Author: Allison Jacobs

Beverly Meyerholz, 92, of Wapello, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Lone Tree Health Care Center.  Bev made her home in the recent few years at Lone Tree Health Care Center, a “home” she found comfort in and enjoyed with the many activities she participated in and the residents and staff that became much more to her.  As Bev’s family continues to celebrate her life they invite all friends and family to join them for informal gathering on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.   Graveside Services will follow at the Wapello Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023.    A memorial has been established.   Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Beverly Jean Flayharty was born on July 27, 1931, in Lucas, Iowa, the daughter of Delbert and Charlotte (Goben) Flayharty.  At the age of seven, Bev moved to Mount Union, Iowa where she made her home with her uncle and aunt, Virgil and Jeneva Johnson, who raised her. Beverly graduated from Mount Union Consolidated Schools and went on to obtain her registered nursing degree from Burlington Hospital School of Nursing.  On October 11, 1953, Beverly was united in marriage to Harry Dean “Swede” Meyerholz.  They made their home in Wapello as Bev became the Director of Nursing at the Wapello Nursing Home, where she worked from 1969 until 1981.  In 1982, Swede and Bev moved to Iowa City as Bev began working as a staff nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  After retirement Swede and Bev moved back to Wapello were Bev enjoyed being involved in the original Wapello Study Club, Red Hats, Colonial Quilting Club, Jane Delano, Journeys and the Wapello Methodist Church.  Bev along with Swede enjoyed traveling, possibly seeing all 50 states and always cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Beverly will be deeply missed by her children, Debbie (Roger) Huddle of Muscatine, Steve (Diane) Meyerholz of Iowa City and Jeff Meyerholz of Muscatine; grandchildren, Whitney (Tony) Hollenbaugh, Mitch (Robyn) Huddle, T.J. (Megan) Meyerholz, Paul (Liz ) Huddle, Jill (Travis) Grager, Koert (Erica) Huddle, Jacob (Kirstie) Meyerholz and Dylan Meyerholz; great-grandchildren, Cal, Taylor, Josiah, Luke, Pete, Brayden, Brantley, Jacklyn, James, Harrison, Bennett, Carson, Jetzyn, Timothy, Harper, Collins, Clarke and Greyson.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Delbert Flayharty; mother and step-father, Charlotte and Ben Bentzel; her husband, Swede on May 6, 2017 and her uncle and aunt, Virgil and Jeneva Johnson.

Elva Marie Waters, 89, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023, at Lantern Park, Coralville, Iowa.

Elva, the daughter of Elsworth A. (Andy) Anderson and Martha Sodergren Anderson was born June 1, 1934, in Perry, Iowa.  Elva was raised in the Olds, Iowa community and graduated from Olds Consolidated High School.  She then attended college, graduating from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa with a degree in elementary education.  Elva started her teaching career in a rural one room schoolhouse.  She taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade at Van Allen Elementary in Mount Pleasant for many years as well as substitute teaching in numerous school districts including Fairfield.

Elva married Norman R. Waters of Crawfordsville, Iowa on October 10, 1958, in Olds.  They moved to Fairfield in 1960 where the raised their two children, JoEllyn Sue Waters Owens and Scott Richard Waters.

Elva loved life and fought through many injuries and illnesses throughout the years including several cancers and a car accident that resulted in multiple surgeries and many, many months in hospitals. She loved all animals, especially cats.  Family always came first!  She and Norman attended every event their children participated in and later made countless trips to Texas to see their granddaughter’s many dance recitals, ball games, orchestra and choir concerts, and cheerleading and dance team competitions.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband Norman on November 6, 2013, and a brother, John Robert Anderson.  Elva is survived by her daughter, JoEllyn S. Owens and her husband, Robert, of Wichita Falls, Texas, granddaughter Erin Meek and her husband, Colby, and great granddaughters Emalyn and Ellastyn Meek of Tolar, Texas, son, Scott R. Waters and his wife, Peggy, of Iowa City, Iowa, and her brother, Richard L. Anderson, and his wife Jean, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is planned for June 1, 2024.  We will gather to commemorate her 90^th birthday and do what she loved most, spend time with family and friends.  Final details will be shared as we get closer to the date.

Behner Funeral Home of Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to Elva’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

John L. Septer, age 58, of Keokuk, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital.

John is survived by his wife Michelle Kagemann of Burlington; four children Matthew Zachmeyer of Columbus Junction, Renay (Jacob) Olson of Mount Pleasant, Amillia “Amy” Kagemann of Oklahoma, Chelsie Kagemann of Mount Pleasant; and nine grandchildren.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and no formal service will be held at this time. The family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to assist with final expenses. Donations may be made directly on John’s obituary page at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for John and his family.