Author: Allison Jacobs

Martha Louise Galbraith, 87, of Burlington, Iowa, formerly of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

She was born on November 27, 1936, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of John D. and Florence (Boeddeker) Hogan. On November 28, 1964, she married Russell Worly Galbraith. They later divorced.

She is survived by her three daughters: Audra (Todd) Gerleman of Lockridge, Iowa, Carolyn Galbraith of New London, Iowa, Sheila Galbraith – Hull of Fort Madison, Iowa; one son: Michael (Jennifer) Galbraith of Homer Glen, Illinois; nine grandchildren: Alexandria and Liam Gerleman, Colter LeMoyne, Cameron and Josie Zeller, Adrianna Galbraith and Elizabeth Hull, Linden and Sloane Galbraith; sisters: Mary Scheetz, Cecelia Richards, as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom were special to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters: Alberta Wetherill, Irene Parrot, Margaret Haas, Cleta Beimer; three brothers: George, John D. and Bernard Hogan.

Martha attended the Burlington Beauty Academy. Following her schooling, she worked at salons in Houghton and Fort Madison. She then, ran a hair salon out of her home until she retired. She lastly was employed by Sears.

Martha was a lifelong Catholic. A highlight of her life was when she and her sister saw Pope John Paul II in Des Moines. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, shopping, playing cards, dancing in her younger years, traveling, family get togethers and time spent with her grandchildren, whom she adored.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2024, at Denmark Cemetery  in Denmark, Iowa with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

Burial will be at Denmark Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Charles “Charlie” Wyse, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather known for his storytelling prowess and love of the outdoors, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at Parkview Home in Wayland, Iowa. He was 86 years old.

Born in 1938 on his father’s farm south of Wayland to Ray and Velma Wyse, Charlie’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventures and hunting along Sugar Creek, which ran through the family farmland and timber.   As he grew, Charlie worked the farm alongside his father and brother Sam, using draft horses.   He attended Douglas country school, which he referred to as “Douglas University,” before continuing his education at Wayland High School.

As a young man Charlie enlisted in the US Army, serving in an artillery battalion in Germany. After his military service, he worked for Yoder Feeds in the feed mill and as a delivery driver before becoming a successful salesman for decades.   In his retirement, Charlie worked for the Wayland Telephone Company.

On September 4, 1966, Charlie married Martha Miller in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. The couple settled in Wayland to raise their family and were active members of the Wayland Mennonite Church. An avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast, Charlie raised and trained countless coon hounds and beagles throughout his life, with the highlight being a Grand Night Champion Coonhound.

Charlie was a natural people person with a gift for storytelling and entertainment. His blue eyes would shine especially bright as he was about to embellish a story, much to the delight of his grandchildren, who loved how he would creatively change the storylines of their favorite books. Although he never played sports in high school, Charlie was a devoted father who rarely missed his sons’ athletic events, following them through high school and on to college.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Velma, sisters Helen and Donna, and his brother Sam.

He is survived by his wife Martha, sons Russ (Brenda) of Center Point and Ray (Donna) of Omaha as well as grandsons Jed and Griff and his “favorite granddaughter” Alys.

Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love for family, passion for the outdoors, and a gift for forming meaningful connections with others. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

There will not be a memorial service, as were his wishes, and his ashes will be spread on the farm he loved so much.   The family requests any donations in his name be made to the Wayland Fire Department. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Charlie and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com