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…

Inga Lorraine Hanson, 77, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, following a brief illness. Inga was born on November 24, 1948, in Postville, Iowa, to Bernard and Alma (Opsand) Hanson. She was raised in northeast Iowa and graduated from Valley High School in 1967. During her high school years, she excelled in athletics and was honored as a member of the 1967 Iowa Girls High School State Basketball All-Tournament Team. Following high school, Inga attended Wartburg College before earning her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University in 1971. She taught Home…

Helen Bertha Corbett (Neiderwimmer), 90, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2026. Helen was born on June 20th, 1935 to Robert and Lydia Neiderwimmer in Grinnell, IA. She pursued her education at Wartburg College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts in 1957 and continued her education at University of Illinois where she earned a Master’s degree in 1963. Helen was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, dedicated educator, and faithful friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. Throughout her career, she shared her love of learning by teaching English, Latin, and special education. Beyond the classroom, Helen…

Matthew Neil Ransom, 55, of Adel, Iowa, passed away on June 13, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Matt was born on December 21, 1970, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Roy and Cindy Ransom. He attended Adel-DeSoto High School and continued his education at Wartburg College before pursuing trade school. On September 24, 1994, Matt married Christine “Christi” Bolton Ransom. Together they built a life in Adel, centered on family, hard work, and creating cherished memories with family and friends. Matt spent most of his career as a proud member of Local 45 Sheet Metal Union. He was known for his…

Thomas Ernest Stephenson, a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on June 10, 2026 of natural causes at the age of 92. Born in Waverly, Iowa on Dec 7,1933 he was the second son of George August and Florence Wilhelmina (Sack) Stephenson. He had a life well lived. Tom graduated from Wartburg College before earning his degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. His work gave him joy and many stories to tell of courageous and interesting people. He lived a life dedicated to helping others, with a fondness for the elderly. His approach…

Martha Mary Krueger Stahlman, 81, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on June 10, 2026. She was born on March 21, 1945 in Oconomowoc Wisconsin. Marty was the daughter of Henry and Mary Krueger. Throughout her life, she was deeply cherished for her compassionate spirit and the thoughtful, generous ways she cared for others with faith and devotion. Marty’s early years were shaped by life on the dairy farm with her family. She attended Tamarack Primary School, a one-room schoolhouse , and later, Arrowhead High School. She went on to Wartburg College in Iowa where she graduated with honors with a…

Reid Allen Koenig, 73, of Austin, Texas, and Waverly, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away on June 9, 2026, at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed. Reid was born on April 11, 1953, in Decorah, Iowa, to Orville and Irene (Bachelder) Koenig. He graduated from Postville High School in 1971 and from Wartburg College in 1975. He got an MBA from the University of Northern Iowa in 1987. On May 31, 1975, he was united in marriage to Marsha (Gunderson). Together they had 3 daughters, twins Anne and Laura…

On June 9, 2026, Norman V. Braatz breathed his last. In his final sermon as a senior pastor, in 2002, he said, “I will always be a little amazed that God took a kid off the farm, with almost no financial resources, enabled him to attend one of the finest Lutheran colleges and seminaries in the land, and permitted him to serve in pastoral ministry literally from sea to shining sea. It’s been a great journey. I would do it all over again.” A memorial service will be held in late summer at Trinity Lutheran in Bonners Ferry. Norm was…

Peggy Kay Quick, age 73, passed away peacefully June 7, 2026. Born in Waverly, Iowa November 17, 1952, to Fannie and Albert Garbers, and raised in Clarksville, Iowa. Peggy graduated from Clarksville High School in 1971 and went on to earn a degree in social work from Wartburg College, in 1975. Peggy spent her career working as a coordinator at a chemical dependency center in Wadena, Minnesota. Later she worked as a social worker at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Algona, Iowa. Peggy married the love of her life, James Quick, June…

Janet Gladys Oleson was born in rural Butler County, the second youngest of 11 children, to August and Lena (Huber) Oleson. Growing up Janet was a member of The Little Brown Church in Nashua and gave her heart to Jesus while at a special service. That spiritual heart transformation guided her daily life for all the days that she lived. She graduated from Nashua High School and continued her education through a 10-week course at Upper Iowa College. Upon completion she became certified to teach at country schools. A life-long learner, Janet continued pursuing her education by attending night classes…

David K. Woker, 71, of Owatonna, died on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Mayo Health System – Mankato. He was born June 6, 1954, in Owatonna, the son of Ervin and Louise (Abbe) Woker. David was a 1972 graduate of Owatonna High School. He began working for Owatonna Home Decorations and later became the owner. David was united in marriage to Diane Ness on September 25, 1976, in Owatonna. They later divorced. David was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Meriden and the Owatonna Elks. He enjoyed participating in the singing group “Nomenclature”, doing crossword puzzles, reading, time…

Theodore Norman Dahl, affectionately known as Ted, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at his home in Ellendale, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 63. Born on August 25, 1962, in Albert Lea, MN, at Naeve Hospital, to Clair and Marian (Schmidt) Dahl. Ted’s life was a testament to warmth, happiness and the joy of life. Ted’s education began in Cherokee, Iowa, where he started kindergarten. His family later moved to Ellendale in 1978 and he was later confirmed that year. Throughout his life, Ted’s faith was key to his identity and motivation. He was…