Muscatine County Iowa Obituary Archives

MUSCATINE - Edna F. Oakes, 86, of Muscatine, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2000, at Morning Sun Care Center in Morning Sun.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. The Rev. Paul Ostrem of Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.   A memorial has been established for the Edna Frances Memorial Fund.  Visitation will be from 1-2 Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Oakes was born on June 13, 1913, in Illinois City, Ill., the daughter of John and Mary Johnson Hayes. She married Virgil Oakes.

She loved gardening.  She had a beautiful flower garden and a large vegetable garden.
Before retiring, she was a cook at Ina Mae's Restaurant.

Survivors include a daughter, Cherille Oakes of Muscatine, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil on July 11, 1971; and two brothers and two sisters.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Jan. 2000.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Victim of death---Grandmother Oaks, mother-in-law to A. Cone of Cedar Tp. Age 86 years 2 days.

From the Muscatine, IA, Journal, Dec. 28, 1881.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Jacob Oakes was born in Somerset, Pa., in 1836, being 71 years old at the time of his death.  He came to Iowa and settled in Seventy-Six township in 1843.  Along in 1885 he removed with his family to Missouri, and later to Kansas.  Besides his brother, Jesse of this county, he leaves two sons and one daughter, Philip of Fulton; Lellyette of Eagleville, Mo., and Effie of Eagleville.

From the Muscatine, IA, Journal, May 1907.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Jesse Oaks, 88, well know Civil war veteran and for more than 80 years a resident of Muscatine county, was found dead in bed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. M. Heyens, at Lowe Run farm, this  morning.  Mr. Oaks had eaten a hearty supper last evening and retired about 9 o'clock in apparent good health.  Complications resulting from his advanced age caused his death.

Mr. Oaks was born in Somerset county, Pa., Aug. 26, 1838.  He was the last surviving member of his family.  He spent his boyhood in Pennsylvania, coming to Muscatine county in 1848.  Since that time he has resided here almost continuously.

Mr. Oaks married Miss Lydia Bowlby of this city, April 12, 1866, and five children were born to them.  His wife died on New Year's day 1925.  Three children also preceded him in death.

The survivors are two daughters Mrs. L. M. Neyens, with whom he made his home for the past two years, and Mrs. Prior Heldman of Pasadena, Calif.  Several distant relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Neyens home at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, in charge of the Rev. E. A. Bentzinger, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church.  Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery, beside his wife.

From, Muscatine, IA, Journal, Jan. 22, 1927
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note, he died Jan. 22, 1927

1880 Census; Dallas Center, Dallas County, Iowa, Page 246C  Jessie OAKES, Self, 42 born PA, Farmer, Fa: PA, Mo: PA Lydia OAKES, Wife, 32 born OH, Keeps House, Fa: OH, Mo: OH Ada OAKES, Dau, 13 born IA Rosa OAKES, Dau, 11 born IA Florence OAKES, Dau, 2 Months born IA Iowa OAKES, Dau, 2 born IA, Occ:, Dead

He was in the 1900 Muscatine Iowa Census; page 8a; Jesse Oaks 61 born PA Lyddia 52 born OH she had 6 children and 5 still living; Wilson 30 born OH; Florence 20 wd born OH.

Mrs. Jesse Oaks, 77, of the Lowe Run community, prominent resident of Muscatine county for more than 25 years died at the Oaks winter apartment 327 East Second street, at 2 o'clock this morning.  Diabetes and other complications caused her death.

Mr. and Mrs. Oaks recently celebrated their fifty-eight anniversary.  The wedding date, since the golden wedding was celebrated, has been the occasion for annual family parties.

Besides her husband Mrs. Oaks is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ada Heldman of Pasadena, Calif., and Mrs. L. M. Neyes of near Muscatine, two sisters, Mrs. D. B. Addleman of this city and Mrs. Alvie Rice of Davenport, and one brother J. S. Bowlby, of Conesville.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending word from relatives.

From Muscatine IA, Journal, Jan. 1925
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note She died Jan. 1, 1925

Funeral services for Virgil J. Oakes, 64, will be at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Geo. M. Wittich Funeral Home.  Rev. Cyril Reynolds will officiate.

Mr. Oakes 2011 1st Ave., died at 8:30 Sunday morning in Muscatine General Hospital following a short illness.

Visitation will begin at noon Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

The former Tennessee resident was born May 24, 1907 in Andersonville, Tenn., as the son of Thomas Henry and Sarah Belle Milton Oakes.  He married Edna F. Hayes Nov. 26, 1932 in Rock Island, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Cherille Oakes, at home; his father, La Follette, Tenn.  Preceding him in death was his mother.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal July 12, 1971 page 3.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Edward O'Brien, 82 died at 8 o'clock last evening at his home 302 Gilbert street of complications resulting from old age.  His health had been poor for the past year.

Mr. O'Brien was born in New York City, 24 August 1843 the son of Mr. and Mrs. John O'Brien.  Enlisting in the federal army at the age of 19 he saw three years of actual service in the Civil War, and passed 11 months, until the close of the war, in the Andersonville Prison, having been captured while on a scouting trip.  After the war he moved to Illinois, living in Rock Island and Mercer counties until 1877, when he came to Muscatine where he lived there the remainder of his life.  In 1866 he married Miss Mary Jane Brewer in Muscatine.  He was a member of the Shelby Norman post, G. A. R.  Of the seven children, three survive him: Mrs. William D. Bierman, Muscatine; Mrs. Mollie Bliss, Buda Ill., and William H. O'Brien of this city.  He also leaves his wife. Three children died in infancy and one daughter, Anna Margaret O'Brien died 23 February 1923 in Muscatine.

Funeral services will be held from the home, 302 Gilbert street tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by the Rev. E. A. Benzinger.  Burial will be in the Greenwood cemetery.

Taken from the Muscatine Iowa Journal Oct. 1925.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Miss Hannah Margaret O'Brien resident of this city for the last 36 years died at 1 o'clock this morning following an extended illness at her home 302 Gilbert St.  She had been an invalid for 35 years.  Death was due to creeping paralysis and complications.

She was born 14 November 1875 in Illinois, and came to Muscatine, with her parents when a young girl.

She is survived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward O'Brien; two sisters Mrs. Mollie Bliss of Buda Ill. and Mrs. William Bierman of this city; and a brother, William O'Brien also of Muscatine.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon from the home.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal Feb. 22, 1923
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Kevin E. O'Brien, 11 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. O'Brien of Schleswig, IA, formerly Muscatine residents, was killed by a school bus in an accident at Schleswig Wednesday afternoon.

The maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Chayka, also former Muscatine residents.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sioux City.

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

Services for 67 year-old L. E. "Gene" O'Brien, of 822 Woodlawn Ave., Muscatine, will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 12.  The Rev. Robert Ahlstrom will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Jeff Hackett, David Howell, Thomas H. Fox, Steven Howell, Scott Gordy and Matt Gordy.  Burial will be Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be today from 4 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Association (ADRDA) and Lutheran Homes Care Center.

Mr. O'Brien, a lifelong resident of the area, died Saturday, March 9, 1991, at Valley View Manor Care Center following an extended illness.

L.E. "Gene" O'Brien was born on July 23, 1923, in Drury Township, Ill., to Louis and Violet Edgington O'Brien.  He married Charlene Gordy on July 16, 1944 in Muscatine.

He was founder of Muscatine Electric Inc. in 1959.
He was a World War II Navy Veteran, serving in the South Pacific.
He was a former member of the Muscatine Quarterback Club and the "1" club.
He was member of the Elks Lodge and Iowa Lodge No. 2.
He was a avid Muskie and Iowa Hawkeye sports fan.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene, at home; one daughter, Mrs. James (Susi)  McGowan of Bettendorf; one son, Michael O'Brien, of Muscatine; three grandsons, Chris and Tyler O'Brien and Matthew McGowan; his mother, Violet O'Brien of Muscatine; five sisters, Ruby Bosten of Fort Myers, Fla.; Peggy Dietering, of Chula Vista, Calif.; Mrs. Robert (Shirley) Howell, of Muscatine; Mrs. Don (Ruth) Milder, of Columbus Junction; and Janet Cabel of Bettendorf.  He was preceded in death by his father, Louis W. O'Brien.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal March 11, 1991
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Louis W. O'Brien, 76, 213 1/2 East 2nd St., died at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at Muscatine General Hospital.
Mr. O'Brien was born May 12, 1901, at Muscatine, the son of William and Augusta Tobias O'Brien,
and was a life resident here.

He was married to Violet Edgington, May 17, 1922, at Rock Island.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge.

He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Violet O'Brien; one son Louis (Gene) O'Brien, Muscatine; five daughters, Ruby Boston, Shirley Howell, Janet Gates of Muscatine, Ruth Bell of Columbus Junction, and Peggy Deitering of San Diego, Calif.; 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a half-brother, William O'Brien, Stillwater Minn.

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

Muscatine, IA, Journal Sept 19, 1977
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note Janet Gates should be Janet Cabel

Preceding her in death were her husband and 6 children.  Surviving are the daughter, 12 grandchildren 21 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

The body is at the Bierman home where it will remain until 2:30 p.m.  Thursday when funeral services will be conducted there.  Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Muscatine Iowa Journal Jan. 1933
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

She had been a patient there for 5 weeks, being transferred from the state hospital for the insane.

She was born Nov. 5, 1881 in Muscatine.  Surviving are two brothers, J. E. Lawrence, A. G. Lawrence residing in Muscatine; and a half-sister, Mrs. Cella Dickman of Muscatine.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hoffman Funeral church, with burial in the Wagner Cemetery near Muscatine.

Taken from The Muscatine IA Journal Nov. 23, 1936
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note from June Brewer Welsch She was the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Bryant) Lawrence.

The injured are;
Ivan Snider, 22, of 1307 Nebraska street, severe fracture of the upper jaw, teeth knocked from both the upper and lower jaws, compound fracture of the right ankle, severe gash over the left eye and knee cap torn from the bone.  Condition serious.

Dulcia D. Goddard, 19, of 507 Spring street, broken right elbow and other minor injuries.

Mrs. Juanita White, 20 of 514 East Sixth street, broken right thigh and compound fracture of the right leg.

Merle Hurlbut, 22, 302 Stewart road, minor injuries.

Impact of the crash nearly demolished the machine.  The motor was driven back into the front seat, it was reported.  Snider and O'Brien, in the front seat, were thrown into the steering wheel and against the dash board.

O'Brien died at Hershey hospital at 6:35 a. m. today.  Snider whose injuries are reported serious, and Mrs. White are still under treatment at the hospital.  Mrs. White condition is not serious officials said.

Dulcia Goddard and Hurlbut escaped with minor injuries, police said.

Dr. C. P. Phillips, county, coroner, who attended the injured and Sheriff Fred B. Nesper, made an investigation of the accident this morning but were undecided at noon whether an inquest would be conducted.

The Crash occurred on the curve at the top of East Second street which has been the scene of scores of accidents during the past few years

Richard DeWayne O'Brien the son of Mrs. Edna O'Brien Blake was born in Muscatine Jul 4, 1924, spending his entire life here.

He served in the United States navy for almost four years, with 39 months of the time spent overseas.  He received his honorable discharge from the service on Nov. 6, 1945.

Surviving are his mother, his step-father, Clifford Blake, two sisters, Mrs. Audrey Furnas and Mrs. Betty Venghous, and two uncles, Lloyd and Lester Swank all of Muscatine.

Military funeral rites are being arranged with the services to be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday.

Muscatine IA, Journal Dec 7, 1948
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

C.W. ODELL, trainmaster at West Liberty, Iowa, died in an accident on Saturday. (Moline Review-Dispatch Friday 30 Aug 1889)

Source:  Hawkeye Heritage, issue not recorded (article entitled "Iowa Related Deaths Reported in the Moline Review-Dispatch, Rock Island IL 1889) , abstracted by Janet K. Pease of Arvada Colorado

The remains of Mrs. Elizabeth O'Dell of West Liberty, who died Tuesday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Addie Helms, 303 Lombard street, may be viewed at the Meyers funeral home on Walnut street. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Friday morning from the First Methodist..
(rest is missing...sorry!)

Muscatine Journal   February 23, 1922
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
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 the clues in  the beginning of this obituary; the rest of it was cut off on the copy I made from the microfilm at the Musser Public Library. If this is your relative, at least now you have a date and a funeral home. The Musser Library can probably make a copy of the entire obit for you.

Died --At Bloomington, on the 1st inst. of congestive fever, Ellen, daughter of Dr. B.S. and Theresa L. Olds, aged 4 years 7 months and 4 days.

Davenport Gazette, Davenport, Scott, IA Thurs., Sep 16, 1841
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann of Scott Co IAGenWeb Project

Mrs. O`Melia, who has been seriously ill for some time, died yesterday at her home on 416 West Sixth street. She was well known in this city, having made it her place of residence for many years. Her health had been greatly impaired for the past five years, being frail and sickly during this time. The illness, which was the cause of her death, has been of only short duration, covering a period of about two weeks. The immediate cause of her death being stomach trouble.

Ellen Cullen (sic- Mullen) was a native of Ireland and attained the age of 69 years. She was born in County Clare and when at twenty years of age left Ireland for America and in 1853 located in Muscatine and in this place resided ever since. In 1866 she was married to Michael O`Melia in this city and one son, Edward, was the issue of this union. The husband and son are the only surviving relatives. A faithful wife, indulgent mother, and kind neighbor is gone and her going will be sincerely regretted. Religiously the deceased was a conscientious and devoted member of the Catholic Church.
The funeral announcement will appear later.

Muscatine Journal date unknown: date of death 7 May 1902
Contributed by: John Michael O'Melia

Funeral services for Mr. Leonard John O`MELIA of 517 Oak Drive, Hapeville, will be held Monday morning at 11 o`clock from St. John Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. John WALSH officiating, interment, Forest Hills cemetery. Rosary services will be said Sunday evening at 8 o`clock from DONEHOO`s Funeral Chapel.

r. O`Melia is survived by wife, Mrs. Ola Lee O`MELIA, Hapeville; daughters, Miss Nora Ann O`MELIA, Hapeville; Mrs. Kathleen Marie MONROE, Colombia, SC; Mrs. Sharon Maureen TEDDER, Hapeville; Kevin Dennis O`MELIA, Fayetteville; John Michael O`MELIA, Mountain View; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Paul T. DONEHOO Funeral Home, Inc.

Muscatine, Ft. Madison, and Davenport, Iowa papers, please copy.

 Source: The Atlanta Journal  and Constitution, P. 7-G e: Sunday, February 17, 1980
Contributed by:  John Michael O'Melia
NOTE: This copy was formulated and presented by Kevin Dennis O`MELIA for publication.

Michael Omelia was born in County Mayo, Ireland, residing there until about sixty years ago, when he came to this country. A short time after his coming, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Murphy (MULLINS)of this city, and to this union one child, a son, was born. With the outbreak of the civil war, Mr. Omelia enlisted in the 35th Iowa Volunteers, serving valiantly until the close of the conflict, when he returned to Muscatine to renew his agricultural pursuits.

Twenty years ago, Mrs. Omelia passed away, and some time after her demise, Mr. Omelia went to live with his nephew, John Omelia, at whose home he passed away.
Only one near relative, his son, Edward Omelia, of this city is left to mourn his death. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.

Muscatine Journal & News-Tribune 18 Jan 1916
Contributed by John Michael O'Melia

Robert J. O`Melia, 78, Route 1, Atalissa, died at 7 a.m. today at Hershey convalescent home after an illness of several years.

Mr. O`Melia was born in Muscatine, May 16, 1885, the son of John and Mary Garrett O`Melia. He had never married. He had farmed with his brother near Atalissa for the past 26 years.

Mr. O`Melia is survived by his brother, William. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

The body is now at the Riley funeral home, where friends may call after 7 this evening. The rosary will be recited at 8 pm Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday (dst) at St. Mary`s church. Interment will be at St. Mary`s cemetery.

Muscatine Journal Date: Not Provided
Contributed by  John Michael O'Melia

William O`Melia, 78, Rt. 1, Atalissa, died at 4:45 a.m. today at his home of a heart ailment.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at St. Matthias Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday with the rosary to be recited at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Riley Furneral Home. Burial will be in St. Mary`s Cemetery.

William O`Melia was born Jan. 16, 1898 at What Cheer, the son of John and Mary Garrett O`Melia. He had lived in Atalissa since 1944.

He married Mildred Finnegan Nov. 8, 1932, at St. Mathias Church. A farmer, he retired in 1970. He was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus.
His wife survives.   He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Muscatine Journal date unknown
Contributed by  John Michael O'Melia

Wilfred (Olie) Oostendorp, 82, of Brandon, Florida, died Thursday, January 28, 1999.

Mr. Oostendorp was born December 25, 1916, in West Liberty, the son of Wilfred and Mae Collison. He served as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. He moved to Florida after the war and was Fire Chief at Safety Harbor for 25 years. He worked as a carpenter until 1991, when he retired to Hawaii.

Survivors include two daughter, Diane Irving of Valrico, Florida and Gloria Deavers of Melbourne, Florida; a brother, LeMoyne of Webster, Florida; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Garvin of Atalissa. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marie

West Liberty Index Feb 18 1999

WELLMAN, Iowa -- Services for Dennis W. Opel, of 513 13th St., will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Harker Cemetery, Muscatine.   Visitation is noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Fry  Funeral Home, Tipton.

Mr. Opel died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at Wellman Parkview Manor, after an extended illness.
He was employed 10 years at a meat cutter at Louis Rich, West Liberty.

He was born Jan. 19, 1951, in Muscatine County. He married Lawonna Hanson in 1997 in Bertram.
He married Pamela Calvert in 1970 in Muscatine.

A memorial fund has been established.

Survivors include his wife,  Lawonna, Tipton; a daughter, Denise Mente, Tipton; a son, Chad, Aurora, Colo.; a grandchild; a sister, Carol Steinbaugh, Muscatine; and stepchildren, Cassie Achenbach, Tipton, and Shane Achenbach, Rock Island.

Source: Quad City Times, Oct 13, 2000
Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott

Funeral services for Chester R. Oppelt, 76, of 126 W. 3rd St., will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel.  Mr. Oppelt died Tuesday afternoon at Oakwood Nursing Home.

Officiating at the service will be Rev. Leon Knitt.  Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today.

Mr. Oppelt was born April 14, 1897, in Muscatine, the son of Joseph and Malinda Appel Oppelt.  He was a life of this resident and a member of Grace Lutheran church.

Surviving are one son, Richard, of Muscatine; one daughter, Mrs. Virgil (Lorraine) Temple of Muskegon, Mich.; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal Dec. 1973.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note from June Brewer Welsch he died Dec. 25, 1973.

Richard D. Oppelt, 66, died suddenly Saturday, April 16, 1994, at his home, 33 Albany Park.

Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church.  Evelyn Petersen will be the organist.  Pallbearers will be Charles Brenner, Kevin Fitzgerald, Gregg Orr, Doug Reist, Daryl Werner, Ron Hazen, Jim Fulcher, Lowell Snyder and David Luke Wade.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon and evening at the Riley Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Muscatine D.A.R.E. program.

Richard Donald Oppelt was born June 12, 1927, in Muscatine to Cheater and Marie (Van Horn) Oppelt.  He was a lifelong resident of Muscatine.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.  He worked for 15 years for the Railroad Express.
He was a Muscatine Constable for six years and was elected sheriff of Muscatine County in 1960 and served that position for 24 years.
He was director of security at the Muscatine Mall for five years until his retirement in 1990.

He is survived by one son, R. D. Oppelt of Muscatine; two step daughters Kim Orne of Minneapolis Minn. and Mrs. Mike (Kellie) Chatham of Atlanta, Ga.; one granddaughter, Nicole Oppelt of Muscatine;  his mother, Marie Foster of Muscatine; one sister Lorraine Temple of Muskegon Mich.; three nephews, Jerry Temple and his wife, Rose; Jim Temple and his wife Darlene; and Kirk Temple and his wife, Karen, all of Muskegon, Mich.; two nieces, Mrs. Dave (Janice) Babcock and Mrs. Wayne (Cindy) Gordon all of Muskegon.  He is also survived by Lana Oppelt the mother of R. D. Oppelt.

He was preceded in death by his father, a son, Robert in 1982, and his second wife Darlene McCray.

From the Muscatine, IA, Journal, April 1994.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note from June Welsch He was my cousin his mother and my mother were sisters.

Robert D. Oppelt 23, 818 1/2 E. 8th St., died early this morning following an industrial accident at the Bandag Plant No. 5 in Muscatine's Progress Park.  Details of the accident were unavailable this morning, but hospital personnel were conducting an autopsy.

A hospital representative said that Oppelt had suffered multiple injuries, particularly to the chest, but no severe burns.

An ambulance was called to the plant shortly after 12:30 a. m. to take Oppelt to the hospital.  Public safety officials were not notified of the death.  A Bandag representative said that officials were investigating the scene of the accident today.

Funeral services for Oppelt have been set for 10 a. m. Thursday at the Fairbanks-Lamb Chapel.
A full obituary appears on page 13.

Services will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday at the Fairbank-Lamb Chapel.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation is 2 to 4 p. m. and 7 to 9 p. m. Wednesday.  A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home.

The son of Richard D. and Darlene Peters Oppelt, he was born Sept. 3, 1958 in Muscatine.  He was a life resident of this
community.

His marriage to Penny Boyd took place Jan. 19, 1976, in Muscatine.  He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and had been employed by Bandag.

Survivors include one daughter; his mother Mrs. Darlene Peters Aloisi of Fort Pierce, Florida, and father and stepmother, Lana of Muscatine, two half brothers John McCrae of San Diego California, and R. D. Oppelt II of Muscatine, two half sisters Sue Boysel of Muscatine and Sharon Hendrickson of Fort Dodge; and two step sisters Kim Orne of Davenport, and Kelly Orne of Muscatine, his paternal grandmother Marie Foster of Muscatine, and maternal grandmother
Vera Jackson of Ocala, Florida.

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

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Tuesday July 20, 1982 Front Page  and page 13
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Notes from June: I  knew Bobby real well--he was a good kid and played with our daughters.  He died a horrible death as he was crushed to death at work.
Another worker turned on a machine and Bobby was under it.

WEST LIBERTY--Mrs. Emma R. Osborn, 84, who with her husband operated a ready-to-wear store in Iowa City during the mid-1920's, died Sunday at a West Liberty convelescent home where she had been a patient for the past four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn owned and operated a store in West Liberty from 1914 to 1924, then came to Iowa City.  They later went to Ames and then to Independence.

Born February 17, 1871, in Salem, the daughter of Devol and Mary Richards, she was married to Sherwood Bentley Osborn October 31, 1912, in West Liberty.

Mrs. Osburn had taught school in West Liberty and Minneapolis.  She was a member of the West Liberty P.E.O. for 63 years and of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Osborn died October 27, 1942.

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Edith Stevens, Independence, and Mrs. Lilla McFadden, West Liberty; one brother Albert Richards, West Liberty; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Snider funeral home, West Liberty, with burial in Oakridge cemetery, West Liberty.

Iowa City Press Citizen 06 Jun 1955

PEORIA -- Velma M. Otto, 74, of Durant, Iowa, mother of a Peoria woman, died Thursday, June 15, 1995, at Bettendorf Health Care Center in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Born July 5, 1920, in Downing, Mo., to Lester and Anna Buford Turner, she married Eldon Otto on Aug. 8, 1942, in Kahoka, Mo. He survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Terry (Janice) Day of Peoria, Mrs. Richard (Mary) Clark of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Frank (Rita) Broders of Wilton, Iowa; three sons, Gene and Dick, both of Durant, and Jeff of Center Point, Iowa; one sister, Mrs. Norb (Vivian) DeMeulenaere of Rock Island; one brother, Aubrey Turner of Lawton, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. One brother preceded her in death.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Lacock Bentley Funeral Home in Durant, where visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Durant American Legion Auxiliary or St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Durant.

Peoria IL Journal Star p. D8 Date: June 17, 1995

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