Muscatine County Iowa Obituary Archive

WILTON, Iowa  -- Former State Sen. W.R. "Bill" Rabedeaux died Monday. He was 76.

Source: Tulsa World, Oklahoma Page: A2  June 04, 1996

Captain A. K. Raff, recorder the the city of Muscatine, dropped dead at 9:30 o'clock this morning, while talking to a friend in the council chamber of city hall. Heart disease, super-induced by weaknesses of advanced age, mastered him, and without a sign or word of warning, the good old man was overcome by death. The lamentable event, which saddens hundreds of Muscatine people today, occurred in the presence of John Hudson, and the end came while the two men were enjoying a few minutes' conversation.

Shortly after 9:30 o'clock, Captain Raff went from his office in the city hall into the council chamber of the same building. Mr. Hudson was there engaged in some work on the second ward registration books. The two men chatted for a few minutes, and Captain Raff sat down on one of the desks in the alderman's half circle. Mr. Hudson was at work at an adjoining desk. Suddenly the recorder threw both hands above his head. He gave one or two gasps and his body sank backwards of the desk, lifeless. So unexpected was the action of Capt. Raff that Mr. Hudson at first thought the jovial friend was perpetrating a joke, and it was not until he raised him in his arms that he realized the true condition.

Chief of Police Rice was one of the first to answer McNutt and City Attorney Arthur Hoffman were there quickly. Drs. L. L. Reppert and T. H. Beveridge were summoned. Captain Raff had complained of feeling badly for several days, and this morning he told several persons that he had enjoyed but little sleep last night. Last night, however, he was at his post at the meeting of the city council, and was in his usual happy condition regardless of the fact that he was very sick.

When Captain Raff died he left many sorrowing friends. Today his friends are thinking of his inevitable smile; of his hearty handshake, and of the unfailing friendly greeting. He was an unassuming man, and generous to a fault. He was clean morally. He had a fine sense of right and wrong. His chief characteristic was his happy temperament, the influence of which was always for good. He had a warm place in the hearts of the people with whom he associated in business and social life and the sorrow his death causes is great. The arrangements for Captain Raff's funeral have not been made. Interment will be made either in Muscatine, or in Davenport where one of his daughters is buried.

Captain A. K. Raff was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 4, 1842. He spent his early boyhood days in that state, and remained there until the beginning of the civil war. Then he enlisted with the Nineteenth Ohio regiment, with which organization he spent four years fighting for the preservation of the union. He was one of the last to return to his home.
When he returned he brought with him the commission of captain, which he earned through distinguished service in his regiment. One of the incidents of his life in the army was told today by Dr. G. O. Morgridge, one of his friends. Throughout the entire war, Captain Raff constantly carried a Bible in a pocket next to his breast. In one fierce engagement, which has not been recalled, a rebel bullet struck the Bible and pierced it from cover to cover. The man who carried the little volume was unhurt. The book is now in the possession of Mrs. Raff, and during her husband's lifetime it was one of his most valued possessions.

After the war Captain Raff moved to Davenport, where he resided for a few years. In 1871 he moved to Muscatine, and this city has since been his home. For several years here he was engaged in the farm implement business. A few days over a year ago he was named by the council as city recorder of Muscatine, and since that date his time has been divided between his home and his office duties at the city hall. During this time his health has not always been good, but he was seldom away from his duty.

He is survived by a wife, son and daughter. The son, Fred, resides in Chicago, and the daughter, Miss Edith, resides at the Raff home on Sixth street.

The Muscatine Journal, Muscatine, Iowa, October 30, 1903, page 1
Submitted by: Elaine Rathmann

This community was shocked yesterday morning, when word was heard upon the street that City Recorder A. K. Raff had suddenly expired while seated at his desk at the City Hall, death coming to him without warning. Mr. Raff was at the council meeting...night and was then apparently in his usual health.  Upon going to the city Hall yesterday morning he complained of not having been able to sleep during the greater part of the night previous, stating that he sat up much of the time. While conversing with Police Judge J. B. Hudson his head suddenly fell forward on the desk.

Mr. Hudson saw at once that something was the matter and hurried...physician. On the steps he.George and asked him to go to A. K.'s assistance, while he hurried ..T. F. Beberidge. ...physician had arrived, life...fact, after an examination the physician declared that death was spontaneous. Tender hands ..to a conveyance and la..family home on West Sixth street where the stricken wife and daughter awaited the sad home-coming. ...shock it was to those who had witnessed his departure from home a short time before.

Immediately following the war his parents came to live in Davenport and in that city the returned soldier entered the employ of Raff, Cock & Co., and continued with them until 1871, when he came to this city and engaged in business, forming a partnership with W. W. Church under the firm name of Church and Raff. The firm dealt in agricultural implements and prospered, the same being later changed to Raff & Borger, and later Mr. Raff conducted the business alone.

In 1871, Mr. Raff was united in marriage to Miss Ella Sanders, of Davenport, and to them have been born three children, two of whom, Fred, of Chicago and Miss Edith, at ...

Muscatine Journal Muscatine, Iowa, October 31, 1903, page 1
Submitted by: Elaine Rathmann
Submitter's Note: Parts of the newspaper article have crumbled away and I replaced the missing text with (..)

One of Muscatine's prominent church and social workers, Mrs. Ella Sanders Raff, succumbed to a brief illness at her home, 509 Sycamore street, at mid-night last evening. Mrs. Raff had been ill less than one week. She was in her usual good health early Monday morning, January 7, but about 8 o'clock became unconscious and since then has never rallied.

Ella Sanders, was born in Davenport, December 22, 1849, and came to Muscatine in 1871, just after her marriage to Captain A. K. Raff, who was then engaged in the implement business here. Muscatine has been her home continuously since that time and on all occassions was interested in its welfare and improvements.

She was an active member of the local First Baptist Christian Association, of which she was a board member.

Mrs. Raff is survived by two sisters, Miss Julia Sanders of Muscatine, and Mrs. Carrie Gould of San Diego, California, one son, Fred S. Raff of Chicago, and one daughter, Miss Edith Raff, at home. One daughter, Nellie, Preceded her in death, also her husband who passed away October 30, 1903.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist church Monday at 1 o'clock, the Rev. J. W. Graves to be in charge of the services. Interment will be made in the Oakdale cemetery at Davenport.

The Muscatine Journal Muscatine, Iowa, January 13, 1918
Submitted by: Elaine Rathmann

Job W. Rankin, one of Muscatine's pioneer funeral directors and undertakers, died at 4 o'clock this morning following a brief illness with pneumonnia, at his home, 1107 Oakland. He was taken ill with the "flu" last week and was apparently feeling better when he suffered a relapse Friday. Pneumonia developed yesterday morning. He was 69 years old.

Mr. Rankin was born Feb. 1, 1854,in Lake township, and spent his entire lif in Muscatine county. He married Miss Carrie McCloud, March 28, 1877, to which union two children were born, both of whom survive. His wife preceded him in death Nov. 29, 1904. Oct. 1, 1911, he married Miss Minnie Porter, who survives.

Mr. Rankin moved to Muscatine about 29 years ago and entered the undertaking and furniture business with E. P. Day. Since Mr. Day's death in 1909 he conducted the business himself until last May, when he formed a partnership with E. Gustafson of Rock Island.

Fraternally, he was affliated with the Masons, Scottish Rite Consistory of Davenport, Elks and Knights of Pythias.
Besides his widow he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ben R. Beach of Knoxville and Mrs. Anna Brandecker of Chicago; five sisters, Mrs. Fred Beach, Mrs. John Ellis and Mrs. George Winans, all of Muscatine; Miss Cidney Rankin of Nevada, Ia., and Mrs. Mollie Ritzman of Perry, Ia.; a brother, William Rankin of Estherville, Ia., and three grandchildren.

SOURCE: Muscatine Journal And News-Tribune : Wednesday, March 14, 1923
CONTRIBUTED BY: Arthur J. Rankin III
NOTE: Job Rankin was an older half-brother of my grandfather, Arthur Jackson Rankin, who was born in Muscatine 4/13/1878.

W. H. Ransford of Talcott, Henry Co, Illinois, left home on the 28th ult., to transact business at Burlington and Rock Island and has not been seen since.  Signed, Mrs. Harriet Ransford of Geneseo, IL. (Rock Island Weekly Register, Wednesday 19 Oct 1859).

Note: The Rock Island Argus of Monday, 7 Nov 1859, reports that the body of W.H. Ransford, who lived near Talcott's Ferry on the Rock River, was found in the Mississippi River recently a short distance below Muscatine, Iowa.  Burial was on a sand mound about eight miles below Muscatine.

Source:  Hawkeye Heritage, Fall 1978, Vol XIII #4, abstracted by Janet K. Pease of Arvada Colorado

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Oscar A. Rasmussen, of 2421 Lutheran Drive, died Wednesday, July 8, 1998, at Lutheran Homes, Muscatine. Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at George M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home, Muscatine. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. Tuesday.  Burial will be at a later date in Wisconsin.

Mr. Rasmussen retired in 1973 from the former Celon Co., now Thatcher Plastic.

He was born Jan. 8, 1908, in Brooklyn, Wis.

Survivors include a stepdaughter, Barbara Mercer, Tulsa, Okla.; two step-grandchildren; sisters, Alice Beyer, McFarland, Wis., and Pearl Hockett, Madison, Wis.; and a brother, Howard, Portage, Wis. 

Ivan Lee Ray, 73, 107 Roscoe Ave., died Saturday evening at the Burlington Medical Center following a brief illness.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Riley Funeral Home with the Rev. E, B. Meyer officiating.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation is today at the funeral home, where a memorial fund has been established.

The son of William Lee and Martha Pearl Bird Ray, he was born March 28, 1910, in Muscatine.  He was a life resident of this community.

His first marriage to Ethel Hayes took place in 1930 in Muscatine.  He later married Theo Schneider Halstead on Aug. 25, 1951 in Tampa, Fla.  He was a member of the National Gem Society.  Mr. Ray had been a self employed sign painter.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Jack and Richard, both of Muscatine, Lee of Fremont, Neb., and Larry of Wolf Paint, Mont.; six daughters, Mrs. Gloria Reed, Mrs. Robert (Audrey) Babbitt and Floreda Ray all of Muscatine, Mrs. Robert (Iris) Moore of Donelson, Tenn., Mrs. June M. Ford of Letts and Mrs. Gary (Iva Starbele) Lindley of Moline, Ill., 31 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister and a half brother.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Feb. 27, 1984 page 2.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Randy L. Ray, 33, 408 McArthur St., died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1991, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Services will be Friday, Feb. 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  The Rev. Marlin Rempfer, of Our Savior Lutheran Church, will officiate.  Sara McCleary will be organist.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

Mr. Ray was born July 24, 1957 in Muscatine, a son of Jack and Marilyn Forbes Ray.  He was a life resident here.
He was united in marriage on Aug. 28, 1977 to Linda Burns, in Muscatine.

Survivors, all of Muscatine, include his wife, Linda, his mother and stepfather, Glenn and Marilyn Epperly; his father and stepmother, Jack and Nancy Ray; one brother Rick Ray; two stepbrothers, Keith Nichols and James Johnson; three sisters, Mrs. Dennis (Brenda) Truesdale, Lee Ann Ray and Michelle Ray; three stepsisters, Christy Johnson, Kim Nichols and Mrs. Todd (Ruby) Taylor.

Also surviving are his grandmothers, Jessie Forbes and Ethel Fowlie; his step grandmother, Ruby Epperly; two godchildren, (niece and nephew) Valerie Burns and Eric Truesdale; parents-in-law, D. Wayne and Mary Burns; brother and sisters-in-law, Dan and Billie Burns, Dennis and Bev Beck, Rick and Marion Curry and Brian and Lynnette Burns; and nieces and Nephews, Michael Ray, D. Craig Burns, Amanda Burns, Nick Burns, Melissa Seright, Sara Seright, Ken Curry, Angela Curry and Eric Curry.

He was very active in the Kidney Foundation and was a former member of the Glad Tidings Church.  He was currently attending Our Savior Lutheran Church.

He was restaurant and bar manager of the Canterbury Hotel.
He was a lifelong Musician and had belonged to the "Jade" band.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Feb. 1991.
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Susan Reed, one of the pioneers of this community died at her home in Fredonia, Tuesday morning, January 17th (1933). She had been ill with the flu but seemed to be much better and was able to be up and call on some of her friends. Saturday, January 14th, she became much worse and her children were called to her  bedside Sunday.

Susan Hardesty was born in Scott County at Buffalo, August 16, 1849. She was united in marriage to John W. Tucker June 18, 1867 and to them four children were born who survive to mourn her  death, two daughters, Mrs. Frank Wells of Burlington and Mrs. A. L. Hammond of Columbus Junction and two  sons, John and George Tucker, both of this community. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.

Mr. Tucker died in 1878 and a few years later she was united in marriage to Joseph Reed who died fifteen years ago. She spent practically her entire life in this community and was highly esteemed for her rugged, stalwart honesty, her willingness to aid in time of misfortune or distress and her interest  in her home. She enjoyed a remarkable health and since her 80th birthday several years ago, she frequently  walked to Columbus Junction and was always busily engaged in some kind of......(unknown as to what this says)

Funeral Services were held this afternoon at the Methodist Church in Fredonia conducted by the Rev. W. A.  Samp.
Mrs. Samp and Mrs. B. O. Roundy sang, "He Knows It All" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." The  pallbearers were: Wm. Gabriel, Jack Carey, Harley Meeker, Noah Gage, James Lee and J. H. Snyder.    Internment in the Indian Creek Cemetery.

Source not known : 1933
Contributed by:  Verna May

Mrs. Reeves who was about 26 years of age has resided in Fairport during practically her entire life.  She is survived by her husband, three step-children Florence, Ella and Daniel Reeves, her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Drewer, who made her home with her, three brothers and two sisters.

The funeral will be held at 1 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the church at Fairport.  The Rev. G. W. Mendenhall, pastor of the Grace Lutheran church of this city will officiate and the remains will be interred in the Fairport cemetery.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal Oct. 6, 1915
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note the name Drewer should be Brewer.

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Services for Christine S. Reeves, of Muscatine, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at George M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home, Muscatine. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine. Visitation is 3-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Miss Reeves died Sunday, June 28, 1998, at Muscatine General Hospital. She had lived with and cared for her grandmother Reeves for the past 13 years.

Christine Reeves was born July 23, 1965, in Muscatine. Memorials may be made to the Christine Reeves Memorial Fund.

Survivors include her father and stepmother, Dennis and Jannis Reeves, Muscatine; her mother, Tannis Jennings, Frankfort, Ill.; sisters, Dottie and Deanna Reeves, both of Muscatine; and her grandmothers, Edith Reeves and Phyllis Carlisle, both of Muscatine.

Quad Cities Times 30 Jun 1998

Mr. Reeves was an employee on the section and was returning to his home on the workers' train at the time of the accident.  As the cars of the work train are open flat cars, the workers sit on the edge and it was while in such a position that Mr. Reeves was thrown between the cars by a sudden jolt of the train, according to eye witnesses.

When the train was halted, the wheels of one of the cars were resting on his body and it was seen at once that death had been almost instantaneous.  His body was brought to Muscatine immediately and is now at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Reeves of Washington street.

Mr Reeves was born January 19, 1871 at Fairport and resided there through the greater portion of his life. He was united in marriage with Miss Melvine Dusenbury in 1893, three children being born to the union, Mrs. Florence Hayes of Illinois City Illinois, Van and Miss Ella Reeves at home.  Mrs. Reeves died in 1905 at the family home near Illinois City.  Shortly after the death of his wife, Mr. Reeves and his children moved to Fairport.  Four years ago he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Holmes, who preceded him in death 2 years ago.

Besides his parents and his children, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. J. W. Quinault, Washington; Mrs. A. L. Martin, Burlington Junction Mo.; Mrs. Harry Weierhauser of Washington street, and one brother, H. L. Reeves of Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be held from the home of his parents on Washington street at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning.  Interment will be made in the Fairport cemetery.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal June 24, 1919
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Agnes maiden name was Brewer ; she was a sister to my grandfather Freeman Brewer.

Mr. Reeves according to evidence introduced at the inquest, which was held in the Goff Undertaking Parlors, was riding on a flat car, sitting on the end of it, and when the train came to an unusually sudden stop he was thrown off the car and to the rails.  The body was badly mangled and death was instantaneous.

From Muscatine IA, Journal June 25, 1919
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Floyd (Soggy) Reeves 83, died Monday evening at the Bethesda Care Center. Services will be held Thursday at 10:00 am at the Ralph Wittich Funeral Home. The Rev. Dan Schoepf will officiate.   Visitation will be from three to either pm Wednesday. Burial will be in the Fairport Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Mr. Reeves was born May 1, 1901 at  Fairport, a son of Van and Fannie Brunson Reeves, he was a life resident of the area. He was a Navy Veteran of WWI. He was a barber for forty years. Survivors include two sons, Forrest Reeves  and Harold Reeves both of Muscatine, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Muscatine Journal Tuesday November 13, 1984

Fairport, Jan. 28, (special) Rendered unable to observe Rock Island Passenger train no. 12 by a dense fog which prevailed, Van Reeves, a Rock Island Section man, stepped from the track at a point  about three-fourths of a mile south of this place this morning to avoid an oncoming freight train, directly in front of the passenger engine and was almost instantly killed.
The body was brought here     and now awaits action by the coroner. Mr. Reeves leaves a wife and two children.

Mr. Reeves was walking in a southerly direction on the Rock Island tracks in the discharge of his duties. At about 8:15 o'clock this morning a south bound freight  train came dashing along which Mr.  Reeves saw in time to avoid. He left the track and crossed over  to the second track just in time to be  caught by the pilot of the engine attached to passenger train No. 12 which was running at a high rate of speed to make up time. The unfortunate man was hurled  to one side of the track, the train was     stopped and the body was taken on board and brought here.  When the remains arrived here an examination revealed the fact that the body was not mutilated. The face only was bruised apparently.

Muscatine Journal 28 Jan 1903

Jury decided Van Reeves met death accidental. Coroner W. S. Norton held inquest over the remains of Van Reeves, the section hand, who was killed yesterday at Fairport while walking along the CRI & P railway track. The jury decided that Mr. Reeves met his death by stepping   in front of passenger train no. 12 while the latter was running at high rate of speed and was thrown     from the track killing him almost instantly. The jurors were W. H. Hobert, Geo. Mockmore and W. R.  Chatterton.

Muscatine Journal 29 Jan 1903:

The funeral of Van Reeves took place this afternoon at his home in Fairport. Rev. Hix of the United Brethren Church of this city
officiated. The funeral was held at 1 o'clock and was attended by the Court of Honor quartet composed of the following members: Mesdames John Ellis, J. D. Fulliam, C. P. Malone and Miss Hattie Meerdink. The deceased was a cousin of Mrs. George B. Fisch. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. B. Fisch were among those who attended from this city.

Muscatine Journal 30 Jan 1903

MUSCATINE -- Gerald I. "Pete" Reifert Sr., 64, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, was placed in the God's loving arms on Friday, April 24, 1998, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the Faith United Church of Christ, 3307 Mulberry Ave.  The Rev. James Trosen will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Gerald Reifert Jr., Benjamin Reifert, Thomas Reifert, Jeffery Sachs, John Mahan and William Woller.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home with a Moose Service at 7:45 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Gerald I. Reifert Memorial Fund.

Mr. Reifert was born on Oct. 17, 1933, in Muscatine, the son of Glen D. and Viola Herlein Reifert.  He was united in marriage to Ann Kramer on Feb. 1, 1955, in Iowa City.

He was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ and the Muscatine Moose Lodge No. 388.
He played baseball for Muscatine High School for four years and then played American Legion baseball.  He bowled for more than 30 years, and was a member of the Muscatine Men's Bowling Association.
He loved being outdoors, especially on the Mississippi River, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a meat cutter from 1951 to 1998, working at Rinks Grocery Store from 1951 to 1973; he then worked at Jake's Market from 1973 to 1997; and then Jeff's Market in Wilton and Durant from 1997-98.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Ann Reifert; his loving children, Kathy Dancker of McFarland Wis., Gerald I. Reifert Jr. of Seattle, Wash., Cynthia Mahan of Huntley, Mont., Benjamin Reifert of
Wilton, Patricia Sachs of Duluth, Ga., and Thomas Reifert of Palatine, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; five brothers, LaVerne Reifert of Muscatine, Ed Reifert of Blue Grass, Ron, and Bill Reifert, both of Muscatine, and Rick Reifert of Bondurant; two sisters, Mrs. Don (Jean) Patterson of Greenfield, and Mrs. Kuehl (Wilma) Irwin of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, one brother Jim Reifert, and a brother, Earl Wayne Reifert in infancy.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal, Apr. 1998
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

James P. Reifert, 46, of 514 Polk St., died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1992 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home.  The Rev. Stephen Metcalf-Conte, of the High Prarie United Methodist Church will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Ray Johnson, David Freers, Lyle McCullough, Andy Reifert, Doug Bemis, Dale Irwin and Dan Reifert.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Mr. Reifert was born June 27, 1946, in Muscatine a son of Glenn and Viola Herlein Reifert.  He married Charlotte Johnson on May 6, 1966, in Muscatine.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Myron (Amy) Eichelberger of Bloomfield, Iowa, and Emily Reifert, at home; two grandsons, Noah and Duncan Eichelberger both of Bloomfield; his father Glenn of Muscatine; five brothers, LaVerne Reifert and Jerry Reifert, both of Muscatine, Ed Reifert of Blue Grass, Ron Reifert and Bill Reifert of Muscatine, Rick Reifert of Bondurant, Iowa; and two sisters, Mrs. Kuehl (Wilma) Irwin of Muscatine, and Mrs. Don (Jean) Patterson of Greenfield, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his mother and an infant brother.

Jim worked at Thatcher Plastic for 10 years and for Wonder Bread for 11 years, retiring in 1987 due to his illness.

He enjoyed the outdoors with a special passion for fishing.  He also played fast-pitch soft-ball for more than 20 years for many Muscatine area teams.

Taken from the Muscatine Iowa Journal Dec. 10, 1992 page 5a
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

In the death of Mrs. Teresa Reinhard, which occurred Tuesday, July 13, 1937, another one of the real pioneers of the
community was called to her eternal rest.

Teresa Reinhard was born Dec. 28, 1841 in Germany and came to this country when a child of only 5 years of age, and
has lived in this community for 90 years. For the past 15 years she has made her home with her son Edward, and she
passed away at this home at the advanced age of 94 years, 6 mo., and 20 days. Mrs. Reinhard was a pioneer in the true
sense of the word. She witnessed the privations and hardships of the early settlers, and has seen the marvelous changes
which has taken place as the years passed by.

She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s church during her entire life, and was a respected and esteemed resident of
this community.

Surviving besides her son Edward are five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren besides a host of friends. Her
husband Earhard Reinhard preceded her in death in 1911.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning July 15, at St. Mary’s church, with Rev. J. J. Hopkins officiating.
Internment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Source and Date Unknown
Note this is a Cedar Co obit

GRANDVIEW, Iowa-- John E. "Johnie" Renner, 80, of Grandview, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001 at Unity Hospital.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Dr. Ken Frans will officiate.  Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.   Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Renner was born Oct. 13, 1921 in Kinner, N.D., the son of Henry and Edna Jane Titus Renner.  He married Roberta Shanner Sept. 17, 1946 in Rock Island, Ill.  She preceded him in death Dec. 18, 1993.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the European Theater in Scotland and England during World War II.  He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Survivors include a son, Garry Paul of Muscatine, a daughter, Sherry Snow of Iowa City; two grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Harold Renner of Lamars, Calif., and a sister Dolly Hites of Albuquerque, N.M.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a great-grandchild and three sisters.

Source: Muscatine Journal Oct 2001
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott

TIPTON--Tentative funeral arrangements for Albert C. Reynolds, 80, of Tipton have been made for Sunday afternoon at the Wilson funeral home, with burial in the Tipton Masonic cemetery.

Mr. Reynolds was born at Kellogg Iowa, April 11, 1869 and died at St. Luke's hospital, Davenport, Wednesday night.

For many years he was employed at the Muscatine Sash and Door works. In recent years he has made his home with his sister, Miss Ida Reynolds, in Tipton.

He is survived by a son, George, of Hollywood, one daughter, Mrs. Charles J. Misicka, Mt. Vernon, Ohio and three grandchildren

Iowa City Press Citizen 14 Jan 1950

Boy Drowned.-A son of Rev. C. P. Reynolds, aged 12 years, was drowned in Mud Creek, near Wilton Junction
on Friday afternoon. This is a small but treacherous stream that laves a portion of this county.

The Daily Gazette Davenport, Iowa Monday Morning August 11, 1862 "Local Matters"
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann of Scott Co IAGenWeb Project

CAMPBELLSBURG KY-- William C. Reynolds, 48, formerly of Campbellsburg, died Tuesday at Bedford Medical Center.
He was a native of Washington County, a general laborer, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of Campbellsburg Baptist Church.

Survivors: two sisters, Mary Ruth Austgen of Muscatine, Iowa, and Roberta Campbell of  Salem.
Funeral: 1 p.m. Friday, Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home, Salem. Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery,  Salem.
Visitation: 5-9 p.m. Thursday and after 8 a.m. Friday.

Source: The Courier-Journal Louisville, KY March 03, 1994, p. 03B

Mrs. Ernest Richards, 81, 326 E. 29th St., Davenport, died Tuesday morning in the Davenport Nursing Home.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday in the Runge Chapel.  Burial will be in National Cemetery,  Rock Island Arsenal.
Visitation is today at the Funeral Home.

Florence M. Harker was born in Muscatine.  She married James H. Essex in 1906 in Muscatine.  He died in 1928.  In 1947, she married Mr. Richards.  He died in 1969.

Mrs. Richards is survived by daughters, Mrs. Henry (Fern) Keding, Davenport, and Mrs. Clarence (Ethel) Delles East Moline; sons Henry Thomas , Sherwood H, and Francis  L.Essex all of Davenport; 20 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Grace Methodist Church or to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Davenport

 Taken from Quad City Times Democrat, Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, 12 March 1969;

Contributed by Colleen Harker and Al Harker
Additional information;
daughter of  ALFRED LINCOLN HARKER SR.  and EMMA HARRIETT FISHER
Other children Chester born 1907?  and Harold James died age 21.
Great Nephew Al Harker, Davenport, Ia
This obituary was also submitted by June Brewer Welsch

Alfred H. Richter, 68, of 2416 Holcomb Ave., Des Moines, died  Thursday (Dec. 26, 1996) at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at McLaren's Funeral Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines. Burial will be          in Resthaven Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at McLaren's  Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association.

Alfred H. Richter was born on March 22, 1928, at Muscatine, Iowa. He was in the United States Air Force.
He worked for U.S. West Communications in Mason City where he met Phyllis Norris. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Norris on Jan. 12, 1963, in Mason City.

He was transfered down to U.S. West Communications in Des Moines.  He was very inventive and was responsible for a lot of improvements in U.S. West Communications. He retired in 1990.

He loved to work in their garden and to collect miniature tiny tractors and old cars.
He was a member of Telephone Pioneers, the Des Moines Camera Club, and Panoramic Camera Club.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Richter of Des Moines; and his mother-in-law, Opal V. Norris of Des Moines, also a former
Mason City resident.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Mason City, IA; 28 Dec 1996

Services for Alex James Rickheim, 12, were held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. The Rev. Donald Loots and James Norem, intern, officiated. Organist was Emily Cole.
Pallbearers were Dennis Cozad, Tom Gray, Tom Harper, Les Kirk, Jerry Bishop and Dennis Essex.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.
The youth died Wednesday at Sand Run, Louisa County, of an accidental gun shot wound.

Muscatine Journal Monday Nov. 12, 1984
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

MECHANICSVILLE, Iowa - Irene Viola Rife, 103, of Mechanicsville, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, at Mechanicsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mechanicsville after a brief illness.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville. The Rev. Linda Stransky will officiate. The organist will be Fran Robinson. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsville. Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous, Legion Auxiliary and United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville.

Mrs. Rife was born Nov. 1, 1897, in Bringhurst, Ind., the daughter of Samuel Willis Yeater and Margaret Salina Haigh. She married Clarence Boyd Rife Jan. 28, 1914, in Clarence. She was a homemaker and farmwife.

She attended McKinley School in Muscatine. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville, Royal Neighbors, Social Club, Legion Auxiliary No. 309, and was involved in many church activities.

Survivors include three daughters, Violet Kamerling of Lisbon, Margaret Kadiec of Mechanicsville and Donna Faye Arthur of Ashville, N. C.; daughter-in-law, Gladys Rife of Mechanicsville; sister, Velma Eleanor Taylor of Mechanicsville; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Margaret Rife; her husband, Clarence Rife on Oct. 29, 1975; sons, James S. and Clarence M.; brothers, Russell and Clarence; grandson, Ron Rife; sisters, Esther and Ora.

Muscatine Journal   November 27, 2000
Contributed by Roy J. Yeater

Bessie O. Riley, 56, 6801 51st St. South, died Thursday afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital, Davenport.  Services are at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  The Rev. Roger Miller of the First Christian Church will officiate. Phyllis Jones will be organist.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Riley was born Feb. 8, 1933 in Muscatine, a daughter of Orville and Elva Cunningham McCracken.
She was united in marriage to Green L. Riley on April 2, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas. From 1952 to 1968 she was with her husband in military service. The couple returned to Muscatine in 1968.

She was a member of the First Christian Church. Her family was of the most enjoyment to her.
She was employed at Muscatine Pearl Works for 12 years before its closing.

Survivors include her husband, Green; two sons, Robert L. Moore and Tommy Riley, both of Muscatine; three daughters Mrs. Randy (Jane) Wagner and Mrs. James (Betsy) Evans, both of Muscatine; and Mrs. Clifford (Pamela L.) Skidmore of Wapello; nine grandchildren; her father, Orville McCracken of Muscatine; four half-brothers, Ralph, Michael and Kenneth Burns and William McCracken, all of Muscatine; two sisters, Joyce Butler and Mrs. Donald (Martha) Marx, both of Muscatine; and three half- sisters, Mrs. John (Rosemary)Smartt of Alaska; Mrs. Tim (Patsy) Burns of Muscatine; and Phyllis Daniels, of Chicago.
She is preceded in death by her her mother and three brothers in infancy.

Muscatine Journal  November 17, 1989
Contributed by:  [email protected]

COLUMBUS JUNCTION--- Mrs. Anna Robertson, 90, died this morning at the Long-Term Care Center in Washington.
Services are pending at the Stacy Lewis Funeral Home, Columbus Junction.

The former Anna Hutton was born in June of 1888. She married Jay Robertson, and he died several years ago. Mrs. Robertson was a 50 year member of Chapter CX of P. E. O. and was a member of Chapter R. T.T.T., Today's Federated Club, Priscilla Club
and the United Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include one son, Keith, of Columbus Junction; one daughter, Jean Robertson of Washington, D.C.; one
grandson; and four great-grandchildren.

Muscatine Journal Monday May 7, 1979 page 14
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Harold E. Robertson, 75, Muscatine, died Monday, March 25, 2002, at  Unity Hospital.

Services are 10 a.m. Friday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home. Chaplain Jerry  Timmerman will officiate. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.  Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established.

Mr. Robertson was born April 27, 1926, in Wapello, the son of Bert and Bertha Ashby  Robertson. He married Theresa Marie Grimm Sept. 3, 1949, in Muscatine.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in World War II. He served in the South Pacific as a  gunner on a LST carrier and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a black belt karate instructor while serving in the Navy.

He owned and operated Robertson Tree Service and was employed at Kent Feeds for more  than 23 years.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Harold Robertson Jr. of Glenwood; four daughters, Leah  Robertson of Muscatine, Helen Birkhofer and husband Garry of St. Cloud, Minn., Kathy McNeal and husband Rodd of Letts and Mildred Hyink and husband Jimmy of Rock Island, Ill.;  six grandchildren, Shona Neece and husband Phil of Muscatine, Adrianna, Amy and CoreyBirkhofer, all of St. Cloud, Jessica Hyink of Ames and Jena McNeal of Letts; three  great-grandchildren, Shantel and Cody Rathjen and Summer Neece, all of Muscatine; three  brothers, Richard Robertson of Oakville, Clarence Robertson of Morning Sun and Clifford Robertson of Arkansas; three sisters, Myrtle Gotts of Wapello, Mary Lee Nelson of Illinois and Lucille Ayers of Seattle, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Diane Robertson; three brothers, Rex,  Darrell and Burtis "Bud" Robertson; and three sisters, Yeteva Smith, Vivian Gerst and Nettie Gotts.

Muscatine Journal March 26, 2002
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
I saved this obituary trying to determine if his wife is part of my Grimm family

Charles Robinson died May 8, 1908 on the farm upon which had been spent the last eleven years of his life.  He had lived beyond the usual average allotted to man.  For three score and thirteen years, he had braved the storms of life. "Strange that a harp of thousand strings should keep in tune so long."

He was a native of Chenango County, N.Y. while yet a boy as a member of his father's family he came to Kalamazoo, Mich., and from there to Illinois.

 In Grundy County were expended the best years of his middle life. Here it was that he met Elizabeth Flanders, and on March 16, 1871, she became his wife.  To this union were born Frank C. Robinson, C. M. Robinson, Fred Robinson, Millie, now the wife of Wm. H. Deming of La Belle, Mo., Alice now the wife of Chas. DeForest of West Liberty, Cora, the wife of Lloyd Winans of Tacoma, Wash. Eugene and Nellie died in early life.  All the living members of this family were present at the funeral services at the home.  Of his father's family but one survives--John Robinson of Webster City, who was also present during the brief illness and death.

Rev. P. H. Green of West Liberty officiated at the initial services at the home and the remains were taken to Morris, Ill. and the funeral held in the M. E. Church in that city, Rev. Snyder officiating.  The following members of the family accompanied the remains to their final rest beside his two children and his father and mother in the Sample Cemetery.  viz:  the widow, Elizabeth Robinson, Frank C. Robinson and his wife Edna, Alice DeForest, Cora Winans and the brother of the deceased.

West Liberty Index 14 May 1908 (I believe that is correct, but I do not have a copy.)
Contributed by Alson Deming Braley, great-grandson.
Note:  His farm was in Iowa Twp., Cedar Co., served by West Liberty PO.  He was buried in Sample Cemetery in Morris, Grundy Co., IL.

 Morris friends received word today of the death of Charles Robinson, who was engaged in the livery business in this city many years ago.  He died, at West Liberty, Iowa.  The body will be brought to Morris, and the funeral will be held Monday afternoon with services at the Methodist church at 1 o'clock.  The interment will be in Sample cemetery, south of town.
Mr. Robinson was at one time a farmer of Felix township.  He sold his farm and bought another near Mazon, selling that about ten years ago and moving to West Liberty.  He is survived by a wife and family.

Newspaper article from Morris Daily Herald May 9, 1908. p.3
Contributed by Alson Deming Braley, great-grandson.

Elizabeth Flanders, daughter of Ziba and Ruth Flanders, was born at Rutland, Vermont, February 22, 1843.
Here her young life was spent and her early schooling was received. When a young woman she came to Grundy County, Illinois, with relatives with whom she made her home for some time.

March 6, 1871 she was, united in marriage to Charles Robinson, To this union eight children were born Eugene, who was laid to rest at the age of nine years; Frank C. and Alice DeForest of West Liberty; Millie E. Deming of Iowa City; Clarence M. of Washington; Cora A. Winans and Fred A. of Oakland, California, and Nellie who passed away at the age of one year.
Eight grandchildren also survive.

March 1, 1893 the family moved to the vicinity of West Liberty, where May 8, 1908, the home was broken up by the death of the husband and father, since which time the deceased has made her home among the children.

Having spent the greater part of her life ministering to others she was not content to be ministered unto, so in December, 1918, she prevailed upon the children to permit her to establish her own home on East Sixth street. This was but temporary for in a few weeks she suffered a paralytic stroke which rendered unavailing the self-dependence which she so earnestly sought. In the years that followed, her health improved and the past two years her ardent desire has been fulfilled in her home on North Calhoun street, when her health and wishes permitted.

Having lost her sense of hearing in early life, she was deprived of the satisfaction of mingling in public functions, hid applied herself diligently to the welfare of her family with the one thought in mind, that each should live as God intended.
While she had never become identified with a church organization, she held to the true principles of Christian teaching and valued virtue above profession.

Her usual health continued until the last two weeks when a weakened heart brought its attendant suffering, and tho kindly hands relieved her closing hours, she peacefully passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles DeForest, on Tuesday evening, October 11, at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 19 days Burial took place Friday at Mt. Morris, Ill.

West Liberty Index 20 Oct 1927
Contributed by Alson Deming Braley, great-grandson.
Note:  She was buried in Sample Cemetery in Morris, Grundy Co., IL.

Mrs. Libbie Robinson To Be Buried Here
 The body of Mrs. Libbie Robinson, widow of Charles Robinson, deceased, former residents of Mazon, will be brought here tomorrow at 11:35 A.M. over the Rock Island and then to Sample Cemetery where a short service will be held at the grave.
 Mrs. Robinson was almost 80 years old and the family left Grundy County for West Liberty, IA., in 1892.  She died at West Liberty and is survived by six children.

Newspaper article from Morris Daily Herald, Oct. 13, 1927, p.1
Contributed by Alson Deming Braley, great-grandson.
(Correct date they left for West Liberty  is 1893.)

WEST LIBERTY--Mrs. Adelaide R. Rockafellow, 91, died at 8:30 a.m. today at her home in West Liberty following a two week illness.

Mrs. Rockafellow was born December 9, 1860 near Springdale, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Mary Millett Phelps.  She was a life long resident of Muscatine and Cedar counties.

She married Harry H. Rockafellow October 8, 1884 in Springdale.  She was a birthright member of the Friends church.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Harry Perry of Atalissa, Iowa and Mrs. Theodore Arp of West Liberty; two brothers, Walter of Muscatine and R.J. Phelps of Iowa City; two sisters, Mrs. Lida Rockafellow and Mrs. Lydia Conner of West Liberty, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Snider funeral home in West Liberty.  Burial will be in Oakridge cemetery.

Iowa City Press Citizen 18 Jan 1952

 Wesley G. Rockwell, 78, died Wednesday February 10, 1999 at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty following an extended illness.

Graveside services will be held 1 P.M. Friday February 12, 1999 at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty with Rev. Frank Schultz officiating. The Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is in charge of arrangements

Mr. Rockwell was born March 17, 1920 in Marengo, Iowa the son of Homer and Laura Smith Rockwell. He had owned and operated Rockwell Electric in West Liberty for many years. He had served with the US Army during WWII.

Survivors inlcude three brothers: Willard Rockwell of West Liberty; William Rockwell of Nichols; and Lowell Rockwell of Tampico, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers.

West Liberty Index Feb 18 1999

MUSCATINE--Etta M. Rodgers, 102, died Saturday morning, Nov. 25, 1995, at Lutheran Homes where she had resided.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.  Lutheran Homes Chaplain Robert Ahlstrom will officiate.  Florence Hetzler will be organist.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be one hour prior to service time Tuesday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Homes.

Mrs. Rodgers was born June 23, 1893, in Muscatine, a daughter of Charles and Ella Bachelor Eis.  She was a life resident of the area.
Her marriage to William R. Rodgers took place in April 1909, in Muscatine.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was president of the Delta Alpha Class, whose project was donating Bibles to the needy.  She was also chairman of the White Cross Committee which rolled bandages.

Etta's hands were never idle.  This showed in the many quilts she made for family, the hundreds of lap robes made for shut ins, and the "million" of cookies made for family and especially the church's vacation Bible school.

Survivors include four daughters, Thelma Hawk, Darlene Broderson and Dorothy Westerman all of Muscatine, and Wanda Whitman of Green Valley Ariz.; 16 grandchildren, many great-great grandchildren and several great-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three daughters, one sister and four brothers.

Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal, Nov. 27, 1995
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

F. William "Bill" Roggeveen died unexpectedly in Woodland  Memorial Hospital Friday May 10, 2002 at age 59.

He was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He attended elementary and high school in Muscatine, Iowa, and obtained his  undergraduate degree in business at the University of Iowa. He  then went on to complete his law degree at Duke University in  North Carolina, where he was elected class president, and was a  practicing attorney in Woodland. He was a member of Yolo Fliers Club, California Trial Lawyers Association and American Legion.   He also served his country in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant  with the first Airborne Division at Fort Benning, Ga.

After completing Officer Candidate School, he completed  parachute training and later became a U.S. Army sport                      parachuting instructor. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Good Conduct Medal,
the Expert Rifleman and Gunnery medals.

After completing service to his country, he continued sport skydiving, bungee jumping, and was an avid golfer who enjoyed
 the sport with his children. According to his family, "He loved  improving his mind by reading historical and Vietnam-era novels
and law-related texts and information. He enjoyed spending time with his family as well as perfecting his passion for barbecuing."

Mr. Roggeveen is survived by daughter Lindsey Roggeveen; sons Mitch Roggeveen, both of Woodland, and Erik Roggeveen of
Berkeley; and their mother Sally Roggeveen, also of Woodland.

Also surviving are his parents, Leonard and Marie (Gullekson) Roggeveen; brother Len Roggeveen, all of Toffen, Iowa; as well as  numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 23, at Calvary Baptist Church, 506 Cottonwood St., Woodland.
The family requests memorials be directed to Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors, 175 Second St., Woodland.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors is assisting the family with  arrangements.

The Daily Democrat,  Woodland California, Friday, May 24, 2002

Claus Rohwer, 72, 314-1/2 Pine Street, died at 3:15 a. m. today at Muscatine General hospital after an extended illness.
A retired carpenter, Mr. Rohwer was a resident of Muscatine for 45 years.  He was a member of the Carpenter's Union.

Mr. Rohwer was born Feb. 1, 1890 son of Claus and Margaret (Ohm) Rohwer.  He was born in Germany.

Surviving are one son George Rohwer, a step daughter Mrs. Pearl Hunter of Washington D. C., a brother Detley
Rohwer of Manning Iowa, three sisters Catherine Hansen of Muscatine, Anna Oft and Margaret Frahm both in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, one son, and one daughter.

Services are pending at the Ralph J. Wittich funeral home.  The body is now at the funeral home where friends may start calling Thursday afternoon.  Interment will be at Greenwood cemetery.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Nov. 7, 1962
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Fannie E. Rohwer, 48, of 1227 East Fourth street, native of Illinois City died at Bellevue hospital at 1:15 p.m. Sunday after a 15 months illness with a complication of ailments.  Mrs. Rohwer had made her home here for the past 30 years.

She was married to Claus Rohwer at Jefferson, Ia., on June 16, 1925.  Surviving are her husband, a son, George C. Rohwer at home, a daughter by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ella E. Hunter of New Boston Ill.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Davidson of Muscatine, and the following brothers and sisters; Leonard Davidson, Wesley Davidson and Lysle Davidson, all of Muscatine; Manford Davidson of Rock Island; Mrs. Permelia Walker, Mrs. Dora Stender and Mrs. Mabel Canarr, all of Muscatine.

The body is at the Hoffman funeral home but will be taken to the residence at 9 a.m. Wednesday.  It will be returned to the Hoffman Funeral church at noon and rites will be conducted there at 2 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. John Haefner of Zion Lutheran church in charge.  Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

From the Muscatine, IA, Journal, Feb. 19, 1938
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note; From Muscatine County Iowa m/record Fannie was 21 next birthday and Ernest was 21 next birthday.  Fannie parents were George Davidson and Roxana Cunningham his parents were John Edwards and Jane Baird filed Ja. 4, 1910 Book H page 6.

Melvin Martin Rohwer, two year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Rohwer 914 East Sixth street, died at his home at 7:30 this
morning after an illness of 22 hours of meningitis.

Melvin was born May 26, 1927.  Surviving are his parents, his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Davidson of Fruitland; one
brother George and a half sister Pearl Edwards.

Funeral arrangements are in charge of the Hoffman Funeral Home and will be announced later.

Taken from the Muscatine Journal Feb. 26, 1920
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

 CHICAGO, Ill. - Violet Rosenberg, 89, of Chicago died April 30, 2001, at the Alden Estates  Nursing Home in Evanston, Ill.
Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Piser Chapel in Skokie, Ill. Graveside services are 1 p.m. Thursday at B'nai Moses Cemetery in rural Muscatine under the direction of the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 2821 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

Mrs. Rosenberg was born Feb. 2, 1912, the daughter of Leon and Esther Carasso. She was married to the late Simon B. Rosenberg for 40 years.
Survivors include many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.

Muscatine Journal  May 02, 2001
Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott
I am not related to this individual but saved the obituary while researching the B'nai Moses cemetery.

Albert C. Rosenbury, 68, of 2945 Sunnyside, died at Mercy hospital Tuesday at 2:20 p.m.  He had been in failing health for several months.  He had worked at J. I. Case Co., as a trucker.

Rosenbury was born at Seymour, Ia., July 25, 1889, the son of Frank and Susan Bower Rosenbury.  Sept. 7, 1919, he married Anna J. Barnett at Vancouver, Wash. He was of the Methodist faith and a member of the Moose Lodge.

Surviving are his wife; a son LeRoy E. Rosenbury of Burlington; three grandchildren and several cousins.  His parents are dead.

Services will be held in Prugh's chapel Friday at 3;30 p.m. Dr. George Hunt will officiate.  Burial was in Memorial Park cemetery.

From Burlington Iowa Paper unknown date;
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Mrs. Anna J. Rosenbury, 64, of 515 North St., died Friday in Mercy hospital after a brief illness.

She was born at Great Bend, Kan., Aug. 2, 1898, the daughter of George and Anna Oetken Barnett, and Married Albert Rosenbury Sept. 7, 1920, at Vancouver, Wash.  She was of the Nazarene faith.

Surviving are a son LeRoy, of Burlington, with whom she lived; three grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Mamie Hubbell of Portland, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews.  Her husband is dead.

Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. in Prugh's chapel, the Rev. A. D. Foster officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park.

From Burlington IA, Newspaper Unknown date
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note we always called her Nellie she died Jan. 15, 1963

Funeral services for Everett R. Rostenbach, 40, were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Lutheran church, Buffalo Rev. E. I. Hageman officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Fred Bunn, Ray Montgomery, Kenneth Welzenbach, John Graham, Kenneth Freshly and Si Ward.  Active pallbearers were Russell Forbes, Herbert Hall, Glenn Epperly, Michael Bunn, Edward Thornquist and Jerry Baillie. The Masonic Lodge  of Muscatine conducted rites at the Buffalo cemetery.  Mrs. Eva Kramer was the organist.

Mr. Rostenbach was accidentally electrocuted Nov. 4 while removing a metal antenna from a wooden pole near his Cedar river cottage.

Muscatine Journal Friday Nov. 8, 1963 page 8
Submitted by Carolyn Hidlebaugh

William Joseph Roth, 56, of 1620 California Avenue, Iowa City, formerly of West Liberty, died Thursday, January 7, 1999, at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City.

Services were held Tuesday, January 12, 1999, at the First Church United in West Liberty, with Dr. Dennis Morey officiating. Organist was Marianne Phelps and Darren Brooke was the soloist. Casket bearers include Dwain Hepker, Bob Regennitter, Gary Nealson, Dave Nealson, John Fiderlein, and Bernard Roth. Honorary casket bearers were Gary Reid, Bill Mitchell, Mark Abel, Ron Stutzman, Judd Leland, and Craig Farlinger. A memorial fund has been established. The Barker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Roth was born September 29, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Lawrence and Marjorie Kline Roth. He graduated from West Liberty High School in 1960 and also attended Iowa State University. He was married to Mary Pearson on February 9, 1964, in West Branch. The couple farmed for 22 years with his parents northeast of West Liberty until 1986. They later moved to Iowa City, where Bill was employed at Blooming Prairie for the past 12 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Rochester and also the Experimental Aeronautics Association.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Roth, of Iowa City; two daughter, Denise Roth of Graz, Austria, and Monica Roth Day (husband, John) of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; his mother, Marjorie Roth of Iowa City; and a sister, Janet Roth of Vinton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his father.

 West Liberty Index Jan 14 1999

OXFORD--Mrs. Elizabeth Rourke, 81, of Oxford, widow of the late M.J. Rourke, died at 7:45 a.m. today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Yvo Floerchinger, in DeWitt, after an illness of a few months.

The former Elizabeth Maher, Mrs. Rourke was born October 20, 1868, near Muscatine, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Maher.  She grew up in the Oxford area and was married in 1893 to Mr. Rourke, who preceded her in death in 1930.  A son, Ray, died in 1934.

Surviving Mrs. Rourke are a son, Raymond, of Oxford; three daughters, Mrs. R.A. Whiteford of Marion, Mrs. Floerchinger of Dewitt, Mrs. S. H. Cox of Ft Dodge; a sister Mrs. Mary McElroy, of Maquoketa, and a number of children and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Rourke was a member of St. Mary's church at Oxford and of the Altar and Rosary society of that church.  The body will be brought to her home at Oxford Thursday morning, and the rosary will be recited there at 8 p.m. the same day.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's church, with the Rev. P.J. Ryan officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary cemetery.

Iowa City Press Citizen 15 Mar 1950

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today at the Wheeland chapel, Rock Island, for Mrs. Dollie Rowe, 64, former resident of Muscatine.  Interment was at Chippiannock cemetery, Rock Island.

Mrs. Rowe, a resident of 609 1/2, 17th, Rock Island, died Saturday in St. Anthony's hospital, Rock Island.

She was born March 12, 1897, at Muscatine the daughter of Moses and Nancy O'Brien Bailes.  She married Aug. 2, 1921 to Harry Rowe.

Surviving include four sons, Marion Rowe of Chicago, Harry Rowe of Cleveland, Richard and Donald Rowe of Rock Island; three daughters, Mrs. Odetta Shaw and Mrs. Nancy Williamson, both of Moline, and Mrs. Patricia Smith, Davenport; three brothers, William Bailes of Bettendorf, Ernest Bailes, Moline, and Edward Bailes, Stillwater, Minn.; 30 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  She was preceded by parents, husband, one brother and one sister.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal Sept. 5, 1961
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Harry M. Rowe, 61, of 609 1/2 Seventeenth street, Rock Island, died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday at St. Anthony's hospital, Rock Island, following a short illness, Mr. Rowe was a former Muscatine resident.

The body is at the Wheelan Funeral Home, Rock Island, where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday.  Burial will be at the Chippiannock cemetery, Rock Island.

The son of Edward and Marie Rhynar Rowe, he was born May 12, 1897, at Letts.  His marriage to Dollie Bierman took place Aug. 2, 1921, at Muscatine.  He moved from Muscatine to Rock Island in 1928.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Marion H. and Harry J. Rowe, Chicago, and Richard W. and Don C. Rowe, Rock Island; two daughters, Mrs. Nancy R. Williamson, Rock Island, and Mrs. Patricia Smith, Davenport; one step-daughter, Mrs. Odetta Shaw, Moline; four brothers, Casper and Edward Rowe, Grandview, Harlan Rowe, Muscatine and Paul Rowe, Dubuque; one sister, Mrs. Beulah Miller, Bettendorf; 24 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, three sisters and two brothers.

From the Muscatine IA, Journal Feb. 16, 1959
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch

Florence Minnie Ruchotzke, 89, of 1301 200th St., Tipton, Iowa, mother of a Hanna City resident, died at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 1997, at Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty, Iowa.

Born March 25, 1908, in Wheatland, Iowa, to Edward and Margaret Schadt Kagemann, she married Henry Christian Ruchotzke on Feb. 23, 1927, in Calamus, Iowa. He died Jan. 24, 1994.

She also was preceded in death by one son, Gary Ruchotzke on April 26, 1969, two sisters and two brothers.
Surviving are two sons, Ronald of Hanna City and Larry of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one daughter, Mrs. Bryce (Delores) Werling of Tipton; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tipton. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Burial will be in Inland Cemetery in Bennett, Iowa.

Source: Peoria IL Journal Star D9 : May 03, 1997

Mrs. Myrtle Ruggles, 82, who had resided here recently with a daughter, Dorothy Ruggles of 202 Grandview court, died Thursday at a Wilton Junction nursing home.

She had resided most of her life in Birmingham, where her husband, Lee R. Ruggles, operated a drug store for more than 50 years.  The couple was married November 29, 1905.  Mr. Ruggles died in 1954.

Mrs. Ruggles was a member of P.E.O. at Keosauqua and of the Methodist church.

Survivors, in addition to Miss Ruggles, include two other daughters, Mrs. Marvin S. Bell, of Davenport, and Mrs. LaVerne Meyer of Clarence, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Birmingham Methodist church with burial in Maple Hill cemetery there.

Iowa City Press Citizen 03 Jun 1960

The deceased was born in Muscatine county February 22, 1863, and had been lifelong resident.  He is survived by  his wife and five children, Merle Runyon of Letts, Mrs. Ruby O'Toole of Sosson, Colo.,  Ralph, somewhere in France, and Harold and Gertrude at home.  His mother Mrs. Henrietta Runyon of Muscatine, two sisters Mrs. Luella Letts of Letts, Mrs. Lily Letts, of Port Louisa, and one brother W. P. Runyon of Buffalo Iowa, also survives.

No definite funeral arrangements have been made.

Source; Muscatine IA, Journal May 1918
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note Ref; Muscatine County m/cer.  His age was 24 and hers was 20.

The daughter of Josiah and Jane Epperly Fry, she was born June 3, 1867, in Muscatine county and prior to moving to the Tri-Cities 20 years ago had resided on a farm near Letts.  Her marriage to Frank A. Runyon, took place Sept. 1, 1886.  He preceded his wife in death May 4, 1918.

Surviving are three sons, Merle of Rock Island, Ralph of Des Moines and Harold of St. Paul, Minn.;
two daughters, Mrs. Ruby O'Toole of Cornish, Colo., and Mrs. Gertrude McWilliams of Moline;
two sisters, Mrs. Phoenia Epperly of Roseberg, Ore., and Mrs. Stella Furnas of Letts; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Edna who died in September. of 1912, one brother, Rolla, and a sister, Grace.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock at the Hodson Funeral Home in Rock Island and at 3 o'clock at the Methodist church in Letts.  Burial will be in the Letts cemetery.

From Muscatine IA, Journal, Feb. 1947
Contributed by June Brewer Welsch
Note he died Feb. 9, 1947

Davenport Gazette Davenport, Scott, Iowa Thursday, July 7, 1842
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann of Scott Co IAGenWeb Project

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