in Chicago, Ill., and was a life resident of the Muscatine area.
His marriage to Ruby Gabriel took place Aug. 16, 1969, in Dayton, Ohio.  He was a member of St. Mathias Church, Iowa Lodge No. 2 and the Moose lodge.  He was a World War II Veteran and was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W.

Mr. Bosten was involved in the theater business and operated the Palace Theater, Boston Cinema and  Hill Top Drive-In, and was director of the Iowa National Theater Association.

Survivors include his wife, one son, James G. of Muscatine; one daughter, Mrs. Tom (Shirley) Shepherd of Omaha, Neb.; one step-daughter Carolyn Tomlinson of Ft. Meyers, Fla.; and seven grandchildren.  His parents preceded him in death.

Source: Muscatine, IA, Journal, Sept. 5, 1979
Contributed by June Welsch

 Nichols, Feb. 26.--William Bottomley was born in Everton, Nottinghamshire, England, February 1, 1834, and was christened at the Methodist church. He came to America in 1859 and resided in Iowa; was married to Miss Emma Balfour in 1862, and they lived in Iowa until 1875; moved to Illinois with his family and lived there until 1881, then moved back to Iowa on the old farm and resided there until his death. He passed away February 20, 1904, at 5:15 p.m. He was seventy years and twenty days old.

He is survived by his wife, seven sons, three daughters, one daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, one granddaughter and one grandson -- Walter, William, John, Edward, Albert, Nelson, Cathryn, Mr. and Mrs. John Schofield, of Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Channon and daughter, Ruby, of Rock Island; and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bottomley and son, Willie, who reside on a farm east of Nichols. He has mourned death to one daughter, Minnie, and one son, James.

He was laid at rest Tuesday afternoon in the Nichols cemetery, beside his late son, James, who passed away one month and six days ago. His funeral was held from the late home east of Nichols at 2 o'clock p.m. with Rev. Loeb as pastor of the Methodist church. He was loved by his bereaved family and many friends who knew him.
Davenport and Rock Island papers please copy.

paper is unidentified
Submitted by: Charlene Hixon

Mary Bourne, 77, of 119 1/2 E. 4th St., died at 12:20 p.m. Thursday at the Hershey Convalescent home.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel. Father Meyers will be officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery. Friends may call at  the funeral home after 6 p.m. Saturday.

Mrs. Bourne, daughter of John and Elizabeth Verstraete, was born Feb. 5, 1898 in Holland.   She married Orville Bourne on Feb. 17, 1926 in Rock Island, Ill. Mrs. Bourne was of the Catholic faith and a member Women of the Moose.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Winifred Kallenberger, Muscatine; one brother, John Verstraete, Sheffield, Ill.; two sisters, Mrs. Henry (Agnes) Marlow, Geneseo, Ill., and Mrs. Floyd (Sophia) Mahensmith, Buda,  Ill.; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one brother.

Muscatine Journal Feb. 1975
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Gordon A. Bowen, 78, Columbus Junction, Cedar Rapids, died   Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, at his home. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday at Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home, Columbus Junction. Burial will be later in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo.

Mr. Bowen was employed as a watchmaker and owned Bowen’s Jewelry from 1966 to  1982 in Cedar Rapids. He was the mayor of Columbus Junction from  1970 to 1972. He was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Waterloo. He married Mary Wordehoff in 1947 in Cedar Falls.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. He served 27 months in the Pacific and attained the  rank of corporal. Memorials may be made to Iowa City Hospice.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons, Michael, Boone, N.C., and Guy, Barrow, Alaska; five grandchildren; a  great-granddaughter; and sister,  Dorothy Kennedy, Green Valley, Ariz.

Quad-City Times  12 Oct 2002

SACRAMENTO, California - Jess Willard Boyd, 87, a former resident of Muscatine, died  Tuesday, April 23, 2002, at the Kaiser South Hospital, Sacramento, Ca.

Services are 1 p.m. Monday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Dr. Pam  Saturina of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation is 11 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Mr. Boyd was born March 18, 1915, in Conesville, the son of Hugh and Carrie Boyd. He  married Venita Dickey July 4, 1944, in Muscatine.

He was a United States Army veteran receiving a medical discharge in 1943.  The family moved to California in 1956.

He worked at TRC Helicopter in Southern California until retiring to Northern California in  1980, where he enjoyed making wine, working in his fruit orchard, putting around his yard and spending time with his great-grandchildren.

There are no words to describe the joy that Jess has given his family and friends. Jess was  honest, hardworking, caring, loving man with a sense of humor that always left a smile. He will  be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Venita Boyd of Ca.; three children, Cheryl Johnson of Ca., Douglas Boyd of Columbus Junction and Steven Boyd of Fredonia; six grandchildren, Lesa Russell of Washington, Gena Foreman of Ca., Michael Femenia of Ca., Kristina Boyd of Arizona, Dawn Boyd of Washington and Anna Boyd of Fredonia; five great-grandchildren, Ty and Taylor Anne Foreman of Ca. and Mathew, Hannah and Zoe Russell of Washington and two sisters, Caroline Hesseltine of Columbus Junction and Ethel Campbell of Prophetstown, Ill.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Janet Sue Boyd; a sister,  Leona; and brothers, Frank, Willie, Joe and Don Boyd.

Muscatine Journal April 26, 2002

Mason City, Iowa, Nov. 1-- John Bracken, who fought with Lincoln in Black Hawk war and knew him will died here at his son's
home at the age of 100 years. Within a year he cultivated alone 40 acres of corn with a hoe. Two weeks ago he had his picture taken with five generations of the family, and just before the recent sickness was baptized and joined the Methodist churchF.

Muscatine Journal Saturday Nov. 4, 1899 page 4
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Elizabeth Braddy, 73, died early this morning in her sleep of an apparent heart attack at her home, Rt. 2 Muscatine.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Riley Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin Sunday afternoon.

A daughter of Robert & Fanny Britton, she was born March 28,1905 in Seaton, Illinois.  She spent most of her life here. Her first marriage was to Ward Peters on Jan. 27, 1923 in Aledo, Ill and her second marriage was to Arroll Braddy on July 2,1948 in Burlington, Iowa.

Surviving are one son, Benjamin Peters of Muscatine; six grand children; five great grand children; and three brothers; Mac & Bill Britton both of Muscatine, and Art Britton of Joy, Illnois. She was preceded in death by her  parents, one sister, two brothers and both husbands.

Muscatine Journal August 26 ,1978
Contributed by Larissa Andreas

Shawn William Brandt, 10-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brandt, Rt. 5, died Wednesday as the result of injuries received last Friday evening in a 20-ft fall at Wildcat Den state park.
Shawn had been listed in serious condition since the accident in which he sustained severe neck and head injuries.
Shawn had reportedly been playing in the park's hilly terrain with several other children when he lost his footing and fell from a 20-ft cliff. He was taken to Muscatine general hospital by his parents and then transferred to University Hospital, Iowa City, later that evening.
He was born May 4, 1961, at Springfield, Ill., the son of William and Sharon McDermitt Brandt.
Shawn was a member of the Fruitland Baptist Church.
Surviving are the parents; two sisters, Kimberlie and Kelly Brandt, both at home; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brandt, Pleasant Plaines, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. McDermitt, Rapid City, S.D., Fred B. Ellsworth, Cedar Rapids, and Ethel McDermitt, Cedar Rapids.
The body is at the George M. Wittich funeral home, where friends may call after 7 o'clock this evening.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Fruitland Baptist church, with Rev. LaVerne Hubbard officiating. Burial will be at the Island cemetery.

Muscatine Journal Thursday August 19, 1971
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

BRANSON, Mariam Negus

WEST BRANCH--Mrs. Mariam Branson, 95, who is believed to be West Branch's oldest resident, died Thursday evening at her home here following a short illness.

She was born February 13, 1857 near Muscatine, one of eight children of Isaac and Mary Coppock Negus.  She was married tro Newton Branson on February 26, 1879, in Muscatine.  The couple established their home near West Branch.

Mrs. Branson's husband preceded her in death on January 22, 1935.
Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Anna Townsend, of Los Angeles; four daughters, Mrs. Adda Millett; Mrs. Belva Austin and Mrs. Luella Davis, all of West Branch, and Mrs. Ethel Tatum of Oskaloosa; two sons, Ralph of West Branch and Hervey of Glendale, Calif.; 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Friends church in West Branch, with the Rev. Taylor Guthrie officiating.  Burial will be in the West Branch cemetery.  The family requests no flowers.

Iowa City Press Citizen 18 Apr 1952

Herbert C. Brayton Jr., 58, Independence, died Friday, March 14, 1997, at the Maywood Nursing Home in Independence.

Mr. Brayton was born Nov. 24, 1938, in Muscatine, Iowa. He was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when he was 8-years-old.

He attended Mercer County schools and graduated salutatorian ofJoy High School. He graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where he was  a member of the National Honor Society. He received his  bachelor`s degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Ill., and his master`s degree in math from Syracuse University in New York. He married his wife, Kathy Hunt, in 1960 in Idaho. He worked  for the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City.

His survivors include his wife, Kathy, Independence; three daughters, Anita Carey, Independence, Candace Brayton,      Warrensburg, Mo., and Tamera Brayton, Columbia, Mo.; his parents, Herbert and Florence Brayton; two sisters, Margaret Hayes and Vada Brayton, both of Kansas City; and one granddaughter.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the George M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Burial will bein Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the service begins.

A memorial has been established for the Maywood Terrace Nursing Home, 10300 Truman Road, Independence, MO 64052.

Independence (MO) Examiner Saturday, March 15, 1997

 Mrs. Henry G. Brei, 61, a lifelong resident of Sweetland township, died at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Hershey hospital after a lengthy illness with complications.

The daughter of Adam and Anna Grelle Brossart, she was born on July 8, 1880, in Sweetland township.  Caroline Brossart and Henry G. Brei were married on April 4, 1900, in Muscatine.  She attended the Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church at New Era.

Surviving are the husband, four sons, Allie Brei of Muscatine, Ernest Brei of Bloomington township, Louis Brei of Sweetland township, and John Brei of Sweetland township; one daughter Mrs. J.F. Spring of Fruitland township; three brothers, August Brossart of Sweetland township, Adam Brossart of Bloomington township and Alex Brossart of Muscatine; four sisters, Mrs. George Schmidt of Sweetland, Mrs. Margaret Maher, Mrs. Florence Bleadorn and Mrs. Mayme Ferry, all of Muscatine, and ten grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother,; one son and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Hoffman Funeral church, with the Rev. C.B. Rayhill, pastor of the Park Avenue Methodist church in charge.  Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery.

The body will remain at the Hoffman Funeral home.

Source: Muscatine Journal & News Tribune Friday May 29, 1942
Contributed by Lynn McCleary
being researched by Susie Martin-Rott

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Services for Earl G. Brei, of Muscatine, will be 11 a.m. today at  Grace Lutheran Church, Muscatine. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine.  Mr. Brei died Monday, July 28, 1998, at Lutheran Homes, Muscatine. Ralph J.  Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, Muscatine, is in charge of arrangements.

He was  employed as foreman at Lytle Motor Co., Davenport, and then was a custodian at  Muscatine school district. He was born Jan. 5, 1904, in New Era. He married Lucille  Lamar in 1926. She died in 1975. He married Gretchen Ricketts in 1980. Memorials  may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Women.

Survivors include his wife; a  daughter, Beverly Kutcher, Davenport; stepdaughters, Rose Arnold, Evansville, Wis.,
and Barbara Schmelzer, Muscatine; a stepson, James Ricketts, Falcon Heights, Minn.;  14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; a sister, Inez Campbell, San Diego; and  brothers, Daniel, New Hampshire, and Jacob, Muscatine.

Source: Quad City Times  29 Jul 1998
Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott

George L. Brie (sic), 68, a resident of Muscatine county all his life, died suddenly at his home in the New Era community on rural route No. 3 at 12:30 a.m., today.

Mr. Brie (sic) was born on March 28, 1877, in Muscatine county, the son of Ludwig and Elizabeth Krell Brie (sic).  He married Phillipine Grimm in 1898 in Muscatine.  Mr. Brie (sic) was a member of Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church.

Surviving are his wife; three sons, Earl Brei, Muscatine, Daniel, of Boston, Mass. and Jacob Brei, at home; four daughters, Mrs. Joseph Titus, Mrs. Carl Spieth, Mrs. Ed Spieth and Mrs. Charles Campbell, all of Muscatine; one brother, Henry Brie (sic), Muscatine; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Leonhard and Mrs. Mary Stark, both of this city; 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother and two sisters.  Three brothers and sisters also died in infancy.

The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals and services will be held there at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.  The Rev. August Aden, pastor of Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church will officiate.  Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Muscatine Journal, January 1946
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
Note: Correct spelling of the surname is BREI. I thought it odd that the person writing the obituary got the names of his sons correctly, but his and his brother's were wrong.  Neither was ever known to have spelled their surname Brie.  The error appears to correct itself in the funeral notice.

Funeral rites for George L. Brei, whose sudden death occurred at his home on route No. 3 in the New Era community, were conducted at 1:30 p.m., today, at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals by the Rev. August Aden, pastor of Ziegler Memorial church at New Era.  Interment was in Greenwood cemetery.

Harlan Hetzler was the soloist with Miss Eda Critz serving as the accompanist.  Casket bearers were Henry Fitchner, Henry Sywassink, Henry Rahlf, Earl Richman, Fritz Belter and Elmer Hetzler.  Mrs. Henry Fitchner, Mrs. Will Fitchner, Mrs. Earl Richman and Mrs. Henry Rahlf served as flower attendants.

MUSCATINE JOURNAL & NEWS-TRIBUNE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1946
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
This is my great-grandfather who died before I was born.  If you looked at the dedication on this website, you might note that the site is dedicated to his wife, Phillipine "Bena" Grimm Brei.

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Jacob H. ‘Jake’ Brei, 84, of Muscatine, died Sunday,  June 17, 2001, at Unity Hospital.

Services are 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine. The Rev. Mark Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Monday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the church.

Mr. Brei was born Aug. 20, 1916, in Muscatine County, the son of George and Phillipine Grimm Brei.
He married Ruby Knipfer on June 28, 1941, in North English.  They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

He and his wife farmed in the New Era area for 52 years, retiring to Muscatine in 1993.  He was a member of the Living Water Church in Muscatine.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby of Muscatine; a daughter, Susan Snyder and her husband, James, of McPherson, Kan.; four grandchildren, Catherine  Becker, Clinton Snyder, Joanna Jarvis and David Snyder; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Sarah, Rachel and Riley; a brother, Daniel Brei of Epson, N.H.; and a sister, Inez Campbell of San Diego, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and one brother.
Muscatine Journal 18 Jun 2001
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
Note: This was my grandmother's brother.  Uncle Jake was the sweetest man and told me a lot about Muscatine County and New Era in the early days.

Mrs. Earl (Lucille) Brei, 70, died at 8:20 p.m. Sunday at University Hospital, Iowa City, following an extended illness. Her home had been at 204 W. 8th St.  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home with Rev. H. C. Hafermann officiating. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

She was born Dec. 3, 1904, at Muscatine, the daughter of William H. and Carrie Bronner Lamar, and had been a life resident of this community.  The marriage of Lucille Lamar and Earl Brei took place Nov. 18, 1926 at Muscatine. He survives her at home.

She is also survived by one daughter, Mrs. Raymond (Beverly) Kutcher, Davenport. Preceeding her in death were her parents, one brother and a sister in infancy.

Source: Muscatine Journal  Date: Unknown
Submitted by : Susie Martin-Rott

Ludwig Brei died this morning about 5 o'clock in his home in Sweetland Township. He was born in Germany, Oct 27, 1824, and came to America settling in New York in 1854, where he remained until 1858, when he moved to Muscatine County settling on a farm where he spent his remaining days.

He was well known here in the County and had many friends here. For the past six months he had been ill but the serious illness, which was the cause of his death, lasted only a comparatively short time. He is survived by his wife, three sons, four daughters and 11 grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at the family residence at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon.

Source: unknown, probably Muscatine Journal  12 Nov 1902
Contributed by  Susie Martin-Rott
Note: buried at Krell Cemetery with his wife Elizabeth Krell Brei.  Many of their descendants also buried at Krell

MCPHERSON, Kansas - Ruby H. Brei, 82, of McPherson, Kansas, formerly of Muscatine, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at the Hutchinson Hospital in Hutchinson, Kas.

Services are 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home in Muscatine. The Rev. Mark Anderson of the Church of the Living Water will officiate.  Pallbearers are Matthew Anderson, Ted Rickets, Jerry Kretschmar, George Kretschmar, Tom Kindler and David Titus. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Following the burial, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the funeral home community room.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Living Water of Muscatine or the Foursquare Gospel Church of McPherson, Kas.

Ruby Helena Knipfer was born on Dec. 16, 1920, in North English, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Samantha Ballard Knipfer.  She married Jake Brei on June 28, 1941, in North English. She worked in the public school system as a teacher for many years.

She was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in McPherson, Kas. and a former member of both Church of the Living Water and Ziegler Memorial Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan Kay Snyder and her husband, James of McPherson, Kas.; one sister, Lorna Kretschmar and her husband, Roger; four grandchildren; Carrie Becker and her husband Matthew, Clinton Snyder, Joanna Jarvis and her husband Dustan and David Snyder; four great-grandchildren, Sarah and Rachel Becker and Samantha and Riley Jarvis.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2001 and three sisters, Fern Knipfer, Sylvia Knipfer and Gail Tomlinson.

Muscatine Journal 04 Nov 2003
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott

Archie James Brewer, 56, of 1109 New Hampshire street, died at 2:20 a.m. today at Muscatine General hospital.

Mr. Brewer, a carpenter, was born Jan. 10, 1903 at Rock Island, Ill., the son of Freeman and Sarah Essex Brewer.  Most of his life had been spent in this community.

He married Esther A. Freese Aug. 23, 1938 at Muscatine.  He was a member of the Moose lodge.

Survivors include his wife; a son Ralph J. Brewer of Davenport; two stepsons, Jerry Howard of Muscatine and Leroy Howard of Illinois; a daughter Mrs. Ralph Welsch of Muscatine; four stepdaughters Mrs. John Hidlebaugh, Mrs. Harold Neff, Mrs. Guy Yearington and Mrs. James Noble all of Muscatine; and four brothers Rufus, Donald and William Brewer of Muscatine and Walter Brewer of Joliet, Ill.  Two grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the George M. Wittich Funeral Home the Rev. C. R. Gesell of Grace Lutheran church.  Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery.  The body will remain at the funeral home pending services.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal, June 1959
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note: He died June 24, 1959. The marriage date to Esther is wrong  It should read Aug. 13, 1948

Barbara I. Brewer, 70, 2100 Breese St., died Thursday afternoon at her home.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Sunday.  The Ladies of the Eagles will hold a service at 7 p.m. Sunday.  Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Cancer Fund through the Eagles Lodge.

Mrs. Brewer was born April 26, 1813 in Ladora, Iowa, a daughter of A. F. and Ida (Wyant) Bahr.  On April 13, 1935, she married Donald Lee Brewer in Muscatine.  She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary No. 815.

Surviving are her husband; two sons Larry L. of Spokane, Wash., and Lester L. of Columbus, Ga.; two daughters, Donna Brewer of Muscatine, and Mrs. Denzil (Nancy) Fossberg of College Grove, Ore.;
eight grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Bahr of Ladora, Iowa; and one sister; Pearl Lowe of Sheridan, Iowa.

Mrs. Brewer was preceded in death by one brother, one sister and two grandsons.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal April 29, 1983
Research Source June Welsch

Muscatine IA, Journal Jan. 11, 1909
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
His mother wrote in her family bible Benjamin Ernest Brewer was born Mar. 3, 1907 on Sun. 2:00 A.M. in Fairport IA, died Jan. 10, 1909 on Sunday at 10:15

FAIRPORT - Clara Mae Brewer, 86, died Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at her home in Fairport.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home in Muscatine. The Rev. Dennis R. Meador Sr. will officiate. Organist will be Betty Lincoln.

Pallbearers will be Mike Estell, Tim Brewer, Dennis Meador Jr., Josh Moon, Bill Warren and Kevin Simons.
Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held following services at the Open Door Baptist Church in Montpelier.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the Open Door Baptist Church.

Mrs. Brewer was born Jan. 1, 1913, in Andalusia, Ill., the daughter of Joe and Ida Johnson Snider.
She married Leonard G. Brewer on Dec. 9, 1930, in Rock Island, Ill.

She lived most of her life in the Muscatine area. She was a member of the Open Door Baptist Church
and the Muscatine Moose Lodge. She worked at HON Industries for 16 years before retiring.

Survivors include two sons, Leonard J. Brewer and his wife, Lois, of Muscatine and Lee J. Brewer and his wife, Sara, of Montpelier; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Joni Raushenberger, of Muscatine.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard; one daughter, Gerene; a sister, Florence Carter; a brother, Ernest Snider; and two half-brothers, Fred Snider and Joe Snider.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Dec. 20, 1999
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Daniel "Jack" Brewer, 79, formerly of 308 W. 4th St., died Sunday morning at the Wapello Nursing Home.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Geo. M. Wittick-Lewis Funeral Home. The Rev. LaVern Hubbard, pastor of the Fruitland Baptist Church, will officiate, Burial will be in the Island Cemetery. Visitation is from 7 to 9 o'clock this evening and until services time on Tuesday.
The son of Wiley and Sarah Smith Brewer, he was born Dec. 2, 1902, in Wayne County, Tenn. He had lived most of his life in the Muscatine area.
His marriage to Alice Wall Griener took place in January 1948 in Florence, Ala. He was member of the Fruitland Baptist Church. Mr. Brewer retired from the John Deere Company.
Survivors include his wife; one stepdaughter, Doris Bryant of Tallahassee, Fla.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.

Muscatine Journal Monday October 11, 1982
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Donald L. Brewer, 84, died Wednesday, May 18, 1894, at his home at 1502 Grand Ave.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  The Rev. Paul Ostrem of Zion Lutheran Church will officiate.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where a memorial fund has been established.  At 7:30 p.m. the Eagles Lodge will conduct a memorial service.

Mr. Brewer was born at Fairport, a son of Free and Sarah Essex Brewer.  He was a life resident of the area.

He first married Barbara Bahr on April 18, 1835 in Canton, Mo.  On June 3, 1984, he married Bernice Kirk in Muscatine.

He was a member of the Moose and Eagles lodges and a 45 year member of the AF of L CIO.
He had been employed at Roach & Musser and later Huttig's Mfg. for 28 years, retiring in 1975.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice; two sons, Larry L. Brewer of Olympia, Wash., and Lester L. Brewer of Kansas City, Kan.; four step-sons, Gerald W. Kirk of Wapello, Donald C. Kirk of Muscatine, Larry E. Kirk of Durant, and Albert H. Kirk of Buffalo; two daughters Mrs. John (Donna) McBride of Muscatine, and Mrs. Denzil (Nancy) Fossberg of Grand Island, Neb.; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Richard (Nancy) Hinz of Muscatine; eight grandchildren, 12 step grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Willam A. Brewer of Salem, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife in 1983, six brothers, one grandson and one great-grandson.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal, May 18, 1994;
Research Source June Welsch
Note His mother wrote in her family bible Donald Lee Brewer was born Sat. at 8:10 A.M. in Fairport, IA.

Esther A. Brewer, 72, formerly of 812 E. 8th St., died at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Bethesda Care Center after a short illness.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home.

Mrs. Brewer was a life resident of Muscatine.  She was born here March 9, 1906, the daughter of John H. and Bertha Oest Freese.  She was married first to Omer Howard.  On Aug. 23, 1948 she was married to Archie James Brewer.

Mrs. Brewer was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

She is survived by two sons, LeRoy Howard of Hamilton, Alabama, and Jerry Howard of Kingsville, Texas, four daughters, Mrs. John (Thelma) Hidlebaugh, Mrs. Harold W. (Mariam) Neff, Mrs. Guy (Ruth) Yerington and Mrs. James (Phyllis) Noble all of Muscatine; one step-son Ralph Brewer of Letts; and a   step-daughter Mrs. Ralph (June) Welsch, Muscatine, 26 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.  She is also survived by two brothers, Carl H. and Albert Freese both of Muscatine; and a sister Mrs. William (Helen) O'Brien.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Taken from Muscatine IA, Journal April 12, 1978
Research Source June Welsch
Note by June Brewer Welsch:
Esther had a wonderful family we always got along with her children in fact we are still friends and family.  Esther was a wonderful person. She was the daughter of John and Bertha (Oest) Freese.  Esther was a wonderful lady.  She gave me alot  of good recipes and fixed us a lot a good meals.

He was born in Rock Island county, ILL, on Jan. 12, 1872, the son of Stephen and Nancy Acy Brewer.  He married Sarah Essex and after her death, married Mollie Hall on 8 April 1946 in Muscatine.   He was a retired farmer.

Surviving are his wife; five sons Rufus Brewer, route 3, Archie, Fairport; two sisters, Mrs. George Kramer, Fairport, and Mrs. Orange Bird, Paris, ILL.: twelve grandchildren.  His parents, first wife, a sister, and three sons preceded him in death.

The body is at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral home where it will remain pending funeral arrangements.
 

Taken from the Muscatine Iowa Journal July 1949
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Notes from June Brewer Welsch:  Free was my grandfather.  In the above obit. it said he had 5 sons but only named two, the other sons were Donald, Walter and William.  All of Free Brewer children are deceased but William.  Free Brewer is buried at the Fairport cemetery.  Free died 20 July 1949.

September. 13, 1999 in the Muscatine Iowa Journal was the following;
Our Yesterdays, 100 years:  Squire Rowan had to get up early to do business in the matrimonial line this morning.  The Squire married Freeman Brewer and Miss Sarah Essex at 8 a.m. the earliest opening of the "Marriage Parlor" on record.

Taken from Aledo/Reynolds Press Friday 22 September 1899; Illinois City Mr. Brewer married Miss Sadie Essex on Monday.

I have a copy of his m/record and it gives name as Freeman Brewer; listed parents as Stephen Brewer and Nancy Asa.  He also wrote his name and  said he was born in Illinois.  When he married Mollie Graves in 1947 he said his name was Free.
 

In the 1910 Sweetland Township, Muscatine County Iowa, Census Free Brewer 37 born Illinois married 11 years Sarey (Sarah) 32, born Illinois Theodore W. (Rufus) 10 born Illinois Archer J. ( Archie) 9 born Illinois,

He was in the 1920 Muscatine, Muscatine County Census F. M. Brewer 46 born IL Rufus 19 born IL Archie 17 born IL Donald 9 born IA Walter 5 born IA His wife was in the hospital in Mt. Pleasant.

Glen Brewer, 69, a resident of Fairport for 46 years died of gunshot wounds at his home at Fairport.

County Coroner William Catalona pronounced his death a suicide, death resulting from gunshot wounds in the abdomen.

The son of Steven and Nancy Elizabeth Acey Brewer, he was born 8 April 1882 in Illinois City Illinois.  His wife is the former Kate Waldon.  Mr. Brewer had been employed as a section laborer on the Rock Island railroad.

Surviving are his wife, living at Mt. Pleasant, Ia.; one son, Alva Lee Griffin of Sigourney; one stepson, Fred Bahr of Muscatine; three daughters,  Mrs. Effie Rossi of Starks, Neb., Miss Dicie Brewer of Rockwell City, Ia,, and Mrs. Ellen McDaniels of Marengo Ia., two sisters, Mrs. Nuffie Cramer of Fairport and Mrs. Minnie Bird of Lawrenceville Ill.; and 13 grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his parents, first wife, two sons, one daughter, two brothers and one sister.

The body has been taken to the Fairbanks Home for Funerals and friends may call there after 10 a.m. Thursday.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fairbanks Chapel.  Burial will be in the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport Iowa.

From Muscatine IA, Journal Aug. 8, 1951
Research Source June Brewer Welsch
Note from June Brewer Welsch the name Cramer should be Creamer also Clara told me Glen was murdered as they found money missing

In 1910 Sweetland Township, Muscatine Iowa Federal Census Glen Brewer 29 born Illinois, married 2 years Niny 17 born Illinois she had one child and one still living Leonard 2 born Iowa

In the 1915 Muscatine County Iowa,  State Census Glen Brewer 33 Nina 22 Nancy 66 (This was his mother) Leonard 6 Effie 4 Dicy 2 Norma 1

Mrs. Brewer was born at Milwaukee, Wis., July 12, 1895.  She came to Muscatine with her family in 1900.  She was married to Arthur Barr (sic-Bahr) of Muscatine in 1914 and three children were born to them, Esther, Gertrude, and Frederick Barr (sic-Bahr).  Following a divorce Mrs. Brewer was married to Glen Brewer of Fairport, May 8, 1922.

Surviving are her husband; one son Frederick Barr (sic-Bahr), Fairport; two daughters, Esther and Gertrude Barr (sic-Bahr),
both of this city; her father, Carl Krueger, Muscatine; a brother, Edward Krueger, Muscatine; one sister, Mrs. A. A. Pallischeck of this city; one step-son, Leonard Brewer.  Her mother and one sister preceded her in death.

A short service will be conducted at the Meyers Funeral Home at 1 o'clock and at the Fairport church by the Rev. E. A. Lack, pastor of Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church at New Era.

From the Muscatine Iowa Journal Saturday March 14, 1931
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note:  Barr should be Bahr.

From the Muscatine Iowa Journal Wednesday March 19, 1931;
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mary Elizabeth Brewer, 79, widow of Stephen A. Brewer, died at her home at Fairport at 3:30 this morning after an illness of several months.

She was born in Drury township, Ill., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Asa.  Practically her entire life was spent in the vicinity of her birth, in Rock Island and Muscatine counties.

She was married to Stephen A. Brewer in Drury township in 1871.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. O. A. Bird, Put-in-Bay, O., and Mrs. A. Creamer, Fairport; two sons, F. M. Brewer Geneva Island, and Glenn Brewer Fairport; one sister, Mrs. Susan Hayes, Muscatine and 24 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Fairport church at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon by the Rev. E. A. Lack, pastor of the Ziegler Memorial Lutheran church of New Era.

Burial will be at the Fairport cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in charge of the Goff undertaking parlors.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal Sept. 1928
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Rufus T. Brewer, 86, Route 3, died early today at Muscatine General Hospital.

Services are Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Pat Dilts is organist.  Pallbearers are Paul Brewer Jr., Jim Nehaus, Bob Laeser, Ken Conner, Wilbur Hetzler and Kenneth TeStrake.

Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home where a memorial has been established.

Mr. Brewer was born Oct. 29, 1900 in Illinois, a son of Free and Sarah Essex Brewer.  He was a life resident here.  He was united in marriage on May 4, 1935 to Dorothy Mae Jackson at Rock Island.  He farmed his entire adult life.

Survivors include one son, Paul Brewer, Tipton; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald, Muscatine; and William, Salem, Mo.

His wife and five brothers preceded him in death.

From the Muscatine IA Journal,Feb. 27, 1987
Research Source June Welsch
Note: I believe he was named after his great g/father.
His mother wrote in her bible Rufus Theadore was born Oct. 29, 1900 Thursday in Rock Island County, IL.

Mrs. Brewer was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, the daughter of Wiley and Matildy Essex and had spent the past 20 years of her life in Muscatine county.

She is survived by her husband F. M. Brewer; five children, Rufus F., Archie J., Donald L., Walter A., and William A. Brewer, all of Muscatine county; three brothers E. T. and William Essex, both of Rock Island county, O. S. Terry of Muscatine.

The body is at the George Wittich Funeral Home, 210 Cedar street, and will remain there for funeral services to be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday by the Rev. Ira Hawley, pastor of United Brethren church. Burial will be in the Essex cemetery in Illinois.

Taken from the Muscatine Iowa Journal July 1933
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Notes from June Brewer Welsch Sarah Brewer was my grandmother she died 2 July 1933.
On her marriage record it said she was born in Illinois and her parents were Wiley Essex and Matilda Davis; it should be Davidson.  She also could write.

From Muscatine IA, Journal Jan. 11, 1909
Research Source June Welsch
Note; His mother wrote in her family bible Benjamin Ernest Brewer was born Mar. 3, 1907 on Sun. 2:00 A.M. in Fairport IA, died Jan. 10, 1909 on Sunday at 10:15

Joliet, Ill.---- Walter A. Brewer 44, former resident of Muscatine, died at 11 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's hospital in Joliet after an illness of several months.

Walter Brewer was the son of Free and Sarah Brewer of Muscatine.

Survivors include his wife Beulah; three sons, Albert and Freeman of Clinton, Ia., and Roy of Gary Ind.; three brothers, Rufus, Donald and William of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.
Interment will be at Dixon Ill.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal Aug. 25, 1961
Research Source June Welsch
Note;  Walter and Beulah didn't have any children together the sons listed are his children by his first wife Alma.  Walter and Alma were divorced 4 September 1946.
His mother wrote in her family bible Walter Brewer was born Sat. at 1:30 in Muscatine, Iowa

Antoinette Breza, 78, a resident of Solon for the last 73 years, died in an Iowa City nursing home at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday after along illness. Born Antoinette Zable, April 10, 1879, in Czechoslovakia, she came to this country when she was five years old. She was married to Joseph Breza, April 26, 1899. He died Jan. 6, 1924.

Surviving are three daughters: Mrs. Leo Noska of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. Albert Regan of Cedar Rapids and Mrs. Joe Unick of Solon; two sons: Victor R. and Richard J., of near Solon; a sister, Mrs. Mary Zenishek of Solon, and a brother, Emil Zobel of Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be conducted in the Brosh funeral home in Solon at 9 a.m. Thursday and at 9:30 in S. Mary’s church by the Rev. Carl F. Clems. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Father Clems will recite the Rosary at 7:30 p. m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where friends may call.

Source and Date Unknown

Abbie F. Bridge, 87, of 313 E. 5th St., died at 5:45 a. m. today at Muscatine Care Center, following an extended illness.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at noon at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.

Abbie Bridge was born July 6, 1887 in Bloomington Township the, daughter of Joseph and Exira (Hood) Essex.

She married Herman A. Bridge December 12, 1906 in Muscatine.  Mrs. Bridge was a life resident of Muscatine, had been a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. John (Adel) Thirtyacre, Mrs. Ralph (Gertrude) Lippelgoes both of Muscatine, and Mrs. Raymond (Donna) Griffith, Blue Grass, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren,  and one sister Mrs. Gertrude Norris, Muscatine.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and five brothers.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal May 12 1975
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Pallbearers were Ralph Lippelgoes, Lavern Lippelgoes, John Thirtyacre, Ray Griffith, Dave Nealson and Dave Smith.

Mrs. Bridge died Monday at the Muscatine Care Center.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal May 15, 1975
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Ref; Muscatine County Iowa m/records it said age next birthday 20 and Herman was 34.

Herman A. Bridge, 75, died at 1:10 pm., today at his home, 519 East Fifth street, following an illness of one month.

Mr. Bridge was born on Jan. 27, 1872, in Iowa County, Wis., the son of Jacob and Carolyn Brooks Bridge.  He came here about 45 years ago.  He married Abbie Essex in Muscatine on Dec. 12, 1906.
Mr. Bridge was a retired farmer.

Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Curtis Smith, of Muscatine county, Mrs. Ralph Lipplegoes, Muscatine, and Donna Jean at home; four grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters.

The body is at the George M. Wittich Funeral home where it will remain for services to be conducted at 2 pm., Friday by the Rev. J. Arthur Eveland, pastor of the First Evangelical United Brethren church.  Interment will be in Memorial Park cemetery.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Wed. Nov. 5, 1947
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Iris Frances Bridges, 65, of 225 West Second street, died at 10:30 Wednesday night at Bellevue hospital, after an illness of three years. Death was caused by cancer of the stomach.
Mrs. Bridges was born Aug. 16, 1872, in Mercer county, Ill., and resided in Fruitland before coming to Muscatine, where she has made her home for a number of years.
She was married to Benjamin M. Bridges on July 28, 1892, and later divorced from him on June 18, 1910.
One brother survives, William Albert Olmstead of Muscatine.
The body is at the Meyers Funeral home, where rites will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. with burial in the Fruitland cemetery.
Envoy M. V. Mundell of the Salvation Army will be in charge.

Muscatine Journal Front page September 9, 1937
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Dorothea E. Britt died Saturday, May 11, 1991 at her Davenport home.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Davenport.  Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery.  There is no visitation.
Arrangements are under the direction of the McGinnis, Chambers and Sass Funeral Home in Bettendorf.
Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church or Love for Animals.

Mrs. Britt was born at Tipton, a daughter of George and Clara Maxwell DeMean.  She married John Britt on June 9, 1934, in Muscatine.  He died in 1952.

Survivors include two nieces, ...(rest of obit is cut off but this may help someone)

Source:  Muscatine Journal 14 May 1991
Contributed by the webmaster (I have no further information)

Mrs. Nellie Broadston, 81, 1306 Orange St., died Sunday at the Oakwood Nursing Home.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home. Don Kinyon will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Nellie Downey was born Aug 3, 1895, at Muscatine, the daughter of Archie and Ruth Browne Downey.
A member or the Church of Christ, she married Ephraim J. Broadston Nov. 10, 1917, at Muscatine.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Helen) Globes of Artesia, Calif.; Mrs. George (Edith) Reesink of Muscatine and Mrs. John (Betty) Newman of Davenport; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Archie of Los Angeles, Calif.; and two sisters, Mrs. Warren (Florence) Walker of Muscatine and Mrs. Tom (Ruby) Dinwiddie of Hernet Calif.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, a brother, a sister and a grandson.

Muscatine Journal Monday Jan. 17, 1977
Contributed by: Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Ernest Robert "Jiggs" Brockert, 74, died suddenly at 9 p.m. Tuesday at his home on Route 5 in Fruitland Township of a heart ailment.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Island Cemetery.
Visitation will begin Wednesday noon at the funeral home.

He was born Nov. 5, 1901, at Fairbalt, Minn., the son of Benjamin and Ida Mae Walker Brockert, and had resided in this community most of his life.  He married Marie Finley on Feb. 14, 1925, at Fort Madison.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Marie Brockert; five sons, Phillip, Charles, Thomas, James, and David, all of Muscatine; five daughters, Mrs. Wilbur (Pauline) Harris, Mrs. Larry (Lucille) LaRue, Mrs. Richard (Marian) Stauffer, and Mrs. Robert (Evelyn) Helm, all of Muscatine, and Mrs. Charles (Lois) Herr, Centerville, Iowa; 36 grandchildren; and 15, great-grandchildren; one brother, Irvin Brockert, Columbus Junction; and three sisters, Mrs. Verna Crockey, Spokane, Wash., Mrs. James (Marie) Knoll, Burlington, and Mrs. Gilbert (Beulah) Uker, Clarion, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, one sister,and three brothers.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday June 15, 1976 page 3
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh 

Services for Marie Elma Brockert, 78, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. The Rev. A. A. Buntenbach will officiate.
The daughter of Harry and Lucrecda Ruby Finley, she was born March 13, 1906, in Wapello. She was a life resident of the area.
Her marriage to Ernest Robert "Jiggs" Brockert took place Feb. 14, 1925, in Fort Madison.
Survivors include five sons, James, Phillip, David, Thomas and Charles, all of Muscatine; four daughters, Mrs. Wilbur (Pauline) Harris, Mrs. Robert (Evelyn) Helm and Mrs. Larry (Lucille) LaRue, all of Muscatine, and Mrs. Charles (Lois) Herr of Centerville; 36 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Hallie Ricklefs of Muscatine and Mrs. Irvin (Opal) Brockert of Columbus Junction.    She was preceded in death by her husband in 1976, two daughters, two brothers and a sister.

Muscatine Journal Wednesday May 23, 1984
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh 

Mrs. Nancy Titus Brockert, 34, of 2206 Schley Ave., died at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, at the Muscatine General Hospital, following an extended illness.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, at the Riley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Island Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 7 tonight at the funeral home.

Nancy Brockert was born Dec. 15, 1940, the daughter of Paul Fenton and Rella Mae (Rowe) Schaaf in Reedsville, Pa.
On June 23, 1956 she married Earl Joseph Titus, Jr., (sic -see notes) in Muscatine.  Her second marriage was to James Brockert on Dec. 11, 1971 in Muscatine. Mrs. Brockert had been a member of the Grace Lutheran church, and had resided in Muscatine over 27 years.

Surviving are her husband, James; three sons, Billy Joe, Donald Dean and James Scott Titus, all at home; six stepsons, Ronald, Allen, William and Joseph Brockert, Muscatine, and Marvin and Timothy Brockert, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Dennis (Brenda Jo) Chick, Muscatine, and Sally Ann Titus, at home; two step-daughters, Mrs. Dennis (Cathy) Stromer, Muscatine, and Betty Brockert, at home; her mother, Mrs. Rella May Schaaf, Muscatine; one granddaughter; one brother, Donald Fenton Schaaf, Muscatine; and two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Creamer, Columbus, Miss., and Mrs. Gerald (Thelma Jean) Stegall, Muscatine.  She was preceded in death by her father and one brother in infancy.

Muscatine Journal  Wednesday March 12, 1975 page 7
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
Notes from Susie Martin-Rott:  Correct name of her 1st husband is Joseph Earl Titus – he is NOT a Jr. ( his father was Joseph CYRUS Titus).
This is my uncle. He and Nancy were divorced. If anyone has information regarding the children James Scott Titus and Sally Ann Titus listed in this obituary, please contact me.  Our family genealogists do not show these two children listed as children of Joseph & Nancy.  If in fact they are children of Joseph, they are my cousins.

Quinton Alan Brockert, the infant son of Jeffery and Shawn Brockert of Grandview, died Wednesday night, Feb. 22, 1995, at Muscatine General Hospital.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Island Cemetery near Fruitland. Pallbearers will be Tom Brockert and Lewis Shellady.   There is no visitation.
Quinton was born Feb. 22, 1995, in Muscatine, to Jeffrey A. and Shawn Shellady Brockert.
Survivors include his parents, Jeffrey and Shawn; two brothers, James Brockert and Jordon Brockert, both at home; two sisters, Ashley Brockert and Samantha Shellady, both at home; his maternal grandparents, Lewis Shellady and Charlotte Shellady, both of Muscatine; paternal grandparents, Tom and Linda Brockert of Muscatine; paternal great-parents, Adam and Gertrude Starkweather, and maternal great-grandparents, Charlie and Mary Saltz.

Muscatine Journal  Thursday February 23, 1995 page 5 A
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Carl A. Broderson, 68, 159 Sherman St., died Friday morning at Muscatine General Hospital.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home with the Rev. Thomas Simmons officiating.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 till 8 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society or the First Baptist Church.

The son of Carl F. and Elizabeth E. Humphrey Broderson, he was born Dec. 16, 1915, in Clinton, Ia.  He lived in Muscatine for 36 years.  His marriage to Darlene Rodgers took place Dec. 27, 1947. in Muscatine.

Broderson was a member of the First Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II.  He owned and operated Broderson Upholstery from July, 1949 until his retirement in October, 1963.

Survivors include his wife; three sons Roger, Gary and Carl Broderson Jr., all of Muscatine; three daughters, Judy Qualls and Toni Shoppa, both of Muscatine, and Mrs. Tom (Terry) Gorsuch, of Wilton; two brothers, Gerald B. Broderson, of Muscatine, and Edward Broderson of Charlotte, Ia.; one sister, Eva Sanders, of Camanche, Ia.; and eight grandchildren.  Broderson was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal, Mar. 17, 1984
Research Source June Welsch

MUSCATINE-- Darlene LaVonne Broderson, 68, of 159 Sherman St., died late Sunday evening, Oct. 12, 1997, at Muscatine General Hospital.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Pallbearers will be Cory Bachman, Roy Broderson, Allen Ball, Arnold Rivera, Tom Gorsuch and Matt Hollingsworth.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to WDLM Moody Broadcasting or Habitat for Humanity.

There will be a time for family and friends, following the committal service, at the home of her son, Rodger Broderson, 509 E. Ninth St., Muscatine.

Mrs. Broderson was born Feb. 5, 1929, in Muscatine, a daughter of William M. and Etta M. Eis Rodgers.  She was a life resident of the area.  She married Carl A. Broderson Sr. in December 1947.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, and a former member of Women's Aglow.  She enjoyed playing bingo and traveling with friends.  She was employed as hostess in food service at Muscatine General Hospital, and the couple were former owners of Broderson Upholstery.

Survivors include three sons, Rodger C. Broderson, Gary A. Broderson and Carl A. Broderson Jr., all of Muscatine; three daughters, Judy Qualls Rivera of Muscatine, Toni E. Quandt of Phoenix, Ariz., and Terry D. Gorsuch of Wilton; 19 grandchildren, Pete Ramirez of Muscatine, John Qualls of Clinton, Alex Shoppa of Muscatine, Beau Shoppa, Casey Shoppa, David Quandt and Eric Quandt, all of Phoenix; Heather Gorsuch and Cory Gorsuch, both of Wilton; Michelle Broderson, Tommy Broderson, Andy Broderson, Broderson and Beth Broderson, all of Muscatine; Susan Armstrong of Bettendorf; and Donna Armstrong, April Campbell, Jenny Campbell, Ryan Broderson and Sean Broderson, all of Muscatine.

Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, Holly Ramirez, Harlan Ramirez, Ashley Campbell and Sidney Schmidt, all of Muscatine; and three sisters, Thelma Hawk of Castle Rock, Colo., Dorothy Westerman of Muscatine, and Wanda Whitman of Green Valley, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two sisters, Violetta Rehbehn and Mable Malone.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal, Oct. 14, 1997
Research Source June Welsch

ALEDO--- Mrs. Anna W. Brokaw, 84, 309 S. E. 5th Ave., Aledo, died at 11:45 a.m.  Wednesday at the Mercer County hospital, Aledo; from a cardiac failure.

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Reiser Chapel, Aledo. Rev. Dale Brehmer will officiate and burial will be in the Aledo cemetery. Visitation will be held this evening from 7 to 9.

Born July 28, 1889 at Biggsville, Ill., Anna Weir was the daughter of John and Jennie McMillen Weir. She lived in Aledo all her married life.Anna Weir married A. L. Brokaw Oct. 5, 1910 at Biggsville. A homemaker, she was a member of the First United Presbyterian church, Aledo.

Surviving are five sons, Allan G., Hanover, Ill.; Weir, Joy; Harold, Bradenton, Fla.; Richard, Orion, Ill.;  and Robert, Aledo; a daughter, Mrs. John (Evelyn) Service, Monmouth; 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband in 1963, a brother, two sisters and one grandson.

Muscatine Journal Thursday Feb. 7, 1974 page 9
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

WEST LIBERTY--Mrs. Ida Schenck Brooke, 84, died at her home here about 1 a.m. today following a lingering illness.

She was born September 8, 1867, near Downey and lived almost her entire life in West Liberty.

She married Robert Brooke., Sr., December 14, 1892.  She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Brooke is survived by her husband, three sons, Findlay, Clare and Robert, all of West Liberty, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Snider funeral home here, with the Rev. Clinton J. Frank officiating.
Burial will be in the Oakridge cemetery

Iowa City Press Citizen 29 Dec 1951

Albert Brookhart, 78, a retired carpenter, died suddenly at 11:05 Sunday of a heart attack at his home near Letts.

He was born July 23, 1883 in the Letts community a son of Charles and Mary Thomas Brookhart, and had been a life resident of the community.

He married Mina Orris Aug. 9, 1952 at Fairfield, Ia,  Mr. Brookhart was a member of the Oak Grove Congregational church.

Surviving are his wife; one son, Leo Brookhart of Cranston, four daughters, Mrs. Fay Meeker of Cranston, Mrs. Clinton Hafner of Letts, Mrs. Roy Hutton of Fairfield, and Mrs. Claire Johnson of Mt. Pleasant; two brothers, Arthur Brookhart of Letts, and Lawrence Brookhart of Illinois City; a sister, Mrs. Laura Courtney; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jessie Gates Brookhart, a brother, and a sister.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Wednesday by the Rev. John McFarland.  Burial will be at Oak Grove cemetery.

From, Muscatine, IA, Journal, April, 1962
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note, He died April 1, 1962; the daughters Mrs. Roy Hutton and Mrs. Claire Johnson were actually his step-daughters.

She was born on June 14, 1908, at New Boston, Ill., the daughter of William and Ada Sloan Young.  She had resided in Muscatine before moving to Cranston three years ago.  Her marriage to Leo M. Brookhart occurred on March 8, 1945, at Iowa City, Mrs. Brookhart was a member of the First Methodist church here.

Surviving are her parents, her husband;  one son by a previous marriage Leo Oppelt, Jr., of Muscatine, one daughter, Mrs. Walter Sellers of this city; two grandchildren.  Preceding her in death was a sister, in infancy.

The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals where services will be conducted at 230 p.m., Saturday.  Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Source: Muscatine IA, Journal April 15, 1948
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Leo Brookhart, 65, Cranston, died at 1120 p.m. Tuesday at Muscatine General hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Friday at the Riley Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oakgrove cemetery, Cranston.  Visitation will begin Thursday morning.

Helen Kneer was born Jan. 31, 1908 at Burlington, the daughter of Tom and Bessie Strabala Kneer.  She had lived in the Cranston area most of her life.

Miss Kneer married Jim Smith in 1928 at Muscatine. He died in 1950.  On November. 7, 1942 she married Leo Brookhart at LeClaire, Iowa.  They owned and operated the Brookhart general store in Cranston for the last 20 years.

Surviving are her husband, Leo two daughters, Mrs. Harold (Vivian) Wingerter, Muscatine; Mrs. Charles (Joan) Johnson, Langdon ND; two brothers, Ted Kneer and Jack Kneer both of Muscatine; a sister, Mrs. Albert (Lela) Gundrum, Muscatine; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Burial was in the Oak Grove cemetery near Cranston Iowa.

Source:  Muscatine, IA, Journal   07 Aug 1973
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

The funeral of John W. Brookhart was held from the Cranston United Brethren church this afternoon at 2 o'clock, interment taking place at the Cranston cemetery.

Mr. Brookhart passed away at his home in Seventy-Six township yesterday afternoon at 1:10 o'clock, death following a prolonged illness caused by senility.  He was one of the oldest residents of Muscatine county and one of the best known men in the southern section of the county.  He was recognized as a willing church worker.

The deceased was born in Ohio, December 26, 1834, and lived on a farm in Seventy-Six township for nearly sixty years, having moved to this county shortly after he became of age.  He is survived by a sister and two sons, Frank of Seventy-Six township and Elwood of Cedar township.

Taken from the Muscatine Iowa Journal, Aug. 10, 1915;
Research Source June Welsch

COLUMBUS JCT. --Leo Marvin Brookhart, 65, Cranston, died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City.  He had been a resident of the Lone Tree Care Center for two years.

Services will be at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home, Columbus Junction, 130 p.m. Friday with Rev. Robert Gamble officiating.  Burial will be in the Oakgrove Cemetery.  Visitation begins after 4 p.m. Thursday.

Mr. Brookhart was born Feb. 21, 1912, in Cranston, the son of Albert and Jessie Gates Brookhart.  He married Gertrude Oppelt, who died in 1948, and Helen Schmidt, who died in 1973.

He was the Cranston postmaster and ran the general store in Cranston for 23 years.  He was a former member of the Oak Grove Church and the Letts United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three step-daughters; nine step grandchildren; and several step great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Fahy (should be Fay) (Florence) Meeker of Cranston and Mrs. Clinton (Mary) Hafner of rural Letts.  Addition information Leo was born Feb. 21, 1912 and passed on Nov. 22, 1977.

Source: From the Muscatine, IA, Journal  Nov. 23, 1977
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Peter Brookhart, well known resident of Letts, died at Bellevue hospital at 11o'clock this morning after a six weeks illness.  She underwent an operation at Bellevue hospital a week ago for a complication of diseases but failed to rally.

Matilda Frye was born in Letts, Nov. 16, 1850, spending her entire life in this community.  She was married to Peter Brookhart 55 years ago and six children were born, one preceding her in death.

Besides her husband, five children, Harry Brookhart of Junction City, Ore., Joseph of West Liberty; Archie of Letts, Mrs. A. M. Day of Mexico, Mo, Mrs. Arthur Wells of Buffalo, Ia.; one brother John Frye of Letts; three sisters, Mrs. John Coder of Cranston, Mrs. Eva Herrick of Muscatine, and Mrs. Hattie Epperly of St. Paul Minn.; 22 grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive.

From, Muscatine, IA, Journal,April, 1925
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note, She died April, 21, 1925, Her maiden name was Fry but is often spelt Frye.

Letts, Ia.  Funeral services for Peter Middaugh Brookhart were held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. H. W. Munster.  A quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Parsons, Mrs. C. E. Norris and Roscoe Eliason, with Mrs. H. W. Munster at the piano, sang.  The pallbearers were C. W. Gipple, L. U. Gipple, John Eliason, Oscar Townsley, Frank Hankins and Thomas Manning.  Burial was in the Letts cemetery.

He was the son of Henry and Matilda Middaugh Brookhart and was born near Middleton, O., Feb. 8, 1845, and died at his home in this city Sunday at the age of 85 years.  He came to Muscatine county with his parents at the age of 15 years and this community has been his home continuously since that time, with the exception of two years when he lived in Page county Iowa.

Dec. 26, 1869 he was married to Matilda Fry, who died five years ago.  He is survived by five children, Mrs. Myrta Day of Mexico, Mo., Joe Brookhart, West Liberty, Harry Brookhart, Erskine, Alta., Canada, Mrs. Mabel Wells, Buffalo, Ia., and Archie Brookhart, Letts; one sister Mrs. Ray Moles Crist of Washington Springs S.D, 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal, Feb. 1930
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note he died Feb. 22, 1930

Joseph A. Brossart, 70, Rt. 3, died at 8 p.m. Thursday at his home.

A farmer, Mr. Brossart was a life resident of Muscatine county. He was born here Aug. 6, 1897, the son of Joe and Louise Schmidt Brossart.  He was married Feb. 27, 1918, at Muscatine, to Garnet Koeppen.

Mr. Brossart was a member of New Era Lutheran church, and the Eagles lodges.

Surviving are two daughters, Bernice Brossart, Rt. 3, and Mrs. Paul (Mae) Bramble, Muscatine; and one brother, Frank Brossart, Muscatine.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two daughters.

The body is at the George M. Wittich funeral home, where friends may call after noon Saturday.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Greenwood cemetery.

Muscatine IA, Journal Friday Nov. 10, 1967
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

ESCONDIDO, Calif. - Marlin W. Brossart, 68, Escondido, died Tuesday, April 9, 9002, at his  home from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.   Private family services will be held. Burial will be at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Education Scholarship Fund, California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025 or to the California Society of Mayflower Descendants, c/o Treasurer, 405 14th St., Terrace Level, Oakland, CA  94612.

 Mr. Brossart was born Aug. 8, 1933, in Muscatine.

 He was a principal for 35 years at Escondido Union School District, retiring in 1996.
 He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

 He was a member of North Inland Opera Guild, California Retired Teachers Association,  American Legion, Descendents of the Mayflower Society and a life member of the Optimist  Club. He served on the Board of Trustees of the California Center for the Arts, Board of  Trustees of the Classical Academy Charter School and various positions on the Boards for  the Mayflower Society and was the Treasurer General. He was a founding member of the  Escondido Genealogical Society and a volunteer at the Family History Center.

 His hobbies included genealogy, classical music, attending opera, computers and world  travel.

 Survivors include his wife, Lois; a son, Randy and wife Shawna of Valley Center, Calif.; and  three grandchildren, Kenny, Jennifer and Robby Brossart.

Muscatine Journal, 12 Apr 2002
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
Note: Marlin Brossart compiled most of the "vital records" books on Muscatine County (Early Births to 1900, Early Deaths to 1900, Marriages to 1900 and the 1910 Census Index for Muscatine County).  He contributed greatly to the materials available for researching Muscatine County, and will be missed by all.  He was a distant cousin of my mom's and early in my research sent me an entire 3 ring notebook with all his information on the Brei and Grimm family up to that date.  I will always be in his debt for sharing that information. Every time you request a lookup from the 1910 Census index on this site, you have Mr. Brossart to thank.

Mrs. Addie Mae Brown, 81, died at 6:20 p.m. Sunday at Muscatine General Hospital. Her home had been at 616 E. 6th St.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will begin Tuesday noon.

Born April 14, 1894, at Lone Tree. The daughter of William and Etta Kincaid Forbes, had spent most of her life in this area.  She married Horace Brown, June 7, 1916, at Muscatine. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Wesley
United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Horace, at home; two sons, Clifford and Leonard, both of Muscatine; and a daughter, Mrs. Albert (Marguerite) Yerington; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; one brother, Orval Forbes, St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Harry (Verda) Herlein, Des Moines, and Mrs. Donald (Nina) Sander, Fairview, Ark.

She was preceded in death by one son, Lesley; seven sisters, and three brothers.

SOURCE:  MUSCATINE JOURNAL  AUGUST 11, 1975
Contributed by: Rachelle Curtis

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Services for Mrs. Addie Brown, 81, Muscatine, will be 1:30p.m. Wednesday at George M. Wittich Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park.
Visitation will begin at noon today at the funeral home.
Mrs. Brown died Sunday at Muscatine General Hospital after an extended illness.
Addie Mae Forbes was born in Lone Tree. She married Horace Brown in 1916 in Muscatine. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Albert (Marguerite) Yerington; sons, Clifford and Leonard, all of Muscatine; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Harry (Verda) Herlein, Des Moines, and Mrs. Donald (Nina) Sanders*, Fairview, Ark., and a brother, Orval Forbes, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Contributed  by Karrie Herlein Middaugh
NOTES: *correct spelling Sander    Passed away August 10, 1975; Services held August 13, 1975

Albert Jackson Brown, 81, resident of Muscatine for the past 25 years, since his retirement from farming, died at his home, 115 1/2 West Second street at 11:20 a.m. Sunday. Death was sudden, due to a heart ailment.

Mr. Brown was born in Moniteau county, Missouri, Jan. 18, 1859, but had spent practically his entire life in Muscatine and Louisa counties. He was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Brown. He married Mary Susanna Perry on Sept. 3, 1880 at Wapello. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran church.

Surviving are his wife, four sons, Charles Brown of New Era, Frank, Horace and Hilton Brown, all of Muscatine; seven daughters, Mrs. Bessie Adams, Mrs. Alda DeVore, Mrs. Clara Adams, Mrs. Susie Myers, Mrs. Mabel Healy and Mrs. Hazel Myers, all of Muscatine and Mrs. Myrtle Quast of Hastings, Neb; a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton of Letts; 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His parents, one daughter and one son and several brothrs and sisters preceded him in death.

The body was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Susie Myers, 1211 Lincoln Boulevard, this morning where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. A second service will be at 2:30 at the Grace Lutheran church with the Rev. Reno Frobenius, pastor, in charge. Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery under the direction of the George M. Wittich Funeral Home.

Muscatine Journal March 25, 1940
Contributed by: Rachelle Curtis

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Riley Funeral Home for Mrs. Richard (Bessie) Brown, 68, who died Friday at the St. Francis Care Center, Burlington.

The Rev. Gary Howse will officiate.  Visitation will be held this afternoon and evening at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Brown was born May 20, 1916, in Muscatine, a daughter of Martin and Mattie Hays Cunningham and was a lifelong resident here.  She married Richard Brown May 19, 1933, in Muscatine.

She is survived by her husband Richard Brown; a son, Darrell Brown, Newport Richie, Fla.; three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Sharlot) Trader and Lorna J. Sinclair, both of Muscatine; Mrs. Bill (Susan) Todd, Letts; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were a daughter, two sisters; three brothers, a granddaughter and a great-grandson.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal, Sept. 21, 1984
Contributed by June Brewer Welsh
Note she died Sept. 21, 1984.  Mattie Hays should be Hayes. Newport Richie should be New Port Richey

Charles Brown, a lifetime resident of Muscatine, died this morning at 2:30 at Bellevue hospital. He was 71 years of age.

He was born March 31, 1886, the son of Albert Jackson and Mary Susanna Perry Brown. He married Mabel Brownwell on Feb 10, 1909 in Muscatine county. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are his wife, two sons, Grant S. of Connecticut and Charles Raymond of Michigan; one daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Kaiser of Connecticut; three brothers, Frank, Horace and Hilton, all of Muscatine; seven sisters; Mrs. Bessie Adams, Mrs. Alda DeVore, Mrs. Clara Adams, Mrs. Susie Mayers, Mrs. Hazel Myers, and Mrs. Myrtle Quast, all of Muscatine and Mrs. Mabel Healy of Davenport. Also surviving are eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brothers and one sister.

Services are pending at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals. Friends may call after 7 tonight.

Muscatine Journal, 04 Mar 1958
Contributed by Rachelle Curtis

Clifford W. Brown, 64, 5111 Grandview Ave., died at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday and on Monday until the time of the service.
Burial will be at Memorial Park cemetery.
Mr. Brown was a life resident of Muscatine, born here April 2, 1917, the son of Horace and Addie Forbes Brown.
He was married to Gertrude Reichert, June 20, 1939, at Muscatine.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge.
He is survived by the widow; two sons, Keith of Nichols, and Dennis of Cape Coral, Fla.; one daughter, Mrs. Chester (Arlene) Fuller, Wapello; nine grandchildren and five step grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Leonard G. Brown, and a sister, Mrs. Albert (Marguerite) Yerington, both of Muscatine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three grandchildren.

Muscatine Journal 02 May 1981
Contributed by: Rachelle Curtis

Mr. Delos A. Brown, 78, of Atalissa, died Friday, January 1, 1999, at the University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Memorial services were held Monday, January 4, at Runge Mortuary in Davenport with inurnment at the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. Memorials may be made to the Nichols Christian Church, The Walcott Fire Department, or the American Heart Association.

Mr. Brown was born February 21, 1920, in Davenport, the son of D. A. and Louise Behrens Brown. He married Dorothy Riessen on April 21, 1943, in Kansas City. She preceded him in death on September 5, 1994. He then married Woneta “Bernice” Whitlock on March 15, 1996, in Nichols. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army in World War II. He was retired from Alcoa where he worked in the machine shop and was also the former owner and operator of Dee’s Repair Shop in Walcott. He was a former member of the Walcott Fire Department and the Walcott American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice; daughters Sandy Keeney of Blue Grass, Wendy Geiger of Rockford, Illinois, and Penny Ralfs of Blue Grass; sons Bud Brown of Stockton and Jeff Brown of Greensboro, Georgia; a step-daughter, Donna Myers of Newberry, Indiana; step sons, Dennis Whitlock of Coralville and Monty Whitlock of Solon; seventeen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lois Barloon of Lakewood, California. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Jones.

West Liberty Index Jan 7 1999

Services for George E. Brown, 93, formerly of 1508 Lincoln Blvd., will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Island Cemetery. Visitation begins 7 tonight.
Mr. Brown died 11:35 p.m. Wednesday at Valley View Manor.
He was born Sept. 2, 1884, in Louisa County, the son of Nels and Almeda Reed Brown. He married Pansy Almandinger in Muscatine on July 2, 1912.
Survivors include four sons, Fred, Clarence and Gerald of Muscatine and George Jr. of Arizona; two daughters, Mrs. Grover (Mildred) Kinsley and Mrs. Clifford (Pearl) McGill, both of Muscatine; 25 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great- grandchildren.    He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, one daughter two sisters and two brothers.

Muscatine Journal  Thursday June 15, 1978 page 18
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

GALESBURG, ILL--Guilbert H. Brown, 67, 941 Monroe St., died Sunday, April 3, 1994 at his residence.  Memorial services are at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Hitchiff-Pearson-West Funeral Chapel Galesburg, with visitation one hour preceding the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

He was born March 5, 1927 in Waterloo, the son of Guilbert E. and Julia C. Besore Brown.  He married Barbara Jean Meerdink on Sept. 11, 1951, in Muscatine.

He graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1953.  He served two years in the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Brown worked in Galesburg as a trust office for First...
(rest of obit is cut off but this information may help someone or you can look up the obit by date to get the entire item)

Source:  Muscatine Journal  Monday, 04 Apr 1994
Contributed by the webmaster (I have no further info-am not related)

The son of Hugh P, and Nancy Lee Brown, he was born April 27, 1875 in Muscatine county and was a life resident of the Letts community.  He married Clara Hidlebaugh of Letts.

Survivors include two grandchildren, Mrs. Donald Platt of Mt. Pleasant and Miss Alberta McGill of Muscatine; one great grandchild, Michael John Platt of Mt. Pleasant; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one daughter, and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the United Brethren church of Letts.

The body was taken this afternoon to the Albert C. McGill residence at Letts.  In charge of funeral arrangements is the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral home.  Burial will be at the Letts cemetery.

Muscatine IA, Journal, March 17, 1952 page 12
Research Source June Welsch

Helen E. Brown, 62, of 883 Newell Ave., died Monday morning Dec. 30, 1991 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2 at the Jeffery S. Nichols Funeral Home --- Muscatine Chapel. The Rev. James Trosen of Faith United Church of Christ will officiate. Sally Exbom will be organist. Burial will be at the Island Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where a memorial has been established.

Mrs. Brown was born May 13, 1929, in Muscatine, a daughter of Henry and Margaret Koepping Lichtenwald. She married Gerald Brown in Muscatine on July 19, 1947.

Survivors include her husband, Gerald; her mother, Margaret Lichtenwald of Muscatine; three daughters, Karen Lorber of Letts, Connie Andrisevic of Copely, Ohio, and Cindy Cross of East Moline, Ill.; one son, Raymond of Albuquerque, N.M.; six sisters, June Peak, Norma Stoneking, Sally Hearst and Alice Winkel, all of Muscatine, Fern Cassabaum of Columbus Junction, and Patsy Wells of Roseburg, Ore.; two brothers, Donnie Lichtenwald of Muscatine and Gary Lichtenwald of Davenport; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, one brother and one sister, Louise Smith on July 17, 1991.

Muscatine Journal Dec. 31, 1991 page 5A
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Hilton P. Brown, 79, 814 Cedar St., dies Sunday at 10:22 p.m. at Muscatine General Hospital after an extended illness.

Services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Riley Funeral Home. Visitation will start at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Rev. Richard M. Paulus will officiate. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Brown was born Aug. 31, 1898, in Louisa County, the son of Albert and Mary (Perry) Brown. He was a life-long resident of the area.

Iona Blake and Hilton Brown were married April 29, 1922, in Rock Island. Mr. Brown had managed C.E. Richard and Sons Meat Market on W. 2nd Street from 1922 to 1949. He then owned and operated the Sycamore Food Market with his partner, Leon Askam, from 1949 until he retired in 1972.

Surviving are his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Leon (Marie) Askam of Muscatine and Mrs. Stephen (Marian) Wilkerson, of Bloomington, Minn.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Mabel Healy of Davenport and Mrs. Allie (Hazel) Myers and Mrs. Art (Mrytle) Quast, both of Muscatine.  He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and five sisters.

Muscatine Journal, November  7, 1977
Contributed by Rachelle Curtis

Horace Brown, 82, 616 E. Sixth St., died Friday evening at Muscatine General Hospital. Funeral services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The son of Albert J. and Mary S. Perry Brown, Horace ws born June 6, 1894 in Muscatine County. He was a life resident of Muscatine. He married Addie Forbes June 7, 1916 in Muscatine.

Survivors include; two sons, Clifford W. Brown, Leonard G. Brown, one daughter, Mrs. Albert (Marguerite) Yerington all of Muscatine, 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; one brother Hilton Brown, Muscatine; three sisters, Mrs. Mabel Healy, Davenport; Mrs. Allie (Hazel ) Myers, Muscatine; Mrs. Arthur (Myrtle) Quast, Muscatine.  Preceding him in death were his wife, one son, three brothers and five sisters.

Muscatine Journal August 18, 1976
Contributed by: Rachelle Curtis

Leslie A. Brown, 43, Route 5, Muscatine, died at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday morning at Muscatine General Hospital following an illness of nine months.

The son of Horace and Addie Forbes Brown, Mrs. Brown was born July 18, 1918 at Muscatine. He had resided here all his life.
Mr. Brown married Loretta Reichert, September 11, 1937, at Columbus Junction. He was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include his wife, at home, two sons, Leslie A. Brown Jr., and Donald L. Brown, both of Muscatine; two daughters, Mrs. Leon Kardux and Barbara Brown, of Muscatine, two brothers, Clifford Brown and Leonard Brown of Muscatine; and one sister, Mrs. Albert Yerington, Muscatine, and two grandsons, Brad and Mark Kardux.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at the George M. Wittich Funeral home with Rev. T. Ray Crews officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park.

Muscatine Journal 18, 1962
Contributed by Rachelle Curtis

Lester Leroy Brown, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Brown, was born October 2, 1900, and passed away at the family home in Muscatine county Tuesday, August 6th. He was born in Louisa county, and after living there two years moved to Cedar county for one year, and then to this county, where he has since resided. He had attained the age of 17 years, 10 months and 4 days at the time of his death.

The deceased leaves to mourn his loss his parents, seven sisters and four brothers. They are Mrs. William Adams of Moscow township, Mrs. William DeVore, Moscow; Mrs. Grover Adams, Bloomington township; Mrs. Harold Reeves, Muscatine, and Mabel, Hazel and Mrytle all at home. The surviving brothers are Charles and Horace Brown of Muscatine, Frank Brown of Moscow and Hilton at home.

Muscatine Journal, August  9, 1918
Contributed by Rachelle Curtis

Milburn D. Brown, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. George B. Brown of Fruitland, died Friday. Burial was made in the Muscatine Island cemetery this afternoon.

Muscatine Journal and News Tribune Saturday November 5, 1921
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

Mrs. Pansy Bernice Brown, 65, of 1102 Grandview avenue, died at 10:11 a.m. today at her home.
She was born July 11, 1895 at Petersville, Ill., a daughter of George Fredrick and Laura Winn Almandinger, and had been a resident of this community most of her life. She was married to George Edward Brown July 2, 1913 at Muscatine.  Mrs. Brown attended the Island Methodist church.

Surviving are her husband; for sons, Fred, Clarence and Gearld Brown of Muscatine and George Edward Brown, Jr. of Davenport; three daughters, Mrs. Grover Kinsley of Montpelier, Mrs. Chester Ballengar (sic) and Mrs. Clifford McGill of Muscatine; three brothers, Venie Almandinger and Eldie Almandinger of Hannial, Mo.(sic) ; and one sister, Mrs. William Hill of Alexander, Mo. There are 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the George M. Wittch Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Muscatine Island cemetery. The body will remain at the funeral home pending services.

Muscatine Journal February 3, 1961
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh
Note: correct spelling of last name Ballenger also Hannibal was misspelled

Richard Brown, 76, 1827 Lucas St., died Sunday morning at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, following, a brief illness.

Services are Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Foursquare Gospel Church with the Rev. Gerald Howse officiating.  Margaret Howse will be organist.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at the Riley Funeral Home.

He was born March 25, 1912, at New Boston, Ill., a son of William and Charlotte McPhearon Brown and lived in Muscatine since 1925.  He first married Bessie F. Cunningham in 1933  in Muscatine and in 1985 married Dorothy Weikert Howard also in Muscatine.  He attended the Foursquare Gospel Church and had served on the Greenwood Cemetery board for several years.  He was a electrician for over 28 years at the Dewey Portland Cement and the Martin Maretta plants in Buffalo.

Survivors include his second wife, Dorothy; one son, Darrell of Port Richey, Fla.; three daughters, Lorna Joy Sinclair and Mrs. Francis (Sharlot) Trader, both of Muscatine; and Mrs. Billy (Susan) Todd of Letts; several step daughters, Mrs. Leelon (Gloria) Cory of Carlsbad, Calif.; and Sharon Foor and Mary Atkinson, both of Muscatine; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy Lee of Rockford, Ill.; and Earl (Sonny) of New Boston; and three sisters, Molly Juhl of New Boston; Helen Saunder of Aledo; and Stella Yates of Keithsburg.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a great-grandson, five brothers and a sister.

From Muscatine, IA, Journal, May 31, 1988
Contributed by June Brewer Welsh
Note he died May 29, 1988

Riva LuAnda Brown, 48, of Muscatine, died Saturday, June 22, 2002, at her home. The daughter of Carroll and Mary Lucille Shaw Lessenger, she was born December 23, 1953, at Wapello. She married Keith M. Brown on January 15, 1982, at Muscatine.

She had worked in the lab at Grain Processing Corp. and later as a lab technician at the Muscatine waste water treatment facility. Most recently she had worked as a cashier at Wilson’s True Value at Muscatine.

She graduated from Wapello High School in 1972 and attended Muscatine Community College.
Mrs. Brown was a member of St. Mathias Catholic Church at Muscatine.
She enjoyed reading the collecting angels. She had also been a caregiver in her home for her mother for several years.

Survivors include her husband Keith; two sons, Gabe D. Brown of Iowa City and Chad Stuart of Phoenix, Ariz.; her daughter, Kristy Brown, at home, along with her special granddaughter Kaitlyn Bierman; a brother, Arlo Lessenger of Muscatine; two sisters, Roberta Boulton of Wapello and LaDonna “Jo” Lessenger of Muscatine.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service for Riva Brown was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home at Wapello with the Rev. Pat Lumsden officiating. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery, Muscatine, with the Rev. Bob Lanthrop officiating. Pallbearers were Randy Boulton, Doug Boulton, Jeff Monroe, Rick Batchelor, Bill Black and Albert Schultz. Honorary bearers were Ricky Bierman, Jr., Scott Pace, Monte Cury and Rich Batchelor.

A memorial fund has been established for the benefit of the University of Iowa Cancer Research Center.
Visitation was Monday at Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home in Wapello where the family met with friends in the evening.

June 27, 2002 Wapello Republican.
Contributed by Nancy Wagner
A photo accompanied this obituary- Nancy has no further info and is not related

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - Vernon Alfred Brown, 70, West Des Moines, died Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at Kavanagh House, West Des Moines.

Services are 1:30 p.m. Saturday at McLaren's Funeral Chapel, West Des Moines. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Monday at the Rock Island Arsenal Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Central Iowa or the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Brown was born in Muscatine.  He lived in Muscatine for 33 years before moving to Des Moines.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1998. He served in the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church; past president of the Iowa Press Photographers Association; National Press Photographers Association. He won many awards with his photo work.
He enjoyed gardening, flowers and making wood crafts.

Survivors include his wife Agnes Brown of West Des Moines; two sons, David Brown of Springfield, Mo. and Jon Brown of Des Moines; a daughter, Jana Dupuy of Clive; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, two brothers, his parents and his grandparents.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal June 28, 2002
Contributed by June Brewer Welsh

Funeral services for Thomas P. Bruner 38 of 407 West Fifth street, teacher at Muscatine high school, who died at 1015 p. m. Sunday at Veterans Administration hospital, Iowa City, after an extended illness will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home.
The body will remain at the funeral home pending services where friends may call after 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Mr. Bruner a veteran of service in the Pacific theater during World War II ; was born at Muscatine March 8, 1919,  being a son of Clyde L. and Ada Pitchforth Bruner and had been a life resident of the community.  He married Betty Essex of Muscatine April 2, 1948 at Nashua, Iowa.
Mr. Bruner was a member of Mulford Congregational church, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  I club of Iowa university,   Quarterback club and the Elks.
He is survived by his widow and three daughters, Dixie, Mary Ann and Cynthia all at home and his father Clyde Bruner of Wyconda, MO.  He was preceded in death by his mother.

 Source:  Muscatine Journal May 6, 1957
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Source: Muscatine Journal May 9, 1957
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Richard Moore Buckley, 72, died at 4:55 p.m. Thursday at his home, 509 West Fifth street. Mr. Buckley has been in poor health for several years, and bedfast for the past four weeks. He was the son of William and Hannah Harry Buckley, born on Feb. 19, 1871, in Drury township, Ill., but was a resident of Muscatine county most of his life. Before coming here seven years ago he lived on a farm. His marriage to Margie Tice took place Feb. 14, 1894, in Muscatine.

Surviving are the widow, one daughter, Mrs. Matthew Kaldenberg, Newton, Iowa, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His parents, one son, one sister and six brothers preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home, with Phillip Wagler in charge. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery, West Liberty.  The body is at the funeral home.

Newspaper and date unknown (date of death 13 Aug. 1943)
Contributed by: Juanita Buckley Sapp