Pastor M. Richard Druckrey, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2026 at Lakeshore Manor at the age of 82. Born on September 2, 1943, at the Richland Center Hospital, was the second child of Marvin H. and Vivian E. (Schaumberg) Druckrey. From a young age, Dick felt a calling to serve God, a passion nurtured at Big Hollow Lutheran Church and through involvement in the Luther League, Luther League Convention in Miami, FL, and work experience at Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, WI. Dick pursued this calling diligently, graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and then…

Ruthie Ann Essink, 84, of Chino Valley, AZ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Ruthie Ann Essink, daughter of Carl Edwin and Selma Olivia (Nelson) Olson, was born on October 29, 1941, and grew up at their farm home east of Albion. She had one brother Raymond, who was 10 years older. She attended school through the 8th grade at Voorhees Valley country school District 12 and graduated from Albion High School in 1959. During high school, Ruthie met Doyle Essink (the music teacher) when her parents signed her up for organ lessons in Lincoln, NE. After Ruth…

Tom Douglas Moeller October 19, 1963  –  July 26, 2026 Tom Douglas Moeller was born on October 19, 1963, in Spirit Lake, Iowa to loving parents, Donald Irvin Moeller and Sharon Ruth Moeller (Kephart). The third of three boys (Lon Moeller and Ron Moeller), his childhood was filled with small town adventures, carefree outdoor play and the perfect balance of stirring up trouble and showing up when it mattered. The majority of his childhood was spent in Waverly, Iowa, where he graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1982 and played on the Go-Hawk basketball and baseball teams. Throughout his short but…

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…