Judith Ann Smith died July 24, 2026, at the age of 85 in Fort Collins. She was born in Peoria, Illinois, on February 8, 1941, to Ruth Elizabeth Garber. Her mother and she were fostered by a childless couple, Arzey Henry and Lucille Eugenia (Zimmermann) Watkins, since her single mother worked full time in manufacturing. In 1951, Ruth married James Henry Seffer, giving Judy a fine stepfather and some already-grown-up stepsiblings. Her half sister Anna was born in 1952. She attended Peoria County schools from 1st through 12th grade, completing eighth grade at Monroe Elementary School in 1955. She graduated…

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Beale, 89, Rockford, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born on February 11, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ray and Margaret (Walter) Unmacht. An Iowa girl at heart, Liz graduated from Wartburg College in 1959 and moved to Rockford, IL. Liz was a teacher off and on for almost 40 years in the Rockford School district, beginning her career teaching at Kishwaukee Elementary School and retiring from Nelson Elementary School. In between she was a substitute teacher and a librarian at Christian…

Jim passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, and was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. Jim grew up in Iowa and left to pursue a degree in finance from Oklahoma University. He served as president of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, and it was there that his strong work ethic, leadership, and devotion to service and community developed. Jim then went on to work his way up within JC Penney for 35 years, after which he happily retired to Fairfield Glade with his wife, Marilyn. In retirement, Jim loved to play golf with his friends for many…

Maurice Lavar Lang, 47, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on July 13, 2026. Born on January 16, 1979, in Hollywood, Florida, Maurice was the beloved son of Ms. Deloris Dames and Mr. Freddie White. Throughout his life, he was known for his kind heart, unwavering love for his family, and his genuine appreciation for the people and experiences that brought him joy. Maurice was a proud graduate of Wartburg College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His time there reflected his dedication to education, personal growth, and perseverance. Above all, Maurice’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Desarae, Roman,…

Don Anderson Billhorn passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, July 13, 2026. Don was born on March 29, 1936, in his grandmother’s house in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Wilma and Alfred Billhorn. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Army in 1956. After basic training, he was stationed in Germany for 19 months, where he was a surveyor. He loved to talk about his travels and experiences while he was overseas, including driving one of the captains on a few occasions. Don married Mary Lou Arneson on June 27, 1964, in…

Duane Allan Childs of Snoqualmie, Washington, born on January 13, 1939, passed away on July 13, 2026. Duane leaves behind cherished memories for friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Duane’s life was marked by connections and experiences that touched those around him. Though he is no longer with us, the moments shared, the laughter, and the support he offered will continue to resonate. All who knew Duane will carry forward his memory in their hearts. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.

Beth Charice Barnett June 2, 1961 – July 12, 2026 Beth Barnett, 65, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle of more than ten years with ovarian cancer. Beth was born in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Eric and Carolyn Biedermann. She graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Christian Elementary Education. Although she valued her education, Beth believed her greatest calling was to be a devoted wife and mother-a role she embraced with unwavering love, grace, and joy throughout her life. In 1984, Beth married the love of her life and soulmate, Rich Barnett. Together they…

The Rev. Dr. Steven Ullestad, 73, of Cedar Falls, IA died peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He was born to the Rev. Norman and Marilyn (Silvius) Ullestad on February 26, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN. Steve’s family moved often in his early years, including stops in Manly, IA, Bettendorf, IA, Salina, KS and Postville, IA, where he played on the state championship football team. In 1971 he enrolled at Wartburg College, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Schuldt, in the Wartburg Choir. After inauspicious beginnings, the two fell madly in love and were married on April 13,…

Alice Marie Vogel, age 89, of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA. Alice Marie’s story began in Rock Rapids where she was born on June 27, 1937, to George O. and Minnie (Monson) Anderson. She grew up in Rock Rapids alongside siblings Karen and Alan, and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1955 among lifelong friends and with her sweetheart and future husband, Arnold Vogel. After her graduation from Wartburg College, Alice and Arnold married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids on July 13, 1957. Their first years…

Donna Mae Kemp, 89, of Waterloo passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls. She was born on July 23, 1936, on the family farm near Gladbrook, Iowa, the daughter of Harvey and Luverne (Christiansen) Leuthje. Donna graduated from Waterloo Eash High School and then attended Wartburg College and Gates Business College. On December 3, 1960, she was united in marriage to Bob Kemp at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Waterloo where they raised their two children, Pamela and Dominic. Donna worked as a legal secretary for various lawyers…

Janice Anne (Collins) Hannemann, age 80, of Nashua died July 3, 2026, at her home in Nashua. Janice (Jan) was born on November 6, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of William and Alma (Lubbs) Collins. She grew up on the family farm near Janesville, where a deep appreciation for nature first took root. As the youngest of four sisters, Jan spent countless hours outdoors exploring, playing, and helping her mother around the house. It was there that she developed a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and kittens, which she happily carried around the family homestead whenever she could.…

Michael Greg Waugh, born September 5, 1973, died by suicide on July 1st, 2026. He was 52. Mike was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is loved, missed, mourned and remembered. Mike was born in Atlantic Iowa and spent the majority of his early life in Jefferson Iowa, graduating from Jefferson-Scranton High School in 1992. He was active, playing baseball, basketball, football, golf and participating in track & field throughout his school years and into college, and also participating in a community production of Oliver Twist, playing the title character. Mike attended Wartburg College and later earned an…

JoAnne Lee Schwarz, age 83, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Forrest and Lillian (Easter) Stevens on November 26, 1942. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Michigan.  She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dearborn in 1961 and went onto study English at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.  On August 17, 1963, JoAnne was united in marriage with James “Jim” Fredrick Schwarz at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Michigan. They lived in Waverly, Clarksville and settled in Aplington, Iowa.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. JoAnne loved decorating cakes…

LaNell Jane Brandes, 82, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 with her loving family by her side. LaNell Jane Bailey was born April 5, 1944 in Belmond, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Edna (Hansen) Bailey. She graduated in 1962 from Belmond High School. Following graduation, LaNell went on to obtain her Associates degree in Music from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and her Bachelor’s degree as a Music Major from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Professor Odvin Hagen, her choir director at Waldorf, called her his “first violin”, with her beautiful, high-soprano voice. She joyfully…

Ruth Ann Kobliska, 88, died peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2026, at her home in Waverly. Ruth was born on August 13, 1937, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of J. Stanley and Nettie (Riepe) Eifert. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1955, Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1957, and Wartburg College in 1961. On August 21, 1961, she married the love of her life, William R. Kobliska, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1962, Ruth and Bill moved to San Diego, California, where they lived until 2015, when they returned to Waverly. While in San…

Lois Marquerite (Philippi) Cipalo, 91, passed into our Lord’s arms on June 21, 2026 at Hawkeye Care Facility in Dubuque, Iowa. Lois was born on November 5, 1934, in Bruning, Nebraska, to Frederick M. and Laura E. (Springer) Philippi. She attended high school in Bruning, Nebraska, and then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she received her elementary education degree. Later, she received her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota and a certificate for Rehabilitation Administration from DePaul University in Illinois. On August 22, 1970, she married Michael (Clem) Cipalo of Blue Island, Illinois, in…

Kenneth Eugene “Ken” Brinkman, 86, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Charles City on May 31, 1940, Ken was the youngest of nine children born to Fred and Isabel (Hoffert) Brinkman. He graduated from Greene High School in 1958 and attended Wartburg College. He farmed near Packard for 50 years and sold DeKalb seed for 34 years before retiring to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. On July 25, 1959, Ken married Beverly Bauman, beginning a partnership that would last nearly 67 years. They were true partners in every sense of the word – raising a…

Jean Victoria Gold Menking, 99, of Alice, TX, peacefully entered the presence of her Creator and Savior on June 19, 2026. “There’s a new name in heaven, and it’s mine, oh, yes it’s mine!” so sang Jean Victoria Gold Menking as God’s angels joyously carried her into the Presence of her Creator. Born on August 13, 1926, in Nebraska City, NE, to the Rev. H. C. and Wilhelmina Gold, Jean grew up in Lytton, Iowa. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, alongside her twin sister during World War II. Completing her lifelong passion for nursing she received an RN with a BS in Nursing…