Author: Theresa Rose

Pamela S. Simpson-Hesser, 58, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at her home in Mt. Pleasant after a courageous battle with cancer.

Pam was born on November 5, 1961, in Michigan, the daughter of Franklin D. and Linda J. (Curtis) Simpson.  She enjoyed fishing and nature. Most importantly spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Pam is survived by her daughters, Tara (Bhavnish) Bucktowarsing of Ohio, Amy Hesser (Adam Walters) and Holly Hesser both of Mt. Pleasant, six beautiful grandchildren,  and three sisters, Brenda Carl of Oklahoma, Debra Goodlander and Diana Head and one brother Jeff Simpson all of Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Anetia Woodsmall officiating.                   According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Arkansas.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant is handling the arrangements.

William “Bill” “Willy” Butcher, 76, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Bill was born on March 15, 1943, in Bloomington, Indiana the son of Bert & Hazel (Kirkpatrick) Butcher.  Bill worked for Heatilator of Mt. Pleasant, Wine Guard of Burlington, Garretson Tool and Die of Mt. Pleasant, Brown Lynch and Scott managing shoe stores in Burlington and Ft. Madison and drove a truck for Tom’s Peanut.  He enjoy the outdoors, mushrooming, raising grapes for his homemade wines, woodworking and going to gun shows.  Bill was a member of the Olds United Church of Christ.

Bill is survived by his children, Lori (Frank) Birchfield and Daniel (Angi) Wesson and his longtime companion Pat Horn all of Mt. Pleasant, his grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Addison, Ethan and Elizabeth, along with his brothers and sisters, Steve Butcher of North Liberty, Mike Butcher of Salem, Charlotte King of Mt. Pleasant and Pam Schinstock of Houghton.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one son Bradley Butcher, his brother, Bert Butcher Jr., his sisters, Virginia Machholz-Marshall, Beverly Bartmann, Patricia Weller and Betty Maddix.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Olds United Church of Christ, with Pastors Carl & Elaine Voss and Pastor Bryan Katchay officiating. Burial will be in the Winfield-Scott Township Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from noon until service time.  A memorial has been established to be used as family wishes.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant is handling the arrangements.

Timothy Daniel Ortiz-Hartshorn, age 21, resident of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday morning, March 1, 2020. He was a true champion in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Visitation, with family present, will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Faith Christian Outreach Church. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2020, at Faith Christian Outreach Church with Pastor Monte Knudsen officiating.  Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Gifts of love and friendship may be directed to the family on behalf of Timothy. Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.

Tim was born on October 13, 1998 in Burlington, IA. He was a senior at Mt. Pleasant Community High School. He loved the outdoors, fishing, mowing grass with Dad, helping Dad work on cars, flying kites, tools, Camp Courageous, painting, helping cook (especially Thanksgiving Dinner).  He enjoyed testing the Christmas lights, helping decorate the tree, and making cookies with his sister Amor.  A delight for him was vacuuming, taking long walks in his power chair, riding a four-wheeler, driving a golf cart, and last but not least he loved music, chair dancing, karaoke, and his iPad.  Tim also played piano, guitar, and enjoyed singing Christmas songs. He was also a student of Tae Kwon Do, ages 10-12.

Timothy is survived by his parents, Lorenzo and Candy Ortiz; siblings, Ricardo, Joshua (Chandler), Jessica, Joana (Marvin), Joseph, and Amor; three nieces; 3 nephews; and numerous aunts, and uncles on both sides of his parents.

Preceding Timothy in death are both his maternal and paternal grandparents and his brother Calvin.

Patti A. Kirchner, 75, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2020, at the Donnellson Health Center.

She was born on January 4, 1945, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of George and Rose Ann (Jacobsmeier) Kruse. On September 12, 1964, she married Jonn F. Kirchner in Houghton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2017.

Survivors include her two sons: Tom Kirchner of Donnellson, Iowa and Rob (fiance´ Paula Miller) Kirchner of Donnellson, Iowa; one sister: Diane (Larry) Lang of Donnellson and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Patti was a graduate of St. John’s High School in Houghton. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. She enjoyed spending time with her sons and her dogs: Peanut and Rylee, working in her house and especially taking care of her yard and flowers.

Her body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

Friends may call after 12:00 noon, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2020, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Bruce DeRammelaere officiating.

Burial will be at Evangelical Cemetery, Donnellson, Iowa.

A memorial has been established in her memory for PAW Animal Shelter.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmitzlfuneralhomes.com .

A Celebration of Life for Dickie Lee Schlatter, 83, of Washington, formerly of Wayland and Kalona, will be held Monday, March 2, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Wayland Mennonite Church in Wayland with Pastor Andrew Zuehlke officiating. The family will greet friends from 2 – 6PM Sunday, March 1, at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. His body has been cremated and burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Shriner’s Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Washington County. Dick Schlatter died Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.

Dickie Lee Schlatter was born September 17, 1936 in Henry County, Iowa, the son of Millard H. and Leola L. (Christner) Schlatter. He graduated from Wayland Consolidated School. As a youngster, Dick mowed yards in town, carried newspapers, and helped his many aunts, uncles, and friends with chores. At the age of 12 he began learning the auto mechanic business with his father. He took over management of the business (Schlatter Garage) in 1970, ownership in 1994, and retired July 1, 2000. On October 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Mary Bowser at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Mary assisted Dick with various duties at the garage over the years, including bookkeeping and pumping gas. Sons Tim and Steve, as well as grandsons Chad, Josh, and Matt Manning, worked in the business with Dick and Millard, and daughters Tami and Dixie assisted with cleaning. Dick was an avid fan of Wayland and WACO sports, and ran football down-marker for many years, and drove varsity basketball and football players’ bus for more than 40 years while he followed his children’s and grandchildren’s many sports endeavors. He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan. His love of sports has taken him to many major stadiums around the country with family and friends.

Dick was a member of the Wayland Fire/Rescue for 44 years, where he was Captain for five years and Chief for 19 years. He was a member of the Iowa Fire Chiefs Association and International Association of Chiefs and was named Firefighter of the Year in 2001. Dick was instrumental in establishing EMS in Wayland in 1979, served as a Wayland City Council member for 12 years, served as mayor pro-tem for six years, serving one year as mayor. During his time with the city council, he was instrumental in completing water tower and city sewer projects. Dick also helped establish Henry County Emergency Management Committee where he was a member for 28 years, serving as chairman for 20 years. He helped establish the 911 committee or Henry, Washington, and Jefferson counties and was a member until 2002. Dick received the first LeRoy Meyer Award for outstanding volunteerism contributions toward economic development in the Wayland community and received the Governor’s Volunteerism Award in 1992.

In 2002 Dick and Mary moved to Kalona to be close to church and Mary’s work and he served as an elder in the Living Word Fellowship at Shiloh, where in earlier years he was instrumental in the establishing of, overseeing, and planning of building projects. He was a member of the Kalona 1st Responders from 2002 – 2019 and was a Mid-Prairie school bus driver from 2002 until retirement in 2013. Dick was awarded the 50 years of Fire & EMS service by Washington County Ambulance Service, 60 years in firefighter and EMS service by Kalona 1st Responders, honored as a 50 year Mason at Wayland Masonic Lodge in 2008 and was honored to be the Grand Marshall for the Wayland Independence Day Parade in 2010. Dick and Mary enjoyed traveling, especially visiting family and friends. They toured nine countries in Europe, and visited Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, and a majority of states in the U.S., most recently touring Washington D.C. with son Steve and family.

Survivors include his wife Mary of Washington, IA; three children: Tamara (James) Heckendorn of Huber Heights, OH., Dixie (Richard) Young of Washington, IA., Stephen (Ronette) Schlatter of Story City, IA; daughter-in-law Jeane Schlatter (Nick Gearhart) of Richmond, IA; nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents, son Timothy Schlatter; and sisters Shirley Schlatter and Dianne Bowser.

William “Bill” Butcher, 76, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mt. Pleasant.

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

Harold Messer, 92, of Olds, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Parkview Home in Wayland.  Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the Olds United Church of Christ.  Burial will be in North Wayne Cemetery with military rites.  Following the burial, light refreshments will be held at the church.  Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Parkview Home or Olds United Church of Christ.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield, formerly The Honts Funeral Home, is caring for Harold’s arrangements and his family.

Harold Arthur Messer was born on September 22, 1927 in Henry County, the son of Arthur and Elsie (McPheron) Messer.  He served in the United States Army during World War II. Harold was united in marriage to Margaret Jaeger on November 28, 1945.

He and his wife had farmed near Trenton, Wayland and Olds. Harold also worked at Spahn and Rose Lumber for 33 years, retiring as manager.  After his retirement he worked part-time at Farmer’s Elevator in Olds and later Eichelberger Farms in Wayland.

Harold was a member of the Olds United Church of Christ, Men’s Fellowship and the Olds Lions Club.  He was very active for the church at Old Threshers. Harold served on the Olds Fire Department, the Olds City Council and was the Mayor of Olds from 1970 to 1976.  He enjoyed gardening and was a 50 gallon blood donor.

Harold will be deeply missed by his children, Anne Davis of Wayland, Donald (Linda) Messer of Washington, Dean (Judy) Messer of Bailey, CO, and Nancy ( David) Eichelberger of Wayland; 7 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 15 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Betty Messer of Wayland.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers, Chester, Perl, Ernie and Guy Messer; sisters, Blanche Clark, Georgia Case, Lorene Messer and Jennie Lynn;  and step-grandson, Monty.

Harold Messer, 92, of Olds, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Parkview Home in Wayland.  Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the Olds United Church of Christ.  Burial will be in North Wayne Cemetery with military rites.  Following the burial, light refreshments will be held at the church.  Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Parkview Home or Olds United Church of Christ.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield, formerly The Honts Funeral Home, is caring for Harold’s arrangements and his family.

Harold Arthur Messer was born on September 22, 1927 in Henry County, the son of Arthur and Elsie (McPheron) Messer.  He served in the United States Army during World War II. Harold was united in marriage to Margaret Jaeger on November 28, 1945.

He and his wife had farmed near Trenton, Wayland and Olds. Harold also worked at Spahn and Rose Lumber for 33 years, retiring as manager.  After his retirement he worked part-time at Farmer’s Elevator in Olds and later Eichelberger Farms in Wayland.

Harold was a member of the Olds United Church of Christ, Men’s Fellowship and the Olds Lions Club.  He was very active for the church at Old Threshers. Harold served on the Olds Fire Department, the Olds City Council and was the Mayor of Olds from 1970 to 1976.  He enjoyed gardening and was a 50 gallon blood donor.

Harold will be deeply missed by his children, Anne Davis of Wayland, Donald (Linda) Messer of Washington, Dean (Judy) Messer of Bailey, CO, and Nancy ( David) Eichelberger of Wayland; 7 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 15 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Betty Messer of Wayland.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers, Chester, Perl, Ernie and Guy Messer; sisters, Blanche Clark, Georgia Case, Lorene Messer and Jennie Lynn;  and step-grandson, Monty.

John E. Jones, 66, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, February 28, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital.  He was born April 6, 1953, in Los Angeles, California to John G. and Vivian Mae Waterman Jones.  On April 2, 1994 he married Carla J. Smith at The Little Brown Church in Nashua.

John was a graduate of Media, Illinois High School and Southeastern Community College.  He was in the Army during the Viet Nam conflict.  He was a grain truck driver most of his life and also a mechanic.  Things he enjoyed were camping and traveling, horses, being outside, 4-H activities with his children and being with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Carla of Mt. Pleasant; children, Kaitlin (Randy) Wade of Winfield, Marcus Jones of Mt. Pleasant, Laura (Mike) Eilers of Indianola, Van (Brenda) Jones of Twin Valley, Minnesota, and Brandy Biegger of Des Moines; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jan Wratchford, Pat Eagen, Robin Gunn and Anna Sue Clark.  He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother Rita Jones and brother, Darrell.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and there will be no formal services at Elliott Chapel, New London.  A family get together will be held at a later date.  A memorial has been established for registration fees for Henry County 4-H.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.