Month: October 2023

Lawrence “Larry” P. Strayer, 83, of River Hills Village in Keokuk formerly of Donnellson, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

He was born on July 11, 1940 the son of Harry B. and Agnes E. (Pranger) Strayer. On February 29, 1964, he married Pauline Wittman in Kittery, Maine.

Survivors include his wife Pauline; one daughter Laura (Richard) Lee Gilkerson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one son Elliott John (Chanteé) Strayer of Silverdale, Washington; four grandchildren: Elizabeth (Daniel) Parks, Kelly Gilkerson (John Craig), Alexander Strayer, and Zachary Strayer; one great grandson Damien Webber; one sister Rosanna (Gerald) Smith of Fort Madison, Iowa; two brothers: David (Andrea) Strayer of Donnellson and James (Sue) Strayer of Donnellson; two sisters-in-law Alice Strayer of Donnellson and Arlene Gray of Jerome, Idaho. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother Robert.

Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. He retired from Baltimore Gas and Electric after 25 years of service as a shift supervisor, then worked for Ship Interiors for 6 years, when he moved back to Donnellson he worked for Schlicher Well Company and Schmitz Funeral Home. He served in the United States Navy for eight years working on nuclear submarines. He was a member of West Point Knights of Columbus where he was a Grand Night, Gallitzin Assembly fourth Degree Nights of Columbus, Donnellson American Legion, was active with the Boy Scouts where he earned Scout Master of the year at National Capital Area Boy Scouts, and assisted Pauline with Tack and Hammer Upholstery Service. Larry enjoyed square dancing, camping, and wintering in the Arizona for thirteen years following retirement.

A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory for St. Mary’s Catholic Church

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

Robert W. “Bob” Krieger, 42, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his residence.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2-5 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in the Upper Fireside Room of the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street., Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Robert Warren “Bob” Krieger was born December 15, 1980 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Jerry Raymond and Ellen Sue (Housel) Krieger. Bob was baptized at First United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Community High School.

Bob work a number of years for Batey’s Sawmill. Bob loved to camp, most especially down on the Skunk River, where he especially enjoyed rock hunting and fishing for catfish. He adored his dogs and liked to ride on his 4-wheeler. Bob was known for his “Stick and Stump Foundation” stories which he shared with his friends, especially down on the Skunk River.

Survivors include a daughter, Jeannie Morris and special friend Matthew Thorn of LeRoy, MN; his mother, Ellen Krieger of Mt. Pleasant; a half brother and his wife, Curt and Elizabeth Krieger of Mt. Pleasant. Bob is also survived by several relatives and friends. At the time of his death, Bob was joyously expecting the birth of his first grandchild.

Bob’s father, Jerry, precedes him in death.

Vicky Mehaffy, 68, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, September 29, 2023, at Savannah Heights in Mount Pleasant.

Vicky was born April 16, 1955, in Oakland, California, the daughter of Rodney and Darlene (Alter) Mehaffy. The Mehaffy family moved to Mount Pleasant when Vicky was young. She attended Lincoln Elementary and Hope Haven. Vicky enjoyed playing cards, games, BINGO, listening to books, coloring and making crafts. She also loved cowboy movies and TV shows. Vicky lived a wonderful life and was loved by many.

Vicky is survived by her sister and her husband Tammy and Doug Mulford of Mount Pleasant; brother-in-law Dan McCabe of Mount Pleasant; four nephews, Matthew McCabe, Michael McCabe, Jordan Mulford, Logan Mulford; aunt and uncle Beverly and Shorty Mullen of Mount Pleasant. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Pam McCabe.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a private family inurnment will be held in the Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hope Haven in Burlington, Iowa. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Vicky and her family. Condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com