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…