Author: Allison Jacobs

Robert A. “Bob” Leisy, 86, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Keosauqua Health Care Center.

He was born on September 26, 1937, in Lee County, Iowa, the son of Howard W. and Alice C. (Scheffler) Leisy.

He is survived by his twin sister Roberta  Krehbiel; one niece Doris (Harlan) Unruh of Peabody, Kansas; three nephews: Darrell (Tammy) Krehbiel, Willis (Laura) Krehbiel, and Dennis (Linda) Krehbiel; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Rudolph H. Krehbiel III.

Bob was a 1955 graduate of Donnellson High School and was a member of Zion Mennonite Church.

He served as the president of several banks throughout the Midwest, He retired back to Donnellson to be near his family. He was a pilot, serving many locals, experiencing their first airplane ride.

His body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

The Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Gordon Hawkins officiating.

A memorial has been established in his memory for PAWS Animal Shelter or Zion Mennonite Church.

Burial will be at a later date in Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson.

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

Wendel Eugene Luko, 67, of New London, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born December 31, 1956 in Bloomfield to Robert Eugene and Merlene Maxine Guinn Luko.  On March 27, 1976 he married Kerry Beavers at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant.

He attended Bloomfield Schools and was a 1975 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  He was a lifetime farmer and for thirty years worked as a secondary roads maintainer operator for Henry County.

His favorite thing was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting; building anything; crafting with leather and deer antlers; farming and gardening; raising animals; playing cards; cooking and grilling; and spending time at the Henry County Fair with his daughters and grandchildren with their 4-H projects.  He loved to be busy, especially doing something for his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of New London; daughters Michelle (Cameron) Gardner   of Salem, Wende (John) Smyth of Mt. Union; four grandchildren, Kiersten (Chris) Smyth, Katelynn (Tristan) Gardner, Dalton (Keisha) Gardner, and Landon Smyth; two great-grandchildren, Kolton and Wendel Gardner, and one on the way; sister Wava Jarr of Fairfield; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Russell and Doyle Luko.

Visitation for Mr. Luko will be June 13, 2024 at Elliott Chapel, New London, beginning at noon with the family greeting friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.  A Celebration of his life and a light lunch, will begin at noon on June 14^th at the Mt. Pleasant VFW with a time to share “Wendel” stories. Rev. Court Fisher will officiate.  According to Wendel’s wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for EveryStep Hospice and the New London Trap Club.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Wendel’s family would like to thank everyone who supported him and his family through his courageous battle with cancer.  Whether rides, cards, food, attending his benefit, cleaning out his driveway, or bringing firewood, words cannot express our gratitude.  He was so loved and will be so missed.