Author: Theresa Rose

Fred Lee Finke, 98, of New London, died Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at New London Specialty Care.  He was born in rural New London on September 6, 1924 to William Laird and Ethel Eugenia Kelly Finke.  He attended school in Lee Town and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School.

On August 10, 1963, he married Lois Melissa Wiederrecht in Wapello.  He was a lifelong farmer and a member of the New London United Methodist Church.  He was active in the New London Elevator; was a New London Township Trustee; and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and watching old westerns.

Survivors include his wife, Lois M. Finke; daughter Ellen (Mike) Haase of Bondurant; niece Judy (Chuck) Stubbs of Tijeras, New Mexico; and nephew Dan (Mary) Hatala of Waverly.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Lois A. Finke, Avon Finke, and Ruth Hatala.

The funeral service for Mr. Finke will be at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family greeting friends from 1:00 until the 2:00 service.  Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, rural New London.  Memorials have been established for New London United Methodist Church and New London Fire and Rescue.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Charles “Charlie” Robert Wesely’s last race ended Saturday, April 29, 2023, while he was surrounded by family at Savannah Heights nursing home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa as the NASCAR Xinfinity race at Dover Motor Speedway was going on the TV, that he had planned on attending with family but didn’t make it due to his health.

Charlie was born on August 24, 1932, in Iowa City to Frank and Mary (Cooper) Wesely of Keosauqua, Iowa. After his family moved to Henry County, he had the unique opportunity of attending two rural country schools, where he was an average student and when asked what his favorite part of school was, he without a doubt responded, “the girls.” After the country schools, Charlie went on to become a student in the Mount Pleasant School system and graduated in 1951.

Following graduation, Charlie moved to California to join his brother Paul, and was soon hired to work at an Air Force supply depot. However, his employment at the depot was short lived as he was called upon in 1953 to serve his country in the United Stated Army for the next two years. After receiving an honorable discharge, Charlie was hired to work at a Marine supply depot in Barstow California briefly, but knew Iowa was home and he returned to the Midwest.

After returning home to Iowa, Charlie took on farming and soon found employment at General Electric in Burlington, Iowa where he worked as an electrical tester for 26 and a half years.

Charlie was married three times, once to Rosemary Scarff of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and twice to Helen Woodyward of Burlington, Iowa, both ending in divorce.

Charlie was a member and supporter of the Salem VFW – Post 94, was an avid coin collector, loved his vintage Chevrolets, local car shows, and would never turn down a trip to Red Lobster.

He was an avid NASCAR supporter, rarely missing a race on TV, we all knew not to call when the races were on. He made many trips to Michigan and Dover with family to watch the races firsthand and one Christmas received a signed letter from Richard Childress, a NASCAR team owner, thanking him for his continued support which Charlie proudly displayed in his home next to all his Dale Earnhardt memorabilia.

In retirement, Charlie continued to help the local farmers, he loved running the equipment and was up for any task. Anywhere we would be driving in the car, he would always share his opinion of the owners’ care of the passing fields, leaving little doubt of his approval or dislike.

Farming, NASCAR racing, and old cars were all second to family. Charlie came from a large family himself having eleven brothers and sisters. Each year in June, it was time to spruce up his property by mowing, plating flowers, and painting in anticipation and preparation for the annual Wesely reunion that was held for many years at his house in Salem, Iowa. He genuinely looked forward to seeing family come literally from all over the country for reuniting, visiting, and whatever else may occur.

When the weather was good, Charlie enjoyed sitting out by his barn in the sun, or in the doorway watching the world go by and many times friends would stop by to visit and discuss the news of the day. Most of the locals knew to look for him and would honk as they passed by. Charlie would always wave and wait for the next car, truck, or tractor to go by all while relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying his “occasional” Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

Charlie is survived by his children; Roger Wesely of Mt. Pleasant, Cindy (Lynn) Conrad of Mt. Pleasant, Tina Wesely of Burlington, four grandsons, five granddaughters, several great-grandchildren, one sister; Genevieve (Wesely) Fetterman of Salem, and several nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents; Frank Wesely and Mary (Cooper) Wesely and ten brother and sisters; Dorothy, Jane, Bertha, Jean, Pricilla, Joe, George, Merlin “Mike” Paul, and Johnny.

Kimzey Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the care and services of Charles “Charlie” Robert Wesely. He will be cremated with inurnment in the Salem East Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place in conjunction with his late sister Jane on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Moose Lodge in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Salem Fire Department. On-line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Shirley LaRue Bailey, 98, of New London,  departed to be with Jesus Christ on May 4, 2023.

Donald W. Mathews, 73, of Danville, died Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.  Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Edith Louise (Martin) Roth, 98, of Farmington, IA, passed away Wednesday May 3, 2023 at her home after a long struggle with dementia.

Edith was born August 2, 1924 in rural Lee County Iowa, to Oka and Mattie (Grelk) Martin.  She was the youngest of five siblings: Myrtle, Hillis, Warren, and Glenn, all who preceded her in death.

She attended many different county schools as her family moved a lot.  She started working as a young girl: baby siting, doing chores for neighbors, waitressing, and learning many different skills.  She even volunteered in helping build many buildings around the area.

Edith married Irvin Henry Roth in Kahoka, MO July 4, 1943.  They were blessed to be married 77 years and had two daughters, Cheryl Roth DeMoss and Linda Roth Fraise.  Linda passed away with cancer in 2003 and Irvin passed in 2021 at age 100.

Edith and Irvin worked their own farmland that had been in the family over 100 years, which they were very proud of.  In their younger days, they milked their own cows, raised calves, hogs, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  They planted corn, soybeans, oats, and hay.  They raised big gardens, did a lot of canning, and Edith always cooked meals for family, friends, and neighbors.

Edith also had several jobs off the farm.  She worked for Sheller Globe in Keokuk, was a cook for the Harmony High School, and retired from Sheaffer Pen Co. in Ft. Madison.

The family made many memories going on road trips.  Seeing many states and sights in their pickup trucks with toppers and also a tent or two.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, and being outdoors. She had a great talent at doing about anything she tried and fixing things.

Edith is survived by her daughter, Cheryl DeMoss of Farmington, son-in-law Alfred Fraise of Farmington, four grandchildren Aaron DeMoss, Tammy DeMoss, Heath (Jacki) Fraise, Brett Fraise, two great grandchildren Sydney DeMoss, Tanner DeMoss, and three step great grandchildren Sam Weber, Josie Johnson, and Lucas Johnson. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, one daughter, and one grandson at birth.

Friends may call from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. that afternoon.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, in Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, with Reverend Gordon Hawkins officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Greenglade Cemetery or Every Step Hospice.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charles R. “Charlie” Wesely, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Salem, died Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. Inurnment will take place in the Salem East Cemetery at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.