Month: January 2025

William “W.C.” H. Cole, 79, of New London, died Thursday, January 16, 2025 at his home.  He was born March 11, 1945 in Burlington to Richard William and Faith Lois Eilers Cole.  He married Patti Tweedell Rheinschmidt; she died November 11, 1979.

He was a 1963 graduate of Linn-Marr High School and attended Iowa Wesleyan College.  Bill served in the Army in Vietnam as a medical Corpsman.  Upon returning, he lived in San Francisco and taught driver’s ed.

He was a very good craftsman and worked as a carpenter for Harold Cole Construction. He was a Jack of All Trades and could do anything.  Bill enjoyed Nascar races; watching the sci-fi channel and old westerns; loved joking around; spending time with family; and hanging out at Camel Joe’s Garage.  He was a very kind, good natured free spirit.

Bill is survived by his cousins Tom Cole, Kristin Needham and Tara Willman; and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and close cousins.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 31, 2025 at Burge Cemetery, New London with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard.  A memorial has been established. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Janice Faye (Tortat) McTee, 74, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Sunday December 29, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She was born on March 5, 1950, in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Frank and Jo Anne (Baker) Tortat.

Janice was united in marriage to William “Bill” McTee on March 1, 1979.  From this union, 3 children were born, Tedd, Nick and Melissa.  

A passionate and skilled crafter, Janice’s talents in sewing and creating beautiful items were widely appreciated. She lent her skills to numerous marching band, show choir, and theatre productions and lovingly made receiving blankets and stockings for babies born at Henry County Health Center. Janice was an active member of her community, participating in the Squaw Bowling League, Women of the Moose, Master Gardeners, and the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters.

 Janice’s warmth, creativity, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children who she was devoted to,  Tedd McTee of Chicago, Illinois, Nick (Frances) McTee, of Wilmington, North Carolina and Melissa McTee of Greendale, Wisconsin, a proud grandmother to two beloved grandchildren, Delphia JoAnne Stapleton and Barrett William McTee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Jo Anne Tortat, as well as her siblings Darlene and George.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Moose Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Carlene L. Miller, 78, of Ft. Madison, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, January 17, 2025 at River Valley Place of Ft. Madison.

Carlene was born December 6, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Carl Joseph and Beulah Edith (Miller) Hallowell. She attended school in Mt. Pleasant. On March 28, 1966 at the Bible Missionary Church in Mt. Pleasant, Carlene was united in marriage to Roy W. Ingwersen, Sr. The couple later divorced.

Carlene was a Certified Nurses Assistant at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. In addition to working with the patients at the hospital, Carlene also took care of the sanitation and sterilization of the operating suites. Later in her career, Carlene was a CNA at Sunnybrook in Mt. Pleasant.

In her spare time, Carlene was a gifted quilter. She produced many quilts for family members and friends.

Those thankful for sharing in Carlene’s life include her four children: Carl (Joni Hummell) Ingwersen  of Mt. Pleasant, Roy W. (Molly) Ingwersen, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Chad (Angela) Ingwersen of Eldrige, IA and Angel Ingwersen of Winfield; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Her parents, former husband, sister Rosemary Marley and daughter-in-law Sylivia Ingwersen precede Carlene in death.

An open visitation and graveside memorial funeral service will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Carlene and her family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Darlene Gholson, 101, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, January 20, 2025 at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Gholson, the former Darlene Velma Schadt, was born west of Trenton, Henry County, Iowa (in the Merrimac Community area) on October 27, 1923. She was the daughter of William Peter  and Mary Una (Ridinger) Schadt. She attended the Elm Country School. On February 25, 1944, Darlene was united in marriage to Ralph Wesly Gholson. Mr. Gholson died December 21, 1988.

Darlene cleaned houses for many families in the area. She worked at the former Brazelton Hotel Coffee Shop and the Candy Kitchen in Mt. Pleasant. She also worked at Pulver’s General Store in Trenton.

In her spare time, mowing was a love and passion for Darlene, never turning down an opportunity to climb onto the lawn mower. She enjoyed gardening and putting puzzles together. Darlene was also known for her skills in the kitchen, as she enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She treasured the time she spent with her family and friends. She always put her family first, ahead of any needs or wants she had.

Those thankful for sharing in Darlene’s life include her son and his wife, Steven and Susan Gholson of Mt. Pleasant; 2 granddaughters and their husbands, Jennnifer and Forrest Primmer and Amanda and Ryan Axman; 4 great grandchildren – Connor Axman, Logan Melvin, Alysa Axman and Langston Primmer; a step granddaughter, Vicky Hess and a step great granddaughter, McKenna McClaud.

In addition to her parents and husband, a daughter – Judy Gholson,  4 brothers – John, Joe, James and Walter Schadt and 3 sisters – Kathryn White, Maxine Farr and Helen Messer precede Darlene in death.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Thursday, January 23^rd  at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The funeral service for Darlene will be 11 AM on Friday, January 24^th at the Greenmound Church of God, with Carrie Duncan presiding. Burial will be in the Greenmound Cemetery.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Greenmound Church of God. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.