Month: December 2020

Douglas Marvin Ham, 74, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa passed away after a long battle with cancer on November 20, 2020. Doug was born on February 1, 1946 to Leo and Winifred (Heinsius) Ham in Iowa City, Iowa. He grew up on a farm in rural Solon and graduated from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School in 1964. Doug married Susan Hinkhouse on February 4, 1967 in Cedar Rapids. Doug and Susan farmed in the Solon area until 1979 when Doug began selling farm machinery. The couple divorced in 1990. Doug moved to Keosauqua in 2006 where he met and married Karen Stark on July 12, 2012.

Doug spent the majority of his career as a farm machinery salesman in Eastern and Southern Iowa, retiring in 2014. Doug enjoyed competitive tractor pulling with his 4010 John Deere tractor “Smog Frog”. He earned the honor of ITPA Point Champion in 7000# Super Stock Class 1975 and 1981. Later in life he was able to share his knowledge of pulling with his son, Mark. Doug was also very active with his children showing cattle at cattle shows including Iowa Beef Expo and National Breed Shows. Doug was passionate about the Iowa Hawkeyes. But, he truly loved to watch college basketball, telling stories (which he had many), and drinking a cold Busch Light.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Michelle (Bill) Frauenholtz of West Liberty, Iowa, Mark (Becky) Ham of Swisher, Iowa, and Stefanie Ball of North Liberty, Iowa; step-children, Mike (Kim) Stark of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Nathan Stark of Lockridge, Iowa; Monty (Tammy) Stark of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sheila Wilkerson of New London, Iowa, Rhonda (Michael) White of Stockport, Iowa, Natasha (Jason) Rohde of Stockport, Iowa; 24 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and a sister, Joanne West of Aiken, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Winifred; and his beloved dog, Smokey.

Doug’s wish was to be cremated. A Celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions in Doug’s honor may be made to EveryStep Hospice of Mt. Pleasant or may be directed to the family.

Clyde R. Crawford, 89, of Coralville, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction.  Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at the Ainsworth Cemetery.  Due to Iowa Covid restrictions, all who attend must wear a mask and social distance.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Clyde’s family and arrangements.

Clyde Ralph Crawford was born on February 8, 1931, in Muscatine County, Iowa the son of Ralph P. and Adeline M. (Parks) Crawford.  He was a graduate of Columbus Community Schools and attended the University of Iowa.  Clyde was the President and CEO of Peoples National Bank of Columbus Junction which was later known as Community Bank.  Clyde was a member of the Columbus Junction United Presbyterian Church, Elks of Iowa City, University of Iowa Athletic Club, and was a Mason and Shriner.  Clyde also served on the Colonial Manor Board and the Louisa County fair Board.  He enjoyed sports, dining out and was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Clyde will be deeply missed by his two brothers, Daniel Crawford and his wife, Linda of Lawrence, Kansas and James Crawford of Columbus Junction and many nieces and nephews.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Crawford.

Marjorie Jean Ibbotson Davis, 77, of Mediapolis, IA, formerly of New London, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020, at her home.

Marjorie was born December 14, 1942, at the family farm in Winfield, to Floyd and Lucille (Cornick) Ibbotson. She graduated from Winfield High School and the Burlington Beauty Academy. She married Dean Davis in 1962; the couple later divorced. Marjorie worked as a beautician part of her life and dedicated the rest of her life to helping animals. She was a lifelong animal lover and was the founder of the Animal Angels Organization. This charitable organization helped animals in a variety of ways, including assisting families in need of pet food, providing pet supplies, assisting with the cost of pet surgeries, and helping to find homes for animals, who were strays or abandoned. She also lobbied for animal rights, and championed legislation that protected animals from inhumane treatment.

Aside from being surrounded by her dogs, she enjoyed trips to Branson, listening to Elvis music, reuniting with her classmates, and sitting in her backyard watching her dogs play and the many birds who visited.

Marjorie is survived by her sons, Tom Davis of New London, and Danny (Janelle) Davis of Mediapolis; a grandson, Brandon Davis of Boynton Beach, FL; a sister, Nancy (Gene) Meeker of the Quad Cities; and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside services will be held at Scott Township Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Animal Angels Organization. According to her wishes, Marjorie will be cremated. The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Service of Mediapolis is caring for the family. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Brenda D. Hand, 57, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, December 6, 2020 at her residence.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. On line condolences may be left at www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.

Connie W. Putney, 81, died Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

Connie was born April 15, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Dana (Whitaker) Williams. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1957. On January 4, 1959 Connie was united in marriage to Larry Putney, in the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. They made their home in the Mt. Pleasant community and were members of the Methodist Church. She worked as a bank teller at Henry County Savings Bank and U.S Bank. Connie enjoyed volunteering at the Henry County Hospital.

Connie is survived by her daughter Dana (Terry) Stotts and grandsons Wyatt and Garrett Stotts all of New Richmond, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry and a brother Gary Williams.

According to her wishes, Connie has been cremated. There will be no services at this time. A memorial fund has been established for the American Diabetes Association. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Connie and her family. Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Amy C. Menke, 63, of Danville, formerly of West Point, Iowa, passed away 7:03 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on January 21, 1957, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard G. “Tater” and Wanda D. (Harris) Menke.

Survivors include her “one and only” daughter: Audrey Menke of Danville; mother: Wanda Smith of Danville; one sister: Kris (Jeff) Burkle of Cedar Rapids; several nieces, nephews and cousins and five special kiddos: Clarabella, Hunter, Hayden, Brynlee and Alfred.

She was preceded in death by her father; step-father: Stuart L. Smith; two brothers: Joseph K. Menke, Michael J. Menke; two sisters: Patty (Howard) Ross, Marcia Smith and siblings in infancy.

Amy spent her childhood between West Point and Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids in 1975. She then attended Kirkwood Community college and obtained her welding certificate. She worked at FMC for several years and served as a union steward. Amy then decided to return to West Point to assist her father and brother run the family farm. She worked as a welder on Pieper Farms and helped fabricate the twenty-four row planter. She also worked for APAC until they closed their doors. She then became the trusted newspaper delivery girl for the Daily Democrat and the Des Moines Register. She loved serving several friends as a bartender at the Corner Tap and Fat Annie’s. Amy was an avid Hawkeye fan and loved watching football, baseball and basketball. She enjoyed a good Euchre game, fishing, gazing at the moon and, above all, sharing a good laugh with her family and village.

Friends may call from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point. Attendees will be limited to fifteen people at a time.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point with Pastor Larry Shipley officiating. Those attending are required to wear a mask and social distance.

Amy’s Memorial Service will be live streamed and posted on her Tribute Wall on our website: www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com under her Tribute Wall.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for Great River Hospice.

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