Obituaries

Danny LaVaun Mahan, 64, died Saturday, November 5, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English. Pastor Kirk Statler will officiate.

Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8,  at the Powell Funeral Home in North English.

Danny Mahan

In lieu of flowers, a general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.

Dorothy Conklin, 96, of Kalona, Iowa, died Thursday, November 3, 2011, in her home in Kalona.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m.  Monday, November 7, 2011, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond, Iowa, with Rev. Marty Goetz officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sigourney. There is no visitation.

Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa City Hospice and masses.

August 14, 1916 – April 6, 2011
John Alfred Miller, 94, of Kalona, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona from declining health.
A celebration of life service was held Sunday, April 10, 2011, at Fairfiew Mennonite Church in rural Kalona with Pastors Perry Miller and Leon Stutzman officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been establised for the Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry and Iowa City Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.peterseimfuneralhome.com.
John Alfred Miller was born August 14, 1916, in Midland, Michigan, the son of Dan J. S. and Catherine (Blucker) Miller. He attended Franklin Rural School in Iowa County. He was united in marriage August 14, 1938, to Effie Marie Swartzendruber at the Fairview Mennonite Church. He farmed for many years and also worked as a nursing assistant at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for 24 years. Mr. Miller was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church and the Kalona Koffee Klub. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and wintering in Florida and Texas. He loved music and enjoyed singing bass in a men’s chorus. Scripture memorization was important to him and even when other faculties declined he was able to quote Bible verses. He also enjoyed joining in the music when Chaplain David Yoder led Bible study at the Pleasantview Home.
Survivors include his wife, Effie Miller, Kalona; four daughters, Judy (Eldon) Gingerich, Riverside, Iowa; Phyllis (Art) Bassett, Cleveland, Georgia; Joy (Ron) Cuchna, Amana, Iowa; Lorna (Glendon) Bender, Goshen, Indiana; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Vira Hershberger, Harrisonburg, Virginia; and two brothers, Howard (Margaret) Miller, Phoenix, Arizona; and Willard Miller, Nixa, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Richard Miller; a great-granddaughter, Melanie Gingerich; two brothers, Fred and Mervin Miller; and two sisters, Irene Smoker and Marie Stutzman.

September 20, 1945 – April 9, 2011
Laura Jean Hochstedler, 65, of Kalona, Iowa, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 9, 2011, at her home in Kalona. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at the Fairview Mennonite Church in rural Kalona with Rev. Parry Miller and Rev. Leon Stutzman officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona was in charge of the arrangements.
A memorial fund has been established for Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Mission Aviation Fellowship and Bethany International (a niece and nephew are serving with these mission agencies).
Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Laura Jean Hochstedler was born September 20, 1945, near Kalona, Iowa, the daughter of Ezra and Susan (Mast) Hochstedler. She was an active member of Fairview Mennonite Church. She lived in the Kalona community most of her life. She did voluntary service in Minnesota. Ms. Hochstedler was employed at JW”s Foods. She enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with family.
Ms. Hochstedler is survived by five brothers, Robert L. Hochstedler, St. Paul, Minnesota; Donald G. Hochstedler (Ellen), Kalona; Wayne A. Hochstedler (Nancy), Barstow, California; James M. Hochstedler (Pam), Kalona; Loren K. Hochstedler (Elvesta), Kalona; four sisters, Oleta Bollman (Ken), Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Carol E. Glick, Danvers, Illinois; E. Marlene Schrock (Dale), Iowa City, Iowa; Twila S. Swartzentruber (Don), Kalona; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother-in-law, Harley Glick; and a nephew, Keith Glick.

March 6, 1925 – April 5, 2011
Mary Hershberger, 86, died April 5, 2011, at Hospice House in Hutchingson, Kansas.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 10, 2011, in the home of Leslie Miller in Kalona, Iowa. Burial was in the East Union Cemetery, rural Kalona. Peterseim Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.peterseimfuneralhome.com.
Mary Mast was born March 6, 1925, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Mennon and Katie Schlabach Mast. She lived most of her life in Kalona, Iowa, moving to Hutchinson in December of 2010. She was a homemaker and a member of the Amish Church, Kalona, Iowa.
She married Thomas Wesley Yoder October 2, 1947. He passed away February 7, 1948. She then married Mark Hershberger June 19, 1949, in Kalona.
Mrs. Hershberger is survived by her husband, Mark Hershberger; four sons, Firman (Sovilla) Hershberger, Kalona; Jacob (Esther) Hershberger, Chouteau, Oklahoma; Daniel (Verna) Hershberger, Hutchinson, Kansas; Joseph Hershberger, Brighton, Iowa; five daughters, Miriam Hershberger, Hutchinson, Kansas; Susan (Lavern) Yoder, Hicksville, Ohio; Rosella (Erik) Gottfred, Pottsville, Pennyslvania; Elizabeth (Harley JR) Beachy, Hutchinson, Kansas; Esther (Robert) Miller, Coalgate, Oklahoma; 40 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by four grandchildren, Juanita Hershberger, Verton Hershberger, Virgil Hershberger, Keith Hershberger; three brothers, David, Andrew, Abraham Mast; and three sisters, Susanna Mast, Sarah Miller and Esther Mast.

September 6, 1924 – April 3, 2011
Harold Edward Brenneman, 86, of Wellman, Iowa, died Sunday, April 3, 2011, at his home in rural Wellman from congestive heart failure.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wellman. Rev. Rich Adam will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Lower Deer Creek Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The family will greet friends at a luncheon following the service. Mr. Brenneman deeded his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. A memorial fund has been established for Washington County Hospice. The Powell Funeral Home in Wellman is in charge of the arrangements. Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Harold Edward Brenneman was born September 6, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Edward J. and Fannie (Hochstetler) Brenneman. He attended Franklin rural school. He served in the United States Air Force during WWII. April 2, 1945, he was united in marriage to Marie Stumpf at Holy Trinity Rectory in Richmond, Iowa. Mr. Brenneman lived and farmed in rural Wellman all of his life. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Farm Bureau, American Legion and the CCC Car Club. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, woodworking, old cars and tractors, and the WMT Tractorcade.
Mr. Brenneman is survived by his wife Marie Brenneman, Wellman; four children and ten grandchildren, Linda Oldfield (Richard), Wellman and children – Melinda Oldfield (fiancé Tim Banks), Rich Oldfield (Cindy), Emily Villhauer (John), Frederick Oldfield, and Reid Oldfield (Gayle); Gary Brenneman (Barb), Kalona, Iowa, and children – Ian Brenneman (Naomi) and Seth Brenneman; Doug Brenneman (Diane Zaerr), Wellman, and children – Maureen and Brent Brenneman; Debbie Martinson, Wellman, and her son – Elias Martinson; and a brother, Lynn Brenneman (Mary), Kalona, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Vickie Brenneman.

March 28, 1923 – April 1, 2011
Walter “Doc” Rugg, 88, Washington, Iowa, formerly of Wayland, Iowa, died Friday, April 1, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a short illness.
Funeral Services were held Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Prairie Flower Baptist Church north of Washington with Pastor Don Collings officiating. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion Post #29. A memorial has been established in the name of Walter “Doc” Rugg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.beattyfh.com.
Walter Rugg was born March 28, 1923, in Wellman, Iowa, the son of Frank J. and Nellie Mabel (Smith) Rugg. He graduated from Wellman High School in 1942. He served in the United States Army from 1942-1943. He was united in marriage June 27, 1943, to L. Helen Barger in Des Moines, Iowa.
He attended Prairie Flower Baptist Church north of Washington. He farmed in the Oxford area before moving to the Wayland area in 1964. He farmed in the Coppeck area, drove a school bus for WACO and also was employed at River Products. He moved to the United Presbyterian Home in 2010. He enjoyed woodworking, playing the harmonica and playing Santa Claus for many years.
Survivors include five sons, Fred Rugg and wife Liz, Wayland; Merle Rugg and wife Sherri, Wayland; Beryl Rugg and wife Donna, Wayland; Sanford Rugg and wife Nancy, Crawfordsville, Iowa; Robert Rugg and wife Diana, Omaha, Nebraska; five daughters, Linda Otis and husband Dale, Rochester, Minnesota; Judy Carney and husband Leonard. Parnell, Iowa; Laura Hill and husband Gary, Washington; Mary Richardson and husband Donald, Collinsville, Illinois; Shelley Herren and husband Kent, Marion, Iowa; a sister, Dorothy Hess, Iowa City, Iowa; 31 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen (August 16, 2002); and four brothers.

November 7, 1922 – March 30, 2011
Dorothy M. Black, 88, of Washington, Iowa, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the Washington County Hospitals following a short illness.
Celebration of life services were held Sunday, April 3, at the Jones Eden Funeral Home. Interment was in the Valley Cemetery in rural Washington. Memorials have been established for the Washington County Mini Bus or local elementary school libraries. Online condolences may be sent to the Black family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.
Dorothy M. Baker was born November 7, 1922, in Havre, Iowa, the daughter of Howard and Mable (Hotle) Baker. She attended country schools in Washington County. She was united in marriage to Omar L. Black August 3, 1941, in Memphis, Missouri. She was a homemaker and worked with her husband in the family business, Washington Transfer. Mrs. Black enjoyed her family, quilting, sewing, crocheting, camping, attending the Iowa State Fair, gardening, going for walks and watching birds. She volunteered at area schools for many years. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and was a member of a bowling league for several years.
She is survived by seven children, Janet Rees, Columbus Junction, Iowa; Sandra Aggson and husband Danny, Wellman, Iowa; Connie Baker and husband Joe, Harper, Iowa; Carmen Black, Washington, Iowa; Karen Blakley and husband Mike, Libertyville, Iowa; Robert Black and wife Melody, Wellman, Iowa; Marsha Drayfahl and husband Ron, Ainsworth, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Martha Brown and husband Kenneth, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2000; a son, Daryl Black; infant son, Allen Black; a grandson, Bryan Black; as well as, five siblings, Lucille Ross, Lawrence “Bud” Baker, Helen Brown, Clark “Spark” Baker and Mary Schooley.

July 29, 1948 – March 30, 2011
Sharon K. Evans-Gase, 62, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011.
A private family service was held Saturday, April 2 in Washington.
Mrs. Evans-Gase was born July 29, 1948. She was married to Jim Gase.
She is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Gase-Baker of California; two granddaughters, Avalon and Eden; and one brother, Tony Evans, Wellman, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers and one nephew.

December 2, 1929 – March 29, 2011
Marjorie Ann Bull Crossett, 81, of Fairfax, Virginia, died March 29, 2011, following an extensive and courageous battle with Alzheimers at Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Fairfax. Funeral services were held Monday, April 4, 2011, in the Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax. Interment was in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-601.
Margorie Ann Bull was born December 2, 1929, in Wellman, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd and Ida Bull. She received her teaching credentials from Cornell College and taught for more than 27 years. She retired from Centerville Elementary in 1997. She was united in marriage to James Crossett.
Mrs. Crossett enjoyed serving others as displayed in her love for teaching and countless mission trips. She went to Peru and Paraguay with her church. She was a member of the Pender United Methodist church.
She is survived by three children, Nancy Caldwell, James Crossett and John Crossett; seven grandchildren, Andrew Crossett, Robert Crossett, Sarah Crossett, Christopher Crossett, James Crossett, Kimberly Crossett, Catherine Crossett; and one great-grandchild, Alanna Crossett.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; and two grandchildren, Rachel Crossett and Sean Caldwell.

November 23, 1921- March 9, 2011
Marjorie M. Yoder, 89, of Kalona, Iowa, died Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Wellman Mennonite Church in Wellman with Pastor Robert Hartzler officiating. Burial was in the Wellman Mennonite Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa Mennonite School. Messages may be sent tot the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Marjorie M. Yoder was born November 23, 1921, in rural Wellman, Iowa, the daughter of Marion and Bertha (Swartzendruber) Yoder. She graduated from Wellman High School in 1939 and she received her normal training from the University of Iowa. She taught school for four years in rural public schools. She was united in marriage February 24, 1946, to Floyd Yoder at the Wellman Mennonite Church. The couple lived and farmed in the Kalona community. Mrs. Yoder was a member of the Wellman Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She kept a daily personal diary since she was a teenager. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and she had a gift of hospitality to all who came to her home.
Mrs. Yoder is survived by four sons, Leland Yoder, Kalona; Galen Yoder (Dixie), Hydro, Oklahoma; Curtis Yoder (Lois), Wellman; Calvin W. Yoder (Judy), Kalona; a daughter, Rhonda Yoder (Danny Graber) Elkhart, Indiana; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert D. Yoder (Barb), Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd; a son, Kevin Yoder; a daughter-in-law, Cammie Yoder; two brothers, Max Yoder and Stanley G. Yoder; and a sister, Mable Miller.

February 23, 1920 – March 14, 2011
Orpha B. Yoder, 91, of Kalona, Iowa, died Monday, March 14, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2011, at the West Union Mennonite Church in rural Parnell. Pastor Martha Yoder and Pastor Ray Reimer will officiate. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery. Visitation was from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona where the family was present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa City Hospice. Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Orpha B. Yoder was born February 23, 1920, in Wellman, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Roseanna (Kelley) Schauf. She graduated from Wellman High School. She was united in marriage to Ralph H. Yoder in 1941. He died in 1942. Mrs. Yoder was later united in marriage to Raymond H. Yoder in 1947. She lived in the Wellman and Kalona community all of her life, where she worked at Town and Country in Wellman and Parkview Manor as a CNA. Mrs. Yoder was a member at the West Union Mennonite Church and WMSC. She enjoyed listening to music, puzzle books and crocheting.
She is survived by three children, Roseanna Yoder, Buchanan, Michigan; Becki Miller, Craig, Colorado; Robert L. Yoder, Kalona; and a granddaughter, Hannah Miller, Spokane, Washington.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two sons-in-law, James Glaze and Arnold L. Miller; and four brother,s Leon, Wilbur, Dale Schauf and an infant.