Rosalie Jane Bentzinger

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 6:22 pm CDT

Rosalie Jane Bentzinger, aged 96, of Donnellson, Iowa died on October 25, 2020, at her home in the care of Every Step Hospice.  Her life began and ended in the room where she, her siblings and her mother were born.

Her birth was on August 9, 1924, to Carl M. and Edna Jane (Benjamin) Bentzinger. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother: Richard Alvin Bentzinger. She is survived by her sister: Margaret Bentzinger Gregory and nieces and nephews: Rosalie Jane Gregory Mills, Carl Gregory, Rebecca Bentzinger, Sarah Bentzinger Clarahan, John Bentzinger and Philip Bentzinger.  She has seven great nieces and nephews.

Rosalie was a graduate of Ottumwa High School, Iowa Wesleyan College and Garrett Theological Seminary. She holds honorary doctorate degrees from Iowa Wesleyan, Westmar College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Throughout her adult life, she had a distinguished career in service to the United Methodist Church.  Her passion was for Christian Education and she was elected president of the Christian Educators’ Fellowship (CEF) – a newly formed national organization. She was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister (now the order of Deacon) in 1977.

Rosalie held Christian Educator positions at Methodist Churches in Ottumwa, Iowa; Columbus, Ohio; Webster City, Iowa; and Park Ridge, Illinois. She was the manager of the Iowa Area Methodist Book Center in Des Moines. In the 1970s, she joined the Iowa United Methodist Council on Ministries in Des Moines and traveled around the state in support of Christian Educators.

Rosalie was instrumental in the formation of Diaconal Ministry as an important part of laity in service to the Church. From 1979 – 1994, she served as the Associate General Secretary of the Division of Diaconal Ministry for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at the national United Methodist Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. In this position, she traveled around the USA and the world. Rosalie was a key member of the team that helped to begin the formation of Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. She coordinated the design of the School of Education and traveled to Africa 5 times to advise and consult with the faculty. This project was very exciting for her and the overwhelming success of the Africa University gave her great joy.

Upon retiring from the General Board of Higher Education in Nashville. Rosalie and her sister Margaret moved to Donnellson Iowa and lived in the house in which they were raised. They became active members of their home church, Donnellson United Methodist Church and participated in many community activities. Rosalie served on the Board of the Donnellson Public Library. She was a proud member of PEO and Pi Beta Phi. She generously supported Heifer International and causes related to world peace, education, the environment and social justice.

Rosalie writes of her life and career: “As I take risks, I realize that the Christian’s call is to live ‘on the brink’, sacrificing comfort for growth and significant service. As is often true with ministry, I have never really known how significant or effective my efforts have been. I only know I have had many unusual opportunities for service; an abundance of hard work with wonderful colleagues; and much joy along the way.”

The family is planning a Memorial Celebration for Rosalie to take place when the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Memorial gifts in Rosalie’s honor may be given to the Donnellson United Methodist Church, the Donnellson Public Library or Every Step Hospice in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

 

Linda Jo Kruse

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 6:20 pm CDT

Linda Jo Kruse,  67, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at her home.

She was born on May 17, 1953, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Floyd and Elaine (Carmean) Wagner. On May 18, 1974, she married Kenneth Kruse at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband: Kenny; two daughters: Roxanne (Gene) Kruse Hilpert of West Point and Samantha (Brad) Menke of West Point; one son: Phil: (Jill) Kruse of West Point; seven grandchildren: Connor, Cole, Camille, Nilie, Nora, Owen and Mia; one brother: Chuck (Dawn) Wagner of San Antonio, Texas and one aunt: Janet (Gary) Lile. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Deborah.

 

Linda was a 1971 graduate of Fort Madison Public High School. She worked for Sheaffer Pen Company and Sunshine Daycare. She managed the West Point American Legion, and operated daycare out of her home. Linda was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point and served on the West Point City Council for many years. She and her family owned and operated Phil’s Pub in West Point and Sammy’s in St. Paul. She enjoyed traveling and going out on Tuesday evenings for dinner with friends. Above all, Linda enjoyed her grandchildren and spending time with her family.

 

Friends may call from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dennis Hoffman as celebrant.

Those attending are required to wear a mask and social distance.

 

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in her memory for St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

 

Sports, Wednesday, October 28th

By Nathan Bloechl · Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 11:48 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Three Area Programs Vie for State Berths Today:

Tonight, at least one area program will punch their ticket to the Class 1A State Volleyball Tournament.

In our featured matchup on KILJ-FM it will be No. 14 (1A) Burlington-Notre Dame battling with (UR) WACO for a chance to head to the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

WACO upset No. 10 Lisbon 3-2 on Monday night to earn their trip to Mount Pleasant High School this evening.

The Warriors are led by terrific senior outside hitter Morgan Graber. Graber was sublime in the teams’ win over Lisbon with 19 kills on 54 attack attempts.

Sophomore setter Grace Coble was on fire, Monday as well, with 32 helpers — for her efforts this season Coble was named First Team All-SEISC-South Division.

Defensively, the lynchpin for the Warriors is First Team All-SEISC-South Division libero Aubri Garnsey.

Garsney was an eraser Monday against Lisbon, digging 32 attack attempts, providing just under seven digs per set.

Meanwhile, their opponent tonight is the red-hot and 14th ranked Nikes of Burlington Notre Dame who have seen their fortunes turn around in more than one way this year.

The Nikes have won 11 straight games since an early October appeal was approved by the IGHSAU that allowed several Illinois High School players to play for Notre Dame this year.

The appeal process came after Girls’ Union Director Jean Berger originally had denied their applications for eligibility at the start of the year.

Since the appeal was approved and eligibility was granted, the Nikes have been a new team winning again, 11 straight matches, and going an electric 30-5 in set play.

The Nikes are coming off a thrilling 3-2 win Monday night over No. 8 Holy Trinity, who saw their 10-year run to the State Tournament come to a close.

The matchup tonight comes as the second this year, Notre Dame took the first 3-1 on October 8th.

First serve this evening is set for 7:00 p.m. from Mount Pleasant High School.

On the AM dial, No. 11 New London will look to secure a spot in the 1A State Field when they scrap with undefeated No. 5 Southeast Warren at Ottumwa Middle School

The Warhawks have swept their way to the Region 5 Finals, taking down East Union and Southwest Valley rather handedly.

But, as has New London.

The Tigers are playing some of their best volleyball of the season, earmarked by a 25-3 set three win over previously 23-3 Melcher-Dallas on Monday, a game that secured a sweep for the Tigers.

New London enters play tonight 21-7.

A balanced offensive attack is led by sophomore hitter Keaura Williams, who is averaging 2.9 kills per set and leads the team with 212 kills this season.

Sofie Reighard, Paris Wilka and Natalie Burden all chip in offensively for Maureen Heath’s swiss army knife attack.

Defenisvely, Kyra Linkin, a Second Team All-SEISC-South Division honoree, is as good as it gets in the area.

Linkin eclipsed 1,000 career digs in their first round matchup and is averaging 4.3 digs per set.

For Southeast Warren, sophomore Alivia Ruble leads the club with 3.4 kills per set. Josie Hartman is second in kills, averaging 2.2 per set for the Warhawks.

This will be the second meeting All-Time between the schools, with New London capturing a sweep victory over the Warhawks on October 30th, 2015.

Tonight’s game can be heard on KILJ-AM, John Kuhens will have the call beginning at 7:00 p.m.

IGHSAU Announces 3A/4A/5A Brackets:

CLASS 3A 

#1 Osage vs. #8 Humboldt, Monday at 8 p.m.

#4 Davenport Assumption vs. #5 Unity Christian, Tuesday at 10 a.m.

#2 Clarion-Goldfield-Dows vs. #7 Red Oak, Monday at 8 p.m.

#3 Mount Vernon vs. #6 Union, Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Semis: Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Championship: Thursday at 3 p.m.

CLASS 4A 

#1 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. #8 Dallas Center-Grimes, Monday at 3 p.m.

#4 Western Dubuque vs. #5 Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Monday at 5:30 p.m.

#2 North Scott vs. #7 Gilbert, Monday at 3 p.m.

#3 Glenwood vs. #6 West Delaware, Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Semis: Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Championship: Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

CLASS 5A

#1 Dowling Catholic vs. Dubuque Hempstead, Monday at 10 a.m.

#4 West Des Moines Valley vs. #5 Iowa City Liberty, Monday at 12:30 p.m.

#2 Ankeny vs. #7 Ankeny Centennial, Monday at 10 a.m.

#3 Pleasant Valley vs. #6 Cedar Falls, Monday at 12:30 p.m.

Semis: Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Championship: Thursday at 10 a.m.

Garza Named Preseason All-American:

University of Iowa senior men’s basketball standout Luka Garza has been named a preseason first-team All-American by CBS Sports.

Garza (6-foot-11, 265 pounds) was the National College Basketball Player of the Year by six national outlets and the Big Ten Player of the Year last season.

A unanimous consensus first-team All-America selection, Garza became the first Iowa men’s basketball student-athlete to earn National Player of the Year distinction.

The center was also named the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year and Big Ten Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.

 

Patrol Releases Report on Chain Reaction Crash

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, October 27th, 2020 at 9:48 pm CDT

One block in Mt. Pleasant’s business district resembled a war zone after several vehicles were damaged as the result of a chain reaction crash. Just before 4 pm Monday emergency responders and law enforcement officers were called the scene on Monroe Street between the intersections with Main and Adams Streets.  Douglas Adams of Mount Pleasant was driving west on Monroe behind a vehicle driven by Dale Beckman.  As the Beckman vehicle entered the intersection of Adams and Monroe it was hit from behind by the Adams vehicle. Adams had experienced a medical condition and failed to stop at the stop sign. This crash pushed the Beckman vehicle into two cars parked on the north side of Monroe. The Adams car continued west striking three more vehicles that were legally parked on the south side of Monroe before coming to rest near the Main and Monroe Street intersection. Mechanical means were used to extract Beckman from his vehicle and he was transported by ambulance to the Henry County Health Center. Adams complained of pain but was not transported. Adams is being charged with failure to maintain control and failure to obey a stop sign.  A building on the north side of Monroe was also damaged during the incident.

Multiple Vehicles Damaged, Two Possible Injured

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, October 27th, 2020 at 11:51 am CDT

One block in Mt. Pleasant’s business district resembled a war zone after several vehicles were hit by a car reportedly going at a high rate of speed. Just before 4 pm Monday emergency responders and law enforcement officers were called the scene on Monroe Street between the intersections with Main and Adams.  It appears as many as seven vehicles were damaged including some that were parked along the street.  Initial reports indicate a juvenile received head injuries.  A second ambulance was called for an adult male with injuries. One person had to be extricated from a vehicle with the jaws of life. In addition to ambulance and fire crews, Mount Pleasant Police, Henry County Sheriff’s office and the Iowa State Patrol were all on the scene to help sort out the mess. The section of street remained shut down into the evening hours. The Iowa State Patrol is leading the investigation.

Sports, Tuesday, October 27th

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, October 27th, 2020 at 11:28 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

HTC Sees State Streak Close as Notre Dame Rallies for Set 5 Winner:

Gabby Deery and Katy Stephens paced a high-powered Nike attack, while Jenna Bentz had five blocks as the No. 14 (1A) Notre Dame Nike volleyball team upset No. 8 Holy Trinity last night 3-2 in a Class 1A-8 Region Semifinal last night.

Notre Dame grabbed the match by the scruff of it’s neck, dominating the first two sets earning 25-16 and 25-14 wins.

That’s when Holy Trinity would wake up.

Claire Pothitakis and freshman Mary Kate Bendlage helped lead a two-set surge as the Crusaders earned hard-fought 25-22 and 25-23 wins to force a decisive set five.

Trailing set five 9-5, Notre Dame rallied for a 10-3 run — led by consecutive blocks by Gabby Deery and Abby Korschgen and two more from Katy Stephens which helped the Nikes wrangle a 10-9 lead.

They would not look back — clinching their spot in the Class 1A-8 Regional Final Wednesday at Mount Pleasant High School.

The loss for Holy Trinity put an end and 10 straight trips to the U.S. Cellular Center and State Volleyball.

They closed their season with a record of 26-10.

Notre Dame improved to 16-5 — winners of 11 straight matches they’ll meet up with…

WACO Crushes Lisbon Dreams:

WACO dominated the first two sets en route to a 3-2 win over the No. 10 (1A) Lisbon Lions last night in Lisbon.

The Warriors jumped out to 25-16 and 25-18 wins before seeing the Lions roar back for 25-17 and 25-21 wins of their own in sets three and four.

That’s when WACO would answer back.

The Warriors dominated set five from the outset, clinching their trip to Wednesday’s regional final with a 15-5 victory.

The win improved WACO to 25-7 while Lisbon ended their terrific year with a record of 26-5.

Wednesday’s region final between WACO and Notre Dame will be the second meeting this year between the schools — the Nikes took it 3-1 on WACO’s senior night.

First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. and you can listen along on KILJ-FM and online at kilj.com.

New London Clinches Trip to Region Final:

New London rolled to 25-19, 25-11 and 25-3 wins as the the No. 11 Tigers clinched a trip to the Class 1A-5 Region Finals on Wednesday night.

The Tigers racked up 13 service aces on night in which they had a python-like grip on Melcher-Dallas from the word go.

They’ll now meet up with No. 5 Southeast Warren (25-0) who cakewalked to the finals.

Natalie Burden and freshman Sophie Malott came up big for New London, who finished with eight kills apiece.

Paris Wilka ended her night with seven, while Keura Williams had six for a balanced New London team.

Elly Manning dropped 16 assists while dynamic libero Kyra Linkin finished with 20 digs.

New London’s win improved them to 21-7.

First serve on Wednesday from Ottumwa Middle School is set for 7:00 p.m., you can listen along on KILJ-AM.

Other area scores:

  • #2 (2A) Wilton 3, Columbus 0
  • #14 (2A) West Branch 3, Van Buren County 1

Iowa States’ Hall Named Co-BIG 12 P.O.W:

Iowa State sophomore running back Breece Hall was honored by the Big 12 Conference for his performance versus Oklahoma State on Saturday, earning Co-Offensive Player of the Week accolades from the league office.

It was the second weekly award for Hall this season.

A native of Wichita, Kan., Hall continued his push for national awards by rushing for a career-high 185 yards at No. 6 Oklahoma State, Saturday.

Hall leads all NCAA players in yards per game (143.2), 100-yard rushing games (5) and 65+ yard runs (3). His streak of five-straight 100-yard rushing efforts ties for the third-best string in school history.

Hall is averaging 6.3 yards per carry on the year, which is on pace to break Iowa State’s single-season school mark.

Iowa State Basketball Announces BIG 12 Schedule:

The Big 12 Conference has announced its men’s basketball schedule for the 2020-21 season.

The schedule features a double round-robin format for the 10th consecutive season. Conference action begins in December with a pair of games, before being scheduled to conclude on Feb. 27.

The league will break from conference play on Jan. 30 to play the previously announced SEC/Big 12 Challenge, which features the Cyclones traveling to Mississippi State.

Iowa State opens conference action on Dec. 15 when it hosts Kansas State. Three days later, the Cyclones face West Virginia in Morgantown.

After a break for nonconference games and the holiday, Iowa State resumes Big 12 action on Jan. 2 against Baylor at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones host Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The Big 12 season wraps up on Saturday, Feb. 27 at home against TCU.

The league will have the week of March 1-5 off before heading to Kansas City for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championships at T-Mobile Center, March 10-13.

 

Donald Lee Gaylord

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 26th, 2020 at 9:38 pm CDT

Donald Lee Gaylord, 84, of New London, died Monday, October 26, 2020 at Great River Medical Center.  He was born December 23, 1935 in Stronghurst, Illinois to Emmett Ellsworth and Beulah Mae Seitz Gaylord.  On December 6, 1957, he married Judith Ann Miller in Mt. Pleasant.

He was a 1954 graduate of Mt. Union High School and was a 54 year member of the Flint Hills Church of the Nazarene in Burlington where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and drove the church bus for many years.  Don served in the Army and the Army Reserves in the 495th  Engineers out of Mt. Pleasant.  He was a 25 year member of the New London Lions Club.  For 35 years he worked in the shipping department at Lehigh Leopold until they closed in 1990 and then worked in maintenance at the Henry County Court House for 12 years until retiring.  Don was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and loved anything John Deere.  He was an avid Bible reader, enjoyed Bible Study and completed “Search of the Scriptures”.

Survivors include his wife; four children; Cynthia Wilson of New London, Nathaniel (Teresa) Gaylord of Gardner, Kansas, Stephen (Angela) Gaylord of Shawnee, Kansas and Kimberly (Rollie) Fedler of West Point; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Doris Bock of Lees Summit, MO., Dorothy Thompson of Burlington; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by twin great-grandsons; brothers John, LaVerne and Gerald Gaylord and sisters Beverly Region and Sarah Baughman.

A graveside service for Mr. Gaylord will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 30, 2020 at Sheridan Cemetery, Mt. Union with Pastor Ron Jewett officiating and military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard.

Social Distancing guidelines should be followed and masks are recommended.

Memorials have been established for the Flint Hills Church of the Nazarene and Sheridan Cemetery Association.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

 

Crash Involves Injuries and Multiple Vehicles

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 26th, 2020 at 9:34 pm CDT

Just before 4 pm Monday emergency responders and law enforcement officers were called the scene of an incident on Mt. Pleasant’s Monroe Street between the intersections with Main and Adams.  It appears as many as seven vehicles were damaged including some that were parked along the street.  Initial reports indicate a juvenile received head injuries.  A second ambulance was called for an adult male with injuries.