Cleda Mae Thomas

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at 10:40 am CDT

Cleda Mae Thomas, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, August 19, 2024 at her residence.

Cleda was born on a brisk, cold March 10, 1935 to Karl Wayne and Mary (Ward) Willits. She was known as a “Daddy’s Girl”, wanting to follow her father wherever he went. She attended grade school at the Vernon Prairie Country School and furthered her schooling at Bonaparte High School, graduating in the Class of 1953. In high school, she played several sports and also did chores with her dad on the farm as her brother went into the Armed Forces Service.

Cleda took a refresher course in office secretarial work in Quincy, IL in the fall of 1953. In January of 1954, she went to work for the John Morrell Company in Ottumwa. On July 10, 1954, Cleda was united in marriage to Gary Dean Thomas at the Bonaparte Methodist Church in Boneparte.

Cleda and Gary made their home in Mt. Pleasant, where Cleda began a 43-year career at the former Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Department as an Administrative Assistant in the Medical Records Dept. When her parents became ill, they moved to Bonaparte to care for them and moved back to Mt. Pleasant in 2009. After her service to MHI, she worked part-time in similar operations for the Henry County Public Health Dept.

Cleda enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales. She like to sit and embroider. Most especially, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those thankful for sharing in Cleda’s life include her 3 children – Merle Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, Mike Thomas and his wife Cindy of Ankeny, IA and Melina Jung of Hilo, Hawaii; 6 grandchildren – Mariah (Jake) Gray, Adam (Erin) Thomas, Kelle (Ray) Wedeking, Blake Vierra, Blaine Vierra and Lihau Jung, and 9 great grandchildren – Otto, Ezra, Louie, Mollie, Oliver, Skye, Daylan, Esmei and Arden.

Cleda is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gary (who died Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at their residence in Mt. Pleasant), her brother Karl Wayne Willits and her sister Mary Jeanne Harwood.

A funeral service for Cleda will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 27 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Pastor Larry Shipley and Dennis Tucker will officiate. Burial will be in the Thompson Cemetery, rural Bonaparte. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Monday, August 26 at the funeral home. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM on Monday.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation (a condition Cleda suffered with much of her life) or Every Step Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Robert E “Bob” Stuecker

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at 6:22 am CDT

Robert E “Bob” Stuecker, 90 years, of West Point, Iowa died on Monday, August 19, 2024 at his home.  He was born at home near Denmark, Iowa on November 20, 1933, a son of Robert T and Esther (Mueller) Stuecker.  On October 28, 1961, he married Martha Ann Moeller at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Houghton, Iowa.  They had four sons: Steve, Greg, Brian, and Scott.

Bob started his education at the Denmark School in Denmark.  When his family moved near St. Paul, Iowa he continued at St. James Catholic School, St. Paul.  He was drafted into the United States Army, and served his country as requested.  He completed his high school education during his military time. Bob worked for J.J. Nichting for 36 years.  He was the foreman of the set up crew.  In his earlier days at the company he also worked at their lumberyard.  Over the years, he helped his brothers farm.  He was a former member of the Three Rivers Tractor Club. He was a member of St. James the Less Catholic Church, served on the God’s Acre Sale Committee, and was a member of the West Point Knights of Columbus. Bob enjoyed hunting.  He always had a huge garden, and they raised rabbits, chickens, ducks, and geese. He loved spending time with his family, and he and Martha Ann could always be found at the boys and the grandkids sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Ann Stuecker of West Point; four sons: Stephen (Stephanie) Stuecker of Danville, Iowa; Gregory (Judy) Stuecker of West Point; Brian (Deanna) Stuecker of Donnellson, Iowa; and Scott (Cathy) Stuecker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Amy, Grant, Sara (Jamie), Cady, Nick, Ashlyn, and Taylor; two great grandchidren, Gideon and Poppy; two brothers, Leroy (Viola) Stuecker and Larry Stuecker; brothers and sisters-in-law: Pam Stuecker, Adele Stuecker, Jane Meyer, Richard (Mary Ann) Moeller, and Ralph (Patti) Moeller; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings: Donnie Stuecker, Mark Stuecker, and Betty (Jim) Sanders, and brother-in-law Carl Moeller.

His family invites you to pray the Rosary with them at 3:30 pm Thursday, August 22, 2024 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, St. Paul.  Visitation will follow and continue until a Christian Vigil Service is held at 6:30 pm Thursday evening at the church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, with Reverend Jake Griener as Celebrant.  Burial with military rites will follow at St. James Cemetery, St. Paul.  A memorial has been established for the St. James Cemetery Fund or Lee County Hospice.  Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Stuecker family, and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.

Jan Crabill

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at 6:20 am CDT

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Jan Crabill who died May 22, 2024, will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union. A light luncheon will immediately follow at Elliott Chapel, New London. For those wishing to forego the services at the cemetery, please feel free to proceed to Elliott Chapel any time after 11:30. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

2024 Iowa State Fair Livestock Show Results Henry County

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 2:00 pm CDT
Hierarchy Path Exhibitor Name Ribbon Placing
Market Beef Simmental Graber, Ethan Purple 2
Breeding Meat Goats Anderson, Colin Blue
Market Meat Goat Wethers Anderson, Colin Blue
Market Meat Goat Wethers Anderson, Colin Blue
Meat Goat Showmanship Int. Showmanship (Gr. 7-8) Anderson, Colin Blue
Breeding Sheep White Face Commercial Ewes Beard, Tate Purple
Breeding Sheep Speckled Face Commercial Ewes Finnell, Carter Blue
Breeding Sheep Black Face Commercial Ewes Beard, Tate Purple 2
Breeding Sheep Black Face Commercial Ewes Anderson, Colin Blue
Breeding Sheep Black Face Commercial Ewes Loyd, Kylie Blue
Breeding Sheep Black Face Commercial Ewes Loyd, Kylie Blue
Breeding Sheep Black Face Commercial Ewes Finnell, Carter Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Beard, Tate Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Beard, Tate Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Anderson, Colin Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Anderson, Colin Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Anderson, Colin Blue
Market Sheep Black Face Market Lambs Loyd, Kylie Blue
Sheep Showmanship Int. Showmanship (Gr. 7-8) Finnell, Carter Blue
Sheep Showmanship Int. Showmanship (Gr. 7-8) Anderson, Colin Blue
Breeding Swine Yorkshire Anderson, Grant Purple
Breeding Swine Commercial Gilts Anderson, Grant Blue
Breeding Swine Commercial Gilts Anderson, Grant Blue
 Market Swine Crossbred Market Barrows Anderson, Grant Blue

Cleda Mae Thomas

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 11:54 am CDT

Cleda Mae Thomas, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, August 19, 2024 at her residence.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Roberta “Bobbie” McCarty

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 6:04 am CDT

Roberta “Bobbie” McCarty, 63, of Batavia, Iowa died August 17, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Bobbie was born January 15, 1961 in Kirksville, Missouri to Robert and Helen (Petersen) Bissell. She married Tony McCarty in 2001. Bobbie had an incredible work ethic. She worked 3-4 jobs at a time to support her family. Her last several years were working in the Ottumwa School District. Bobbie enjoyed spending time with her family, sharing music by singing and playing the piano, camping and boating. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Bloomfield most of her life and recently enjoyed the Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia.
Those left to honor her memory include her husband Tony; son, Chase (Courtney) Feagins; mother, Helen Bissell; stepchildren, Chad (Emily) McCarty, MacGyver (Delana) McCarty, Caitlin (Jon) Boren; grandchildren, Aaron Helton, Canaan Feagins, Jaxon, Easton, Seeley and Emberly McCarty, Ian Woemmel, Jacob, Jocelyn and Esme Boren, Tori, Jenson, Lewis, Calista and Lexi Vanskike, and Piper Blair; sisters-in-law, Diana Van DenBaard and Renee (Bruce) Rebling; brother-in-law, Lee (Brooke) McCarty; along with aunts & uncles; nephews, Danny & Josh Anderson and niece, Bethany Kanselaar.
She was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Helton; son-in-law, Corey Woemmel; father, Robert Bissell; sisters, Terri Howe and infant, Marilyn Sue; fathers-in-law, Robert McCarty and Max Wolf; mothers-in-law, Marcene McCarty and Maxine Wolf.

A Celebration of Life for Bobbie will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the VFW in Fairfield. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made to Bobbie’s family at www.behnerfh.com.

Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report, Aug. 12-18, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 6:02 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 19, 2024) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Overall pleasant weather helped produce record attendance at the Iowa State Fair over the last week and half, even with a few rainy days mixed in,” said Secretary Naig. “That widespread rain, coupled with the warmer temperatures forecasted through the end of August, should give crops a good boost heading into September.”  

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Iowa farmers averaged 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 18, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting and baling hay and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond reached 82 percent this week, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 3 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. The corn crop has just begun to mature. Corn condition was rated at 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were blooming with 83 percent setting pods, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Soybeans have just begun turning color. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of oats have been harvested for grain.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 63 percent, 1 week behind last year but 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Widespread rainfall was observed through the reporting period with above-normal totals in southern and western Iowa. Overall conditions were generally cool and pleasant for the Iowa State Fair. Temperatures across Iowa varied from near-normal to nearly four degrees below normal in the northwest; the statewide average temperature of 70.0 degrees, 2.2 degrees below normal.

Partly sunny skies persisted across eastern Iowa through Sunday (11th) afternoon as clouds increased farther west. Daytime temperatures held in the 70s and southerly winds developed in advance of the next weather system to impact Iowa. Showers and a few thunderstorms pushed into Iowa overnight and expanded to cover most of the state by daybreak on Monday (12th). Light showers remained in east-central Iowa through the afternoon hours as temperatures varied from the upper 60s west to upper 70s east. Most stations in the southwestern two-thirds of Iowa reported at least 0.25 inches with widespread 0.50-1.00 inch readings across swaths of central and southern Iowa; two stations in Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County) registered 2.19 and 2.70 inches. Overcast clouds remained over most of the state into Tuesday (13th) morning with upper 50s and low 60s over northern Iowa along with widespread fog; temperatures were five to 10 degrees warmer farther south. Afternoon temperatures rose into the 70s with spotty low-80 degree readings in far eastern Iowa where skies were clear. Winds shifted to an east-southeasterly direction through the early morning hours on Wednesday (14th) as stronger storms with moderate to heavy rainfall moved into southwestern Iowa ahead of an outflow boundary. Rain continued over much of southern Iowa through late morning as a secondary complex of showers propagated over northern Iowa into the afternoon and early evening hours. A warm front associated with a low pressure center over Minnesota lifted over southwestern Iowa and acted as a focusing mechanism for additional storms into the nighttime hours. More widespread development occurred through the early hours of Thursday (15th) with showers finally moving out of eastern Iowa by noon. More than half of Iowa’s stations observed at least 0.80 inch of rainfall with nearly 155 stations hitting one inch or more. Forty stations in eastern and southern Iowa registered at least 2.00 inches; Truro (Madison County) collected 3.00 inches with and additional 3.48 inches in Council Bluffs. The statewide average for the event was 0.97 inch.

A mid-level disturbance behind the exiting system fired isolated storms, some severe warned, across southern Iowa into the evening. Heavier rainfall was reported over counties adjacent to the Mississippi River, from 0.65 inch in Keokuk (Lee County) to 1.47 inches at Bellevue Lock and Dam (Jackson County). Totals into east-central Iowa tapered off to a few tenths. Starry skies were visible at sunrise on Friday (16th) as morning lows dropped into the mid to upper 60s with a westerly wind. Increasing clouds over northern Iowa held high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s while conditions approached the upper 80s in the southwest. Scattered thundershowers developed in northeast Iowa on the backside of the low pressure feature over the Great Lakes. A handful of stations reported measurable totals with 0.21 inch in Osage (Mitchell County) to 0.85 inch in Decorah (Winneshiek County). Widespread cloud cover formed into Saturday (17th) with morning temperatures in the low 60s west to upper 60s east under northwesterly winds. Afternoon conditions were pleasant for much of Iowa with upper mid 70s to low 80s statewide and a few passing showers in eastern Iowa. Patchy fog was observed on Sunday (18th) morning with lows in the mid to upper 50s northwest.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.38 inch at Oelwein Municipal Airport (Fayette County) to 5.67 inches in Council Bluffs. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 1.33 inches while the normal is 0.93 inch. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 16th, on average five degrees above normal. Multiple stations reported the week’s low temperature of 48 degrees on the 12th and 18th, on average 12 degrees below normal.