Barbara Lee Mansheim

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 4:39 pm CDT

Barbara Lee Mansheim, 87, of the Kensington in Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of West Point, passed away at 6:47 a.m. Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Kensington.

She was born on February 14, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Symmonds) Ellison. Barbara was the second child and oldest sister of 10 children – 5 boys and 5 girls. On January 5, 1957, she married Thomas Mansheim. He preceded her in death on December 8, 2012.

Survivors include her three sons: Rick (Jenny) Mansheim of Fort Madison, Iowa, Chris (Cindy) Mansheim of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, TomPaul (Lisa) Mansheim of Plainwell, Michigan; two daughters: Barbara (Jay) Kelly of Kokomo, Indiana, Brenda Mansheim (Frank Lamartine) of Franklin, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, four sisters and three brothers. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Tom; brothers: Michael Ellison and Charles Ellison.

Barbara was a 1956 graduate of Donnellson High School. The following year, at age 18, she married Tom, the love of her life. And at age 40, after raising their 5 children, she returned to school and earned an accounting degree with honors from Iowa Wesleyan College. She worked with Farm Bureau and Prugh Funeral services before starting her own Insurance business out of her home – Mansheim Insurance Services. Eventually she moved her office to 109 8th Street, where it remains today. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. She had a strong faith in God, and it directed and guided her throughout her life. She was very involved in National Marriage Encounter, doing workshops with Tom and mentoring young couples. Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved math, playing cards, doing puzzles, and Sudoku. She loved making candy (and eating it), listening to country music and spending winters with Tom at Dauphin Island in Alabama. Later in life her greatest joy was spending treasured time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also looked forward every spring and fall to bi-annual weekend get togethers with her beloved four younger sisters, who knew her only and affectionately as “Sissy”.

She was positive, upbeat and loved life. She left her mark on us all and she will be greatly missed.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

Burial will be at String Prairie Cemetery, rural Argyle, Iowa.

If you would like to donate in Barbs name to the Worldwide Marriage Encounter please visit wwme.org/about-us/legacy-fund/

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

KILJ News 2025 Year in Review – Quarter Two (April-June 2025)

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 10:52 am CDT

This is your KILJ News Quarter Two Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from April through June 2025 — weather, agriculture, education, community updates, and county developments.

Weather

As we look back at the weather from April through June 2025 in Mount Pleasant, the spring season delivered warmer-than-average temperatures and a generally active rainfall pattern typical for Southeast Iowa. Temperatures trended warmer than long-term normals, especially in April and June, contributing to an early transition toward summer warmth. Rainfall was episodic but close to seasonal expectations by the end of June, with May and June contributing the bulk of spring precipitation. Spring storm activity brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to the region, reflecting classic Midwest severe-weather season dynamics.

The weather in Quarter Two of 2025 in Mount Pleasant was marked by a warmer spring with active thunderstorm patterns and seasonal precipitation — a transition from cool early spring into a typical summer pattern by June.

Agriculture

That spring weather shaped the planting season across Southeast Iowa — with farmers moving into fields early, some even in April. While localized reports varied the wet early spring conditions turned into warmer, more active fieldwork as the quarter progressed.

In livestock news, the Iowa Department of Agriculture confirmed the first documented case of Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease in cattle in Southeast Iowa. Producers were urged to monitor herds and work with veterinarians on prevention and treatment.

And Mogo Farms in Mount Pleasant received a $25,000 Choose Iowa value‑added grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to support construction of a new produce washing and processing facility, enhancing local farm business capabilities.

Schools & Education

In April and May, education was at the forefront of community attention in Mount Pleasant.

A special election to fill a vacancy on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education was held in early May. The voters chose Mark Overberg to serve on the school board, bringing a strong voice for Salem and surrounding communities to the district’s decision-making table. Overberg, a lifelong Salem resident and local business leader, ran on a platform emphasizing neighborhood schools and community inclusion.

In April, a special school board session revealed the results of a high-stakes Facilities Master Plan survey. The survey saw a response from over 1,000 residents who voiced a clear “No” to the proposed $35 million bond referendum. The primary point of contention was the board’s plan to consolidate elementary schools on the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus, which would mean the closure the neighborhood school in Salem as well as the 3 elementaries in town.

The school also denied plans to demolish the P.E.O. Memorial Building during quarter two of 2025, stating they were in an evaluation phase and not considering a demolition currently; a topic that will come up again as we move through the later months of the year.

City & County News

Other highlights in Quarter Two included celebrating local businesses and hosting community events.

Quality Equipment was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Mount pleasant area chamber of commerce in May. Other finalists were honored at the breakfast as well including Capstone Pharmacy, American Hair Academy, Crossfit Teo, and Family Medicine of Mount Pleasant.

The 26th Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade rolled through southeast Iowa in early June, once again bringing hundreds of tractors and riders to Mount Pleasant. Hosted at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion grounds and McMillan Park, the three-day event featured daily rides through Henry, Des Moines, Jefferson and Washington counties and featured the best of Southeast Iowa’s small towns and people. With over 300 tractors participating, the Tractorcade highlighted Iowa’s agricultural heritage, multi-generational involvement, strong community support, and the enduring spirit of rural Iowa, wrapping up another successful summer tradition.

June 23-27, 2025 Mount Pleasant was selected as the subject of a week‑long “Our Town” spotlight by KCRG‑TV9. Filming included local landmarks and businesses, a boost for community visibility and regional branding. Segments featured Midwest Old Threshers, the public swimming pool, Henry County Conservation’s plans for an all-inclusive playground, highlights at local museums including the Van Allen House and the Harlan Lincoln House, and spotlighted local businesses.

As spring turned to summer, the momentum built for more infrastructure planning, community development, and long term planning in our schools. With strong civic engagement in local elections and active conversations about school facilities and agricultural resiliency, Quarter Two set the stage for what promises to be an engaged and eventful second half of the year.

And that’s your 2025 Quarter Two KILJ News Year in Review — bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and all of Southeast Iowa courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.

Iowa State Patrol Busy on the Roads Sunday and Monday

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 10:30 am CDT

The Iowa State Patrol was busy on the roads yesterday, December 28, 2025. A heavy day of travel after the holidays mixed with winter weather made driving conditions near impossible in some areas of the state. I-35 from Ames to the northern state border were closed Sunday and are expected to open back up some time this afternoon, Monday December 29th.

On Sunday, December 28th, between 6 a.m. to Monday, December 29th at 8 a.m., troopers responded to 193 calls for service statewide.
That included 37 traffic crashes, with 24 resulting in property damage, 12 causing personal injuries, and one fatal crash. Troopers also assisted motorists throughout the day and night, completing 156 motorist assists for drivers who needed help on Iowa roadways.

Thankfully, Southeast Iowa did not experience the same road conditions as much of the northern half of the state.

The Iowa State Patrol continues to remind drivers to slow down, watch road conditions, and stay focused behind the wheel as winter travel continues. You can visit 511ia.org or call 511 for the latest road conditions across the state of Iowa.

New Years Resolution for 2026 – Take Control of Your Heart Health

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 10:23 am CDT

As we step into the New Year, many of us think about resolutions to improve our lives —And the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute is encouraging all of us to make 2026 the year we take control of our heart health.

Experts say that keeping tabs on your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and physical activity can help you stay ahead of heart disease — which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Start by tracking your activity every day — even simple walking counts. Wear a step tracker or jot down your workouts to see your progress over the weeks.

Get your blood pressure checked regularly and ask your doctor what your target numbers should be. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range reduces strain on your heart and arteries.

Make a point to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels with your healthcare provider — these silent numbers can quietly raise your risk if left unchecked.

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI) and work toward a weight that supports heart health. Tracking your food and activity in a journal can help you make heart-smart choices all year long.

Finally, eat heart-healthy foods, stay active, sleep well, manage stress, and avoid tobacco. These lifestyle steps, along with tracking your health numbers, add up to big benefits for your cardiovascular health.

This New Year’s resolution isn’t just about numbers — it’s about feeling better, living longer, and enjoying more time with family and friends. Make 2026 the year you take control of your heart health.

Visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute for more information.

Linda Jean Norton

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 4:00 pm CDT

Linda Jean Norton, 79, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, December 22, 2025, in the emergency department at the Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant. She was born July 14, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant to Ellis L. and Jean May Meyer Henessee. On September 22, 1967, she married Robert C. Norton in Monmouth, Illinois and they later divorced.

Linda attended Mt. Pleasant schools and the Faith Christian Outreach Center as well as the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Park Place and Pleasant Manor. She was a dedicated blood donor, giving many gallons over the years. Linda enjoyed going to the Rec Center, being with her family, and taking her great grandchildren to the Iowa State Fair, Old Threshers and parades. She was very social, loved eating out, going to the races, and will forever be known for her beautiful eyes and her pink lipstick.

Linda is survived by her son Robert M. (Becky) Norton and daughter Linda K. (Joe) Keever Sr. both of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren; two step grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; sisters Karen Vaughn of San Antonia, Texas, and Donna Dean of Danville, Iowa; one brother Dennis (Lorna) Henessee of Mt. Pleasant and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Larry; and brother Ronald in infancy.

Visitation will be from noon to 6pm on Monday, December 29, at Elliott Chapel, New London, where the family will receive friends from 4-6pm. Funeral services will be at 10am Tuesday, December 30, at Elliott Chapel with burial immediately following at Burge Cemetery, New London. Pastor Courtney Fischer will officiate. In honor of her blood donations through the years, a memorial has been established for the ImpactLife Blood Center, 5500 Lakeview Parkway, Davenport, Iowa, 52807.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

 

Geraldine R. Rixe

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 3:38 pm CDT

Geraldine R. Rixe, 97 of Wayland, died peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Washington County Hospital, following a short illness. She has gifted her body to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa.

A Celebration of her life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Wayland Mennonite Church. The service will be livestreamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Family visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM before her service. Memorials may be designated to Crooked Creek Christian Camp or Mennonite Central Committee. Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home as been entrusted with caring for Geraldine and her family.

Geraldine was born April 6, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Ruth Viola Keiser. 3 years later, she moved to Wayland to live with her grandmother, who raised her. She was baptized at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. She joined the Wayland Mennonite Church in 1947 and remained an active member. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1946. She then furthered her education and graduated from Southeastern Community College in 1975 and Iowa Wesleyan College in 1983. She married Glen Richenberger, and they had four children, they later divorced. In 1977, she was united in marriage to Harold Rixe.

She worked many jobs in Wayland, including Zehr Funeral Home, Wayland Telephone Company, Hileman’s Bakery, and the City of Wayland. She also cleaned houses, sold Avon, and worked with the US Census in the 70s and 80s. Along the way, she held other jobs such as working at Lutheran Social Services Home for girls, Henry County Extension Office, Mobile Nursing Services, and Social Teaching Work. In her “spare time” she spent time volunteering at the Parkview Home, reading and visiting with residents, gardening, church activities, and singing in groups.

Geraldine was a woman of great faith and passion for music, especially singing. She was a member of the church choir and sang in a mixed quartet alongside Dwaine Hirshey. She sang with the Sweet Adelines in Mt. Pleasant and Iowa City and sang in England for competition. She was a member of the Washington Choral Society that sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Cindy Richenberger, son Michael Richenberger, both of Wayland daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Richenberger of Wayland, and Tracy Richenberger of FL; six grandchildren, Scott Richenberger, Amy Richenberger, Laura (Micah) Scott, Steve (Katie) Richenberger, Stephanie Richenberger, and Annie Richenberger; nine great-grandchildren, Penelope Xavier, Brett, Drew, Jackson, Luke, Leah, Oliver, and Emmett.

She was preceded by her mother, Ruth Keiser Allen, husband Harold Rixe, sons Stan Richenberger and Duran Richenberger, daughter-in-law Linda Richenberger, and grandson Eric Richenberger.

Patricia Iola Doak

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 3:30 pm CDT

Patricia Iola Doak, 83, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

She was born on July 29, 1942, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Alice (Norberg) Bryant. On December 27, 1964, she married Gary Doak in Mount Pleasant. They later divorced.

She is survived by her four children: daughter Deb (Tony) Canby; sons Bryan (Brenda) Doak, Chad (Shelley) Doak, and Raymond Doak; eight grandchildren: Patrick (Hannah) Edgington, Olivia (Jordan) West, Tanner, Payton, Raegyn and Rylee Doak, Samantha and Sydney Doak; great grandchildren: Kaden Edgington and Maize West, Brooklinn and Addisin Cooper; sister Harriet Lenarz; very loved special niece Trisha Lenarz-Garmoe.

She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Mallory Doak.

Pat graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and earned her nursing degree from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Davenport, Iowa. She was a dialysis nurse at Henry County Health Center, a psychiatric nurse at the Mental Health Institute in Mount Pleasant and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and a nurse at Park Place. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, Questers, the Old SOTS, bridge club and the Red Hat Society. Pat enjoyed gardening and hosted garden parties at her home, traveling abroad with her sister, and spending time outdoors. She most cherished time spent with her family and friends, including a final family vacation in July to Breckenridge, Colorado.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Olson-Yoder Funeral Home for cremation.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant. Rev. Court Fischer will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service. A memorial fund has been established for Oakland Mills.

Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory of Mount Pleasant is caring for Pat and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

Patricia J. Anderson

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 3:24 pm CDT

Patricia J. Anderson, 82, of rural Stockport, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Memorials in her honor may be made to All God’s Creatures in Mt. Pleasant or Stockport Fire & EMS and sent to the family at 33547-115th St. Stockport, Iowa 52651.

Pat was born April 24, 1943 in Hillsboro, the daughter of J.M. “Mac” and Lola (Harlan) Dodds. She married Robert Anderson, June 3, 1962 at Hillsboro Christian Church.

Throughout her life, Pat worked at Blue Bird in Mt. Pleasant, owned her own beauty salon, and worked on the family farm. She enjoyed riding horses, taking care of her dogs, reading, and spending time outside.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Robert; sons, Jay (Sara) Anderson of Hillsboro and Dustin (Sandy) Anderson of Salem; grandchildren, Matthew Anderson, Brady Anderson, Bryce (Scoutt) Anderson, Dylan (Heather) Anderson, Ashley Watts, and Hailey (Blake) Hendricks; great-grandchildren, Carter and Evelyn; and siblings, Selma (Gary) Dinsmore of Houston, Texas and Mike (Kathy) Dodds of Columbia, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Nancy Hawbaker.

Online condolences may be made to Pat’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.