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Kathleen Brandtner
Oskaloosa. Kathleen Brandtner, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa. She was born December 26, 1921 at Maple Lake, Minnesota, the daughter of Saul and Margaret Rogers Gagnon. She graduated from Maple Lake (MN) High School with the class of 1939. On October 24, 1944, she was united in marriage to Claude Brandtner at Maple Lake. They moved to Oskaloosa in 1963, and she was a homemaker. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, and was faithful to attend daily Mass. She enjoyed traveling, golfing, and playing cards, especially bridge.

Her family includes her husband, Claude Brandtner of Oskaloosa; two daughters and their husbands: Susan and George Hodoly of Omaha, Nebraska, and Claudia and Steve Martin of Oskaloosa; two sons and their wives: Tom and Jackie Brandtner of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Alex and Kathy Brandtner of Bettendorf; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Louis and Marvin Gagnon.

Funeral services for Kathleen Brandtner will be held Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Thomas Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery at Oskaloosa on Saturday morning. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Thursday after 12 Noon, and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 5 - 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. A Rosary Service will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church or to Mahaska Hospice.

To send condolences to the Kathleen Brandtner family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Bill Hart
Oskaloosa. Billy N. Hart, 73, of Oskaloosa, died this morning, Monday morning, June 30, 2008, at the Comfort House in Pella. He was born September 25, 1934 near Farson, the son of William and Reva Fisk Hart. He attended rural school near Ottumwa, and then farmed. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea. Following his discharge, he held various jobs, as he worked in construction; as a bartender; drove truck for Mayflower; and worked at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella for 27 years, retiring in 1996. On February 14, 1979, he was united in marriage to Anna Nelson at Oskaloosa. Bill enjoyed fishing, and working on cars and mechanical things. He attended Good News Chapel, and loved spending time with his family.

His family includes his wife, Ann Hart of Oskaloosa; their children: Billy Hart of Ottumwa, David (& Tina) Hart of Chariton, and Jim (& Dee) Hart of Oskaloosa, Kevin (& Tammy) Nelson of Brighton, Colorado and Mark Nelson of Oskaloosa, Melinda (& Michael) Holmes of Marion, North Dakota; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren; one sister: Maxine Ash, of Ottumwa; and a brother: (Everett) Dean Hart of Ottumwa.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson: Kevin Nelson; three brothers: Paul, Carl, and an infant brother; and four sisters: Betty Hendricks, Mary Long, Merle Molyneux, and an infant sister.

Funeral services for Billy Hart will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa, with graveside military rites given by members of the Oskaloosa D.A.V., V.F.W., and American Legion. Visitation will begin on Tuesday after 12 Noon, and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice or to Comfort House, Pella.

To send condolences to the Bill Hart family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Loren Lester
Oskaloosa. Loren L. Lester, 81, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday morning, June 29, 2008, at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born November 25, 1926 in Mahaska County, the son of Lloyd S. and Llora Tharp Lester. He graduated from the Barnes City High School with the class of 1945. On November 9, 1952, he was united in marriage to Lois Knoot at Indianapolis, Iowa, and Lois died October 12, 1995. Loren farmed part time, and worked in building management on the Veterans Administration Hospital campus in Knoxville for 25 years before retiring in January of 1987. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, and had served as a deacon and elder, and he was a member of Council Lodge, A.F. & A.M. Loren enjoyed visiting with people and fishing, and in retirement, enjoyed playing dominos with the church men and doing crossword puzzles.

His family includes a son and his wife, Bill and Rita Lester of Mitchell, South Dakota and a daughter and her husband: Linda and Phillip Wise of Joplin, Missouri; a granddaughter, Madison Lynn Wise; and a brother and his wife: Everitt and Kay Lester of Oskaloosa.

Besides his wife, Loren was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter: Dawn Lester; and a sister: Edris McDonald.

Funeral services for Loren Lester will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with the Rev. Stephen Mathison-Bowie officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Monday after 12 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice.

To send condolences to the Loren Lester family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Jeannette Bunnell
Oskaloosa. (Jean) Jeannette Bunnell, 87, of Oskaloosa, died Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born June 28, 1920 at Sumner, Iowa, the daughter of William Edward and Irma Haag Hurmence. She graduated from the Sumner (IA) High School with the class of 1938, and then of a cosmetology school in Waterloo. On January 2, 1941, she was united in marriage to Chester Bunnell at Omaha, Nebraska, and he died on June 19, 1977. They lived in the Fremont and Oskaloosa area since 1947. She attended Good News Chapel in Oskaloosa, and enjoyed church activities; reading; movies; and working puzzles.

Her family includes three sons: Dennis (& Rita) Bunnell of Moline, Illinois, Larry (& Shirley) Bunnell of Indianola, and Gayle Bunnell of What Cheer; eight grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and a brother and his wife: William and Marie Hurmence of Mason City, Iowa; and two sisters in law: Anne Hurmence of Prescott, Arizona and Audrey Hurmence in Minnesota.

Besides her husband, Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents; a son in infancy; and six brothers: Ralph, Norman, Donald, Wayne, Jerry and James Paul Hurmence.

Funeral services for Jeannette Bunnell will be held Monday, June 30, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Graveside services and burial will be in the Union Mound Cemetery in Sumner, Iowa at 2 p.m. on Monday. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Open visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 9 a.m. until service time to greet friends and relatives.

To send condolences to the Jeannette Bunnell family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Wilma Brau
Oskaloosa. Wilma J. Brau, 66, of Harlingen, Texas, and formerly of Clarinda, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at the Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. She was born April 4, 1942 at Montezuma, the daughter of Clarence and Hazel Maxwell Brau. She graduated from the Montezuma High School and William Penn College. She lived in Clarindafor many years and worked as a counselor at the State Mental Health Hospital in Clarinda until retiring.

Her family includes a sister, Joyce Parizek and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Wilma Brau will be held Sunday, June 29, 2008, at 1:30 P.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Roger Neumann officiating. Burial will follow in the Guernsey Cemetery at Guernsey, Iowa on the Brau family lot. Visitation will be Sunday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be made to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter.

To send condolences to the Wilma Brau family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Lewis Van Mersbergen
Oskaloosa. Lewis M. Van Mersbergen, 92, a resident of the Montezuma Nursing and Rehab Center in Montezuma, and formerly of Oskaloosa, died Monday morning, June 23, 2008, at the care center. Lewis was born April 24, 1916 in Mahaska County, the son of Andrew and Dora Bruinsma Van Mersbergen. He made his profession of faith in the old Protestant Reformed Church in Oskaloosa at an early age. On January 5, 1938, he was united in marriage to Irene Van Ommen at the bride’s parent’s home east of Lacy, and Irene died October 27, 2001. Early in his adult years, Lewis farmed east of Oskaloosa, and also was a trucker for many years. For many years he was an auctioneer in Mahaska County, and also worked for a time for the Mahaska County Sheriffs Office as a jailer. In semi-retirement, he worked for the City of Oskaloosa Parks Department mowing grass at Edmundson Park and Golf Course for 15 years. Lewis was a long time member of First Christian Reformed Church, where he had served as elder and Sunday School teacher, and bible leader for many societies within the church. He enjoyed working crossword puzzles.
His family includes his two sons and their wives: James and Maxine Van Mersbergen and Larry and Jean Van Mersbergen, all of Oskaloosa; 6 grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.
Besides his wife, Lewis was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Lawrence A. Van Mersbergen.
Funeral services for Lewis Van Mersbergen will be held Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Dale Visser officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa. There will be a Family Prayer Service Thursday at 12:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall in the basement of the church. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Wednesday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to First Christian Reformed Church or the Mahaska Hospice for the future hospice house.

To send condolences to the Lewis Van Mersbergen family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Dean Allgood
Oskaloosa. Willis Dean Allgood, 79, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa. Dean was born June 28, 1928, at Oskaloosa, the son of Orville and Lucille Doud Allgood. Early in his adult life he worked construction and was employed by Mahaska County. When he became of age he enlisted in the United States Army. On December 31, 1944, Dean was united in marriage to Evelyn Smith in Oskaloosa. He was a very dedicated and faithful caregiver to Evelyn until her death on November 6, 2002. Dean worked construction throughout his career; he started off as a heavy equipment operator and later as a pipe welder, and retired from construction in 1990. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa and the Oskaloosa V.F.W. While he was working he was a member of the Carpenter and Millwright local union. Dean enjoyed fixing campers and selling them, and he also enjoyed traveling with his family and watching NASCAR.

His family includes a son and his wife, Larry and Denise Allgood of Oskaloosa; a daughter and her husband: Sharon and Duaine Braden of Oskaloosa; 6 grandchildren: Angie (& John) Plumb, Amy Allgood, Troy Braden, Todd (& Mona) Braden, Traci Braden, and Trevern Braden (& Amber Ferguson); 3 step grandchildren: Dustin (& Jennifer) Van Wyk, Derek Van Wyk, and Devin Van Wyk; and 12 great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson: Robert Allgood; two brothers: Leonard and Ronald Allgood; and a sister: Marilyn Shields.

Funeral services for Dean Allgood will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Michael Dotson officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Corners Cemetery near Eddyville. Graveside military rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, V.F.W. and D.A.V. Visitation will begin Monday after 1 p.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 6 – 8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to BGMC program of the First Assembly of God Church.

To send condolences to the Dean Allgood family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Betty Briggs
Waterloo. Betty Briggs, 73, of Waterloo, and formerly of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday night, June 10, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born January 16, 1935 at Oskaloosa, the daughter of William and Anna Williams Sopher. She attended school in Oskaloosa, and then worked at the old Canary Cottage and other Oskaloosa restaurants. On July 27, 1958, Betty was united in marriage to Gene Briggs at Oskaloosa. She worked at the old Big Smith overall factory for many years. In 1979, they moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and in 1984 moved to Waterloo. Betty operated a Nutri-System franchise in Waterloo until retiring in November, 2002. She enjoyed embroidery work, quilting, and crafting, and will always be fondly remembered as a kind and generous lady. She was a member of the Oskaloosa Friends Church.

Her family includes her husband, Gene Briggs of Waterloo; three daughters: Susan (& Jim) Ward of Oskaloosa, Renee (& Kendrick) Wilson of Fairfield, and Claudia Briggs (& Randy Kirby) of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren: Jessica Flaherty, Dameon Place, Megan Hibler, and Alex Ward; and two great grandchildren: Aleixa and Bentley Flaherty.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Joyce Ross and Toots Sopher; and three brothers: Carl, Bill, and Dale Sopher.

Funeral services for Betty Briggs will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Dave Elmore officiating. Burial will be in the Bloomfield Cemetery east of Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the funeral chapel on Friday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Friday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.

To send condolences to the Betty Briggs family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Wilma Memmelaar
Oskaloosa. Wilma J. Memmelaar, 88, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She was born October 28, 1919 near Leighton, the daughter of Gerrit and Emma Meyer Vander Wilt. On September 21, 1938, Wilma was united in marriage to William Memmelaar at Leighton, and he died on October 8, 1987. For many years, Wilma was a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, the Lost Creek Coal Company. Wilma also taught piano lessons from her home for many years. She was a long time member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, and had been a church organist for many years for church services and singing groups, and recently she was active in “Coffee Break” at the church. She had been active as a 4 H Leader, and as a volunteer at the Mahaska Hospital. Wilma enjoyed traveling, gardening, and her neighborhood clubs.

Her family includes three daughters: Ruth (& Robert) Hoekstra of Ocheyedan, Iowa, Linda (& Keith) Vos of Pipe Creek, Texas, and Betty Whitson of Ottumwa; five grandchildren: Joel and Justin Hoekstra, Kimber Moore, Kelly Kovacs, and Jessi Whitson; three great grandchildren: Tyler and Kyle Moore, and Ryan Kovacs; and a sister in law: Iola Vander Wilt of Leighton.

Besides her husband, Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; three sons: Dale, Wayne, and James Memmelaar; and three brothers: Richard, Paul Alvin, and Alvin Vander Wilt.

Funeral services for Wilma Memmelaar will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Dale Visser officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Leighton. There will be a Family Prayer Service Saturday at 9:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall at the church, led by Pastor Alvern Boetsma. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Friday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Friday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Good News Chapel, Oskaloosa.

To send condolences to the Wilma Memmelaar family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

June Lanphier
Oskaloosa. June M. Lanphier, 80, a resident of Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa, died Monday, June 9, 2008, at the care center. She was born August 12, 1927 at Iowa City, the daughter of Leal and Minnie Manasmith Littrel. Her mother died when June was 6 years old, and an aunt Ruth raised June for much of her formative years. She graduated from the Deep River High School with the class of 1945, and received her teaching certificate from William Penn College. On January 24, 1946, she was married to James J. Ellis at Tracy, and he died September 21, 1983. Early in her adult life, she taught in rural schools for four years. On March 5, 1990, June was united in marriage to Charles H. “Chuck” Lanphier at Tracy. June was a longtime member of the Tracy United Methodist Church, and had been active in the U. M. W., a Sunday School teacher, and church mission’s was of special interest to her.

Her family includes her husband: Chuck Lanphier of Eddyville; two stepsons: Gary Lanphier and Carey “Curly” Lanphier of Oskaloosa; three granddaughters: Sara Larson, Jodi Johnson, and Mary Crile; nine great grandchildren; four brothers: Ward (& Pat) Littrel of Hudson, Dean Littrel of Ames, Eugene Littrel of Highland, California, Larry (& Sheryl) Littrel of Marshalltown; and a sister: Carol Akers of West Des Moines.

Besides her first husband, June was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother: Charlotte Littrel; two sisters: one sister in infancy and Merilyn Pemberton; and three brothers: Thomas and Lamont Littrel and Stanley Evans.

Funeral services for June Lanphier will be held Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Tracy United Methodist Church in Tracy with the Reverend Robert Morris officiating, assisted by Reverend Kim Jolly. Burial will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery at Tracy. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa on Wednesday after 12 noon, and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Tracy United Methodist Church or Mahaska Hospice.

To send condolences to the June Lanphier family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Scott LaRue
Oskaloosa. Scott A. LaRue, 44, of Oskaloosa died at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born August 19, 1963, at Greenville, South Carolina, the son of Charles and Joan Van Heukelom LaRue. He graduated from the North Mahaska High School in New Sharon, with the class of 1982. Scott went on to graduate from Indian Hills Community College in 1984 with a degree in aircraft maintenance. Following graduation from Indian Hills he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving three years on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway. When he returned home from the Navy he went to work for Cunningham Inc. in Oskaloosa, later he worked for a contractor at Cargill. Currently, he was employed as a maintenance man at Clow Valve’s foundry. He enjoyed watching NASCAR.

His family includes his parents, Charles and Joan LaRue of New Sharon; two brothers: Russell LaRue of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Jeff (& Robin) LaRue of New Sharon; a sister: Jennifer LaRue of Oskaloosa; 4 nieces: Ariel, MaKenzie, Elizabeth, and Natalie LaRue; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Scott was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Visitation for Scott LaRue will open Tuesday, June 10, 2008, after 10 a.m. and the family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel Tuesday evening from 5—7 to greet friends and relatives. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date, with burial in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

To send condolences to the Scott LaRue family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Viola Sytsma
Tracy. Viola Sytsma, 82, of Tracy, died Sunday morning, June 1, 2008, at her home near Tracy. She was born December 7, 1925, at Pella, Iowa, the daughter of Ben and Johanna Van Helten Beyer. She graduated from the Pella High School. On November 26, 1947, Viola was united in marriage to Leo Sytsma at Pella. She was a homemaker and helped out on the family farm. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and spending time with her family.

Her family includes her husband, Leo Sytsma of rural Tracy; their children and their spouses: Virginia and Clark Puyear of Tracy; Larry and Linda Sytsma of Knoxville; Margaret and Edward Karr of Knoxville; Jim and Cindee Sytsma of Tracy; Marla and Robert Kephart of Knoxville; Leroy and Jean Sytsma of Oskaloosa; Cleo and Roger DeGroot of Oskaloosa; Judy and Steve Kingery of Knoxville; Debbie and Jerry Shaw of Knoxville; and Carol and Brian Kendall of Knoxville. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren: Wade (& Johanna), Machell, Amy, B.J., Richard, John(& Dawn), Scott, Mindy, Molly, Mike (& Stacey), Matt, Tracy, Timothy, Benji, Kyle, Courtney, Cooper, and Sierra; and 2 great grandchildren: Taylor and Nathan; 5 step grandchildren: Jeff, Amy, Jenny, Grant and Garvin; and many step great grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson: Jeffrey Sytsma; two brothers: Arie and Lambert Beyer; and three sisters: one in infancy, Henrietta Duinink, and Martha Geurtz.

Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa on Monday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 6 – 8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery at Tracy. Memorials may be made to Twin Cedars Dollars for Scholars or Clay Township Fire and Rescue.

To send condolences to the Viola Sytsma family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Roy Landers
Oskaloosa. Roy E. Landers, 85, of Oskaloosa, and formerly of Fremont, died Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born April 10, 1923 near What Cheer, the son of Albert and Blanche Sanders Landers. He graduated from the Barnes City High School with the class of 1941. On January 8, 1944, he was united in marriage to Edith Grandia at Oskaloosa, and she died December 12, 2007. Together, they farmed in Mahaska County; near Oskaloosa, Cedar and Fremont. Following retirement, they lived in Fremont for many years, and wintered in Texas for 25 winters. They moved into Oskaloosa in August of 2007. Roy and Edith enjoyed playing cards and camping and were sponsors of Rural Young People for many years. He was a former member of the Fremont Lions and the Knights of Pythias.

His family includes a son and his wife, Ronald and Nancy Landers of Ankeny; two daughters and their husbands: Connie and Barry Bloyd of Edmond, Oklahoma and Elaine and William Askland of Ankeny; five grandchildren: Michael Landers, Tracy Miller, Steven Landers, and Mark and Gregory Bloyd; four step grandchildren: Andy and Sarah Van Den Berg, and Russell and Dennis Askland; and eight great grandchildren: Emma and Ian Landers, Boston Zuck, Brooklyn Landers, and Megan, Britney, Kelsi, and McKinzie Askland.

Besides his wife, Roy was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dale Landers.

Funeral services for Roy Landers will be held Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, with the Reverend Don DeGlopper officiating. Burial will be in the Cedar Township Memorial Cemetery at Fremont. Visitation will begin on Wednesday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To send condolences to the Roy Landers family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Donovan Woerdeman
Oskaloosa. Donovan Woerdeman, 70, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Knoxville. He was born November 14, 1937 at Mt. Pleasant, the son of Henry Joseph and Ella Mae Begolty Woerdeman. He graduated from the Mt. Pleasant High School with the class of 1955. Following high school, he served his country in the United States Navy. He became disabled during his time in the Navy, and after his discharge he worked for several years at the ordinance plant at Middletown. On January 26, 1973, Don was united in marriage to Rosalie (Lee) Heaton in Illinois. He was a Life Member of the D.A.V. and the Knights of Columbus in Houghton.

His family includes his wife, Lee Woerdeman of Oskaloosa; a daughter: Teresa Chamberlin of Las Vegas, Nevada; two granddaughters: Kristen and Samantha; three stepsons: Monte (& Karen) Johnson of Oskaloosa, Steve (& Michele) Johnson and Bruce Johnson, all of Beacon, two stepdaughters: Michele Johnson (& Tom Johnson) of Knoxville and Shelley Eskew (& Gary Bowlin) of Phoenix, Arizona; 14 step grandchildren; 18 step great grandchildren; his mother: Ella Woerdeman of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and a sister: Melita (& Roy) Smoot of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services for Don Woerdeman will be held Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Thomas Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in the Coal Creek Cemetery, southwest of Oskaloosa. Graveside military rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa D.A.V., V.F.W., and American Legion. Visitation will begin on Wednesday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice.

To send condolences to the Donovan Woerdeman family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Matilda “Tillie” Wills
Oskaloosa. Matilda I. “Tillie” Wills, 89, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, May 19, 2008, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born December 1, 1918 at Oskaloosa, the daughter of Thomas and Ida Sprague Smith. She enjoyed music, especially playing the piano and guitar, and as a teenager she was the music accompanist and traveled with evangelistic Pastor Morris Plotts, as he preached and established several churches in the area. On March 14, 1939, she was united in marriage to Willis W. Wills at Lancaster, Missouri, and he died March 13, 1996. She worked at the old Superior Ideal Manufacturing Company in Oskaloosa for over 34 years, and retired April 30, 1982. Since 1941, she was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa and was pianist for 41 years, and recently had attended Landmark Church of God.

Her family includes a daughter and her husband: Donna and Mearl Minter of Oskaloosa; a son: Wesley Wills of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren: Mike (& Jackie) Minter, Delynn Overturf, Jay (& Joy) Wills, Marty (& Laurie) Wills, and Robin (& Tom) Gay; and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren: Trisha, Billy, Casey, Ava, Tomi Jo, Ashley, Caleb, Brandon, Jacob, Shawnie, Taylor, Malachi, Andria, Billy, Bo, Grace, Emma, Jack, Heather, and Mason.

Besides her husband, Tillie was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson in law: Richard Overturf; nine brothers: Charles, Fred, Reford, Thomas, Robert, Roy, Richard, Herbert, and Paul Smith; and six sisters: Sara and Grace Smith, Minnie Padgett, Maxine Lowry, Mary Raines, and Margaret Lyman.

Funeral services for Tillie Wills will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Paul Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 2 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.

To send condolences to the Matilda “Tillie” Wills family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Opal Bridges Hornocker
The Colony, Texas. Opal Hornacker, 92, of The Colony, Texas, and formerly of Corydon, Centerville, and Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Prairie Estates in Frisco, Texas. She was born August 6, 1915, at Decatur City, Iowa, the daughter of Oscar and Annie Noftsger Orfield. She graduated from the Troy (IA) High School with the class of 1933. On September 3, 1938, she was united in marriage to Shirley Bridges in Oskaloosa. Together they farmed near Oskaloosa until moving away in 1948. Shirley died in 1983. In the late 1960’s Opal went to work for Union Carbide in Centerville. On January 23, 1984, she married Everette Hornocker, and he died on September 15, 1995. Opal was a member of the Christian Church in Centerville and was baptized in October of 1982. Currently Opal was a member of the First Christian Church of Lewisville, Texas.

Her family includes two sons and their wives: Robert and Kathy Bridges of Tucson, Arizona, and Keith and Dixie Bridges of Marion, Texas; two daughters and their husbands: Connie and Gilbert Harris of Longview, Texas, and Carol and Oran Hutchison of The Colony, Texas; two step sons and their wives: Wayne and Phyllis Hornocker of Allerton, Iowa, and Maurice and Leslie Hornocker of Utah; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and three sisters: Ruby VanToorn of Allerton, Garnet Mitchell of Clio, Iowa, and Pearl Vanderwilt of Oskaloosa.

Besides both of her husbands, Opal was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson: Todd Bridges; a brother: Floyd Orfield: a step daughter and her husband: Jeannette and Bill Poole; and a brother in law: Chester Vanderwilt.

Funeral services for Opal Hornocker will be held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Stephen Mathison-Bowie officiating. Burial will be in White Oak Cemetery, east of Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Friday after 1 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To send condolences to the Opal Bridges Hornocker family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Barbara Collette
Oskaloosa. Barbara Collette, 81, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday night, May 6, 2008, at Crystal Height Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born January 7, 1927 at Oskaloosa, the daughter of Robert L. and Iva M. Utley Bown. She graduated from the Oskaloosa High School, and attended a nursing school in Sioux City. For several years she worked as a nursing assistant to the late Dr. Kenneth Lemon in Oskaloosa. On March 14, 1947, she was united in marriage to Francis J. Collette at Sioux City, and Francis died on October 12, 2002. They lived in Oskaloosa their entire married life, and wintered in Arizona for 16 winters. Barbara was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a life member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Her family includes a son and his wife, Scott and Vicky Collette of Oskaloosa; a daughter in law: Sharon Collette of Goose Creek, South Carolina; three grandchildren: Jamie and Jodi Collette, and Sarah (& Bink) Collette; a brother and his wife: Donald and Ardyse Ann Bown of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and three brothers in law: Wilbur “Red” Collette and Clifford (& Joan) Collette, all of North Sioux City, South Dakota; and Leon “Curly” Collette of Sioux City, Iowa.

Besides her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Steven Collette and a brother: Robert Bown.

Funeral services for Barbara Collette will be held Friday, May 9, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Robert Morris officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin Thursday after 1 p.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.

To send condolences to the Barbara Collette family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

John McBride
Oskaloosa. John Randall McBride, 52, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, May 5, 2008, in Oskaloosa. He was born July 14, 1955, in Moline, Illinois, the son of John and Elise McBride. He graduated from the East Moline High School with the class of 1973. Following school John worked at a service station in Moline. He then worked odd jobs in the Quad Cities for quite some time. He moved to Oskaloosa in 2004, and continued to do odd jobs and help out those who needed help. He was a member of the Eagles in Illinois. John will be remembered for his contagious smile and charming sense of humor.

He will be fondly remembered by his aunt Mary McBride of Oskaloosa; his closest friend: Winifred Sheard of Oskaloosa; and many other family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter in infancy, and several aunts and uncles.

Graveside funeral ceremony and burial for John McBride will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation with the family will be Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. when a procession will form to move to the cemetery.

To send condolences to the John McBride family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Eileen Smith
Cedar Falls. Eileen M. Smith, 86, of Cedar Falls, and formerly of Oskaloosa, died Thursday night, May 1, 2008, at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls. She was born April 8, 1922, at Oasis in Cedar County, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mary Agnes Coleman Hensley. She graduated from the Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1940. On August 16, 1952, she was united in marriage to Merle J. (Bud) Smith at Oskaloosa. Eileen was employed as a bookkeeper-secretary in Oskaloosa for many years, lastly for St. Mary’s Church in Oskaloosa. Eileen was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Oskaloosa, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Years ago, she enjoyed camping with her family; knitting; Chicago Cubs baseball; tending their vegetable garden; and always enjoyed reading. Eileen was ever proud of her Irish heritage. Eileen and Bud lived in Oskaloosa until moving to Cedar Falls in September of 2005.

Her family includes her husband: Merle J. (Bud) Smith of Cedar Falls; a daughter and her husband: Mary and Donald Prostine of Cedar Falls; two sons and their wives: Andrew and Elaine Smith of Newburg, Oregon and William J. and Susan Smith of Reseda, California; 4 grandchildren: Joel (Danelle) Smith, Robin (Brad) Cooper, Benjamin Prostine, and Jacob Smith; a great granddaughter, Ilia Smith; and two sisters: Kathleen “Kay” D’Agostino and Marion (& Irving) Sodak, all of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother in law: Tullio “Mike” D’Agostino.

Funeral services for Eileen Smith will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverend Thomas Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Monday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. There will be a Christian Vigil Service Monday at 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be made to Imagine the Possibilities in Oskaloosa or to the Oskaloosa Public Library.

To send condolences to the Eileen Smith family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Marcus Stuit
University Park. Marcus J. Stuit, 50, of University Park, died Saturday, April 26, 2008, at his home in University Park. He was born October 9, 1957, at Rehoboth, New Mexico, the son of Gordon and Sylvia Stuit. He graduated from the Pella Christian High School with the class of 1975. Marc then attended Indian Hills Community College for two years and then Dordt College in Sioux Center for a year. On July 30, 1983, he was united in marriage to Judy Brummel in Oskaloosa. Marc was a senior master technician for the Ford Motor Company for 20 years. For the past three years he worked at Pella Corp, until illness forced his recent retirement. Marc was an active member of First Christian Reformed Church, where he had served as a deacon, an elder, a Sunday School teacher, and a cadet counselor, and he sang in the Gospel Singers Male Chorus for ten years. He enjoyed golfing and family vacations, especially camping and canoeing.

His family includes his wife, Judy Stuit of University Park; a son and his wife: Justin and Denise Stuit of Sioux Center; a daughter: Kari Stuit, at home; his parents: Gordon and Sylvia Stuit of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; three brothers and their wives: Gordon and Nancy Stuit of Oskaloosa, Jim and Marilyn Stuit of Lawrence, Kansas, and John and Rebecca Stuit of San Antonio, Texas; a sister and her husband: Lori and Edwardo Del Real Gonzales of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and his parents in law: Jim and Marilyn Brummel of Oskaloosa; and a sister in law and her husband: Bev and Dennis DeVries of Pella.

Marc was preceded in death by his grandparents: John and Bertha Westendorp and Henry and Catherine Stuit.

Funeral services for Marc Stuit will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Robert Drenten officiating. There will be a family prayer service at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Monday after 11 a.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice or to education funds for his son and daughter.

Marc\'s desire was to live a simple life: enjoying his family, making life long memories of family vacations or everyday events, being a faithful friend to many. The saving love of Jesus defined his life and it is something he wanted to share with all those who knew him. While melanoma may have changed his plans and his body, it could not touch his unshakable trust in God\'s faithfulness and God\'s perfect plan of his life.

To send condolences to the Marcus Stuit family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.

Ryan Murry
Oskaloosa. Perry Ryan Murry, 26, of Oskaloosa died April 23, 2008. He was born June 29, 1981, in Oskaloosa, the son of Perry Tim and Lana E. Brice Murry. He graduated from the Oskaloosa Senior High with the class of 2000. He then earned his Associate of Arts at Palm Beach Community College in Florida. Ryan was currently enrolled in the mechanical drafting program at Indian Hills Community College. He was active in athletics in high school, earning all district distinction in football, and he was a four year letterman in wrestling. Ryan was a member of the Elks Lodge in Oskaloosa.

His family includes his parents, Tim and Lana Murry of Oskaloosa; his sister and her husband: Leesa and Eric Barnett of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; a nephew: Dane Barnett; his grandparents: Perry and Mary Murry of Oskaloosa; his uncle and aunt: Mike and Nancy Brice of Oskaloosa; and two cousins: Dan Brice, and Matt (& Tracy) Brice.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, William H. Brice; and his paternal grandmother: Lorraine E. Murry

As was Ryan’s wish, his body has been cremated and private family services were held with burial in the Forest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ryan Murry Memorial Fund and may be mailed to Bates Funeral Chapel, 114 South 7th Street, Oskaloosa,Iowa 52577. Memorial contributions will be equally divided among: Indian Hills Community College; Oskaloosa High School, Athletic Department; and Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

To send condolences to the Ryan Murry family, send e-mails to: director@batesfuneralchapel.com.