Month: November 2025

Harold “Butch” A. Johnson, 77, of Dickinson, Texas, passed away November 21, 2025.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, Iowa. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Butch was born July 9, 1948, in Fairfield to Betty and Herbert Johnson. Butch graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country with honor.

After returning home, Butch poured his mechanical talents into building his career. He founded Butch’s Trans and Auto, a shop he owned and operated for more than 30 years. Known for his honesty, skill, and commitment to his customers, he built a business – and a reputation – that will not be forgotten.

Butch found joy in the roar of engines and open roads. He loved NASCAR and drag racing, the freedom of motorcycle riding, and the challenge of building transmissions. He had a special place in his heart for all of his tractors – each one a testament to his hands-on spirit and love of machinery.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy Johnson; and son, Jay Allen.

He is survived by his son, Heath Barrow; and grandchildren, Joseph Barrow, David Barrow, Hannah Barrow, and Elizabeth Barrow.

Shirley L. Belknap, 87, of Mediapolis, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis.  Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at the funeral home.  Private family burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Fair and Mediapolis Ambulance in Shirley’s name.   Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Shirley L. Janssen was born on March 11th, 1938, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Inez (Moehle) Janssen.  Shirley attended Mediapolis High School, where she developed a passion for basketball and was a member of the Mediapolis 6-on-6 Girls High School basketball legacy.  She graduated high school in 1956 and on June 24, 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to William “Bill” Belknap in Mediapolis. Together they farmed north of Mediapolis and raised their family.  While raising her family, she was active in the Immanuel Lutheran church and was a 4-H leader for the Mediapolis Busy Bees for many years.  In 1981, she graduated from Southeastern Community College with her LPN degree in nursing.  After her husband, Bill, passed away in 1984, she took on a major role in the family farming operation with day-to-day farm and field work.

In addition to supporting the family farm, she was an accomplished dog breeder, raising “puppies with love” that were sent to hundreds of loving homes across the United States.  Also, Shirley enjoyed toting her own fishing rod and tackle box and fishing with her kids and grandkids at her pond. She hosted the Northfield 4th of July Parade gathering for several years, and also loved going to the casino. However, the highlight of every summer was camping at and attending the Iowa State Fair for over 60 years straight.  The Des Moines County Fair also held a special place in her heart, never once missing a county fair where her children and grandchildren were showing livestock, and even beating the heat to watch her grandkids show this past summer.

Perhaps Shirley’s greatest attribute was the level of support and interest she had for her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.  She was always there with her camera taking pictures and capturing memories. When she couldn’t attend in person, she would tune in online to watch and cheer, then be quick to text with a heartfelt message filled with emojis.  She was also an avid collector of many things.  She especially enjoyed collections that were shared with her kids and grandkids.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children, Chris (Dean) Mumme of West Burlington, Mike (Annette) Belknap of Mediapolis, Judy (Mike) Marshall of Coralville and Craig (Kelly) Belknap of Mediapolis; grandchildren, Lynn (Nick) Schaul, Travis (Chelsie) Mumme, Cody (Renee) Belknap, Dustin (Madeline) Belknap, Lance Marshall, Austin (Kim) Marshall, Stella Belknap, Scarlett Belknap and Archer Belknap; great-grandchildren, Rhett Mumme, Esme Mumme, Collin Belknap, Savannah Belknap, Georgia Belknap, Todd Belknap, Finn Marshall and Charlie Marshall; siblings, Dolores (Lawrence ) Colton of Colorado and Gerald (Lila) Janssen of Ankeny and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; sister, Loretta Kuster and brother, Bill Janssen.

Ronald D. “Ronnie” Parker, 74, of Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of Van Buren County, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the Madison in Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was born on October 26,1951 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Louie and Bessie (Winters) Parker. On May 9, 1971 he married Carolyn Rains in Birmingham, Iowa, they later divorced. On February 15, 1997 he married Kimberley Vickers in Bonaparte, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife Kim of Fort Madison, Iowa; four children: Lesa (Brian) Prevo of Bloomfield, Iowa, Amanda Lyons of Bloomfield, Iowa, Chris (Jamie) Scott of Mansfield, Texas, and Amanda (Jody) Dodson of West Point, Iowa; five grandchildren: Jaden Prevo, Brock Prevo, Ashton Lyons, Aiden Lyons, and Bailey Dodson; one great-grandchild Lennox Lyons; sister Bev (Dan) Medaris; and brother Rick (Lori) Parker. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Ron was a 1969 graduate of Harmony High School. He owned and operated Milton Locker from 1977 to 1987, he then joined Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Deputy for ten years, he was then elected Sheriff and retired in 2007. Ron served in the United States Army Reserves, Milton City Council, and Milton Fire Department and first responders. He founded the neighborhood watch program in Milton. He enjoyed fishing, going to yard sales, restoring cars, camping, gardening, canning, and caning chairs.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation. A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa with Reverend Earl Beal officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in his memory for Bonaparte Cemetery Association. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.