Author: Hayden Douglas

Karen Kay Mabeus, 67, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at her home.

Karen was born on November 25, 1957, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Howard Herman and Irma Edith (Kinney) Mabeus.  Karen was a part of Hope Haven and Flex Services.  She worked various jobs with Flex Services and enjoyed many activities. She always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews with whom she had a special bond.  Karen was a part of the Special Olympics, in the swimming team and also participated in a 4 H Club.   Karen collected stuffed animals such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Indian dolls and was very talented at latch hook projects.

Those thankful in sharing her life include her sisters, Judy (Bill) Cash of Mount Pleasant, Marilyn (John) Coghlan of Panora, Iowa, her brother, Terry (Deb) Mabeus of Mount Pleasant and her sister-in-law, Martha Mabeus, of Mount Pleasant, her uncle, Larry Kinney of Minnesota,  along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Mabeus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant with Father Ross Epping celebrating the mass.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant Point Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant.  Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Flex Services, All God’s Creatures Shelter and to the Pleasant Point Cemetery.

Karen’s family would like to show their appreciation to Laura Miller-Bjork, Dr. Caryn Berkowitz, Dr. Micki Gerdes-Borlens, EveryStep Hospice and Kathy Crawford for all of their special and wonderful care.

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for her arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Genevieve M. “Gee Gee” Fetterman, 89, of Salem passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center, in Mount Pleasant surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

David Richard Calhoun, 68, of rural Mount Pleasant passed away at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born on January 13, 1957, in Mount Pleasant, the first-born son of Victor R. and Marilyn (Mueller) Calhoun, Jr. He served his country in the Iowa National Guard, where he and his cousin and friend enlisted together. Dave was blessed to do what he loved.   He had a passion and talent on an excavator and truly enjoyed those days. The only way to make the day better was to call one of his sons and have them working alongside him.  He was an entrepreneur at heart and owned and operated Big Creek Contracting.    He enjoyed any activity that kept him outdoors.  At a very young age he would go with his father to learn the art of hunting and trapping and most of all spending time together.  Dave and Cookie enjoyed being in the boat on the Skunk River fishing and had a passion for Oakland Mills and its history.  The river was a place to spend time together and relax.  They enjoyed taking their grandchildren out in the boat teaching them how to fish and sharing an appreciation of the outdoors.

The love of family was central to his upbringing, and he raised his children with that same heart and commitment.  He had many things that he loved but nothing more than his family.  When one would call for help, he was always there to lend a hand.  He enjoyed the traditions of big family gatherings and loved being able to spend time together sharing stories and laughs.  Dave was a great listener and made time for his nieces and nephews whom he loved and who loved him dearly.  Dave was a Christian and lived his life by Matthew 25:36 “I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me…..” He lived his life never turning his back on someone in need, giving his time, talent and treasure.  He loved his kids and would never turn down a child with a cause.  Dave never knew a stranger and always treated everyone he met with compassion and respect.

Those thankful in sharing in his life include his companion of 24 years, Cookie  and his children, Ben (Sheri) Calhoun and Chad (Andrea) Calhoun, his grandchildren, Alex, Zach, Grace, Austin, Addie and Drew, his mother, Marilyn Calhoun,  his brothers, Dale (Becky) Calhoun and  Joe Calhoun and his sister, Mary (Alan) Raymer, along with a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Dave’s family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1405 West Clay Street, Mount Pleasant beginning at 3:00 p.m.  In case of inclement weather, it will be held at the Wright Pavilion on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds. A memorial has been established in his memory. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Janice Elaine Peterson, 85, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

Janice was born on May 16, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Virgil and Margaret (Eklund) Johnson. In her youth, she was a member of the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swedesburg, Iowa. She graduated from Olds High School in 1958. On August 1, 1958, she was united in marriage to John William Peterson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children in Burlington, Iowa. During this time she worked as an elementary school secretary and for the A.E.A.

In 1983, John’s job with Ozark Airlines led them to St. Charles, Missouri. After John’s passing  in 2001, Janice returned to Burlington, Iowa, in 2005. She was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed volunteering at the Swedish American Museum and Historical Society. Janice loved spending time with family and she especially treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Janice is survived by her three children, Ron (Shelly) Peterson of Burlington, Cindy (Brian) Mueller of Muscatine, Matthew (Angie) Peterson of O’Fallon, Missouri; six grandchildren Sarah (Dan) Sliwinski, Jonathan (Andrea) Peterson, Emily (Connor) Downes, Betsy (Robert) Buckman Alex Mueller, Josh Peterson; nine great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Adam, Charles, James, Grace, Cohen, Kennedy, Hattie, Eleanor; and two sisters Joan (Lee) Montei of Gilbert, Arizona, and Pat Meyer of Wayland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, and grandson Andrew Peterson.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Swedesburg Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established for the Swedish American Museum and Historical Society and the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Janice and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Judith Ann Nelson, 83, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA with Father Ross Epping officiating.  Burial will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield immediately following.  A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church and will last until the time of service.  Memorial contributions in Judy’s honor may be directed to the family to be used for organizations which Judy supported and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Judith Ann Nelson was born on March 12, 1942, in Washington, IA, to Ernest and Mary Robinson Peiffer.  She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1960 and her journey in life took her to the Iowa School of Beauty, where she became a hairdresser. It was a profession that allowed her to touch the lives of many through haircuts and good conversation. She went on to open and operate her own salon in Fairfield for several years.

Judy married Jerry Nelson and became a loving mother with the birth of their two daughters.  Judy and Jerry later divorced but the family continued to be at the center of her world. Judy’s devotion to her family was unwavering, and she lovingly embraced the role of both mother and homemaker.

After devoting time at home, she began on a meaningful career at Parkview Care Center. There, she served as a hairstylist for over three decades where her love for all the patrons was evident.  She cherished the time spent caring for them and the friendships that were made, until her well-deserved retirement.

Judy grew her faith as a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield.  She had many talents, including being a gifted seamstress.  She found comfort working in her garden and nurturing her flowers.  Above all was the time she spent with her family, creating lasting memories they will hold dear forever.

Judy’s legacy is honored by her surviving daughter, Julie (Brett) Lisk, and her three grandchildren, Jett, Rhylie, and Torrie Lisk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mary Robinson Peiffer, and her daughter, Jolene Nelson.