Paul Moeller

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 10:37 am CDT

Paul R. “Rudy” Moeller, 69, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 11:14 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

He was born on October 20, 1954, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Rudolph and Marcella (Klesner) Moeller. On November 5, 1977, he married Cathy S. Schneider at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison, Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 22, 2001.

He is survived by his daughter: Pam (Mark) Hymes of St. Paul, Iowa; son: Scott (Karen) Moeller of Donnellson, Iowa;  grandchildren: Abigail, Natalie, Jonah, Brady, Claire; special friend: Jody Krebill; siblings: Sr. Joanne Moeller of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Delbert (Barb) Moeller of West Point, Iowa, Ronnie (Sharon) Moeller of Fort Madison, Iowa, Vic (Maureen) Moeller of Port Aransas, Texas, Gary (Sandy) Moeller of Des Moines, Iowa, Roger (Joan) Moeller of West Point, Iowa, Nancy (Mike) Cutler of Marion, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Cathy; infant son: Cole; brother: Richard.

Paul was a graduate of Marquette Catholic High School. He retired from J.I. Case and was a greenskeeper for Green Acres Country Club and courier for Menke and Company. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point and Green Acres Country Club. Paul enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes, golfing, riding his motorcycle and shooting pool. He was very social and enjoyed being around people.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point, with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

School Board Discusses Truancy, Candidate Forum, Fundraisers, and Special Show-choir Performance

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 10:05 am CDT

Members of the Mt. Pleasant school board were treated to a show on Monday evening, as the high school show choir performed one of their songs, “In My Life”. It will be a few more months until the show choir will trade the carpet of the library for the stage, as their competitive season waits until after Christmas.

Student and Family Advocate, Martha Peterson, presented on chronic absenteeism and truancy. According to her, the problem that students are not going to school isn’t just an issue here in Southeast Iowa, but rather nationwide. According to a new law passed by the state of Iowa through senate file 2435, students are considered “chronically absent” if they miss 10% of the school days in a grading period. For Mt. Pleasant, that is one semester. If a student misses that amount, a certified letter is sent to the family and to the county attorney. At 15%, the family will meet with the district to see what can be done to ensure the trend stops. 20% is when a student is considered “truant”, which means their name goes to the county attorney, who decides on if truancy proceedings are necessary, which may lead to fines or jailtime.

According to the data, just shy of 30% of students nationwide missed 10% of a grading period in the 2021/2022 school year, with that number slightly dropping the following year. Peterson said that she doesn’t want students coming to school if they are sick, but it is a different story if they have the sniffles or a stomach ache.

The school board has a work session scheduled for October 28th, in which they will host three candidates running for the Iowa house. Tom ODonnell, Jeff Shipley, and Jeff Poulter will be in attendance that evening.

All three fundraisers were approved on Monday’s meeting. There will be an iJAG fundraiser next Monday at Pizza Ranch, a Fun Run on November 2nd for the National Honor Society, and the FFA will be partnering with the Rotary clubs in Mt. Pleasant to sell Christmas Wreaths.

Identifying Human Trafficking Event This Thursday

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 8:26 am CDT

The fight against human trafficking takes center stage in Ottumwa on October 17, 2024, with a crucial community event titled “Identifying Human Trafficking.” Hosted at the Bridge View Center, this event will commence at 6 p.m. and aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and foster community engagement to address this pressing issue. Doors to the event will open at 5:30pm.

Human trafficking is a grave concern impacting communities nationwide, including our own. The “Identifying Human Trafficking” event is designed to provide attendees with essential information on recognizing signs, understanding risks, and implementing preventive measures against human trafficking.

Raymond Feidler, an esteemed expert from the Human Trafficking Training Bureau with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), will serve as the keynote speaker. Feidler will offer in-depth insights into the human trafficking landscape in Iowa, drawing from his extensive experience and expertise.

Event organizer Krista Tracy emphasizes the importance of community involvement: “Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collective effort to combat. By coming together and sharing knowledge, we can make significant strides in protecting our community and supporting those affected by trafficking.”

The event is open to the public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. The organizers also welcome any contributions in the form of resources or materials from local agencies to support the event’s goals.

For additional information or to get involved, please contact Krista Tracy at 515-290-2218 or via email at krista_kay_17@hotmail.com. For further inquiries, Bruce Tracy is also available at 515-450-7522 or iowasun2001@yahoo.com.

 

Joyce Garretson

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:42 am CDT

Joyce Kathleen Stuart Garretson, rural Salem, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at her home on the family farm.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 25th at the Salem East Cemetery in Salem.  The Rev’d. Wayne K. Kamm, Retired Rector, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, will preside. The Kimzey Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to kimzeyfh.com.  Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Salem East Cemetery, or to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant.

Born June 5, 1925 in Wayland, Iowa, she was the daughter of Homer and Helen Yount Stuart.  She attended grade school in Wayland and Saunders School in Mt. Pleasant.  She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1943, and attended Iowa Wesleyan College where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Joyce was united in marriage to Joel Howard Garretson, Sr. on September 27, 1947 at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.  She worked at Iowa Wesleyan in the Public Relations office, and later at Hawk Eye Bank and Trust in Mt. Pleasant and Salem.

Joyce enjoyed her life on the farm and cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  An avid Hawkeye sports fan, she followed football and basketball games in the company of many family, friends and neighbors.

She loved being outdoors working in the large vegetable garden and flower beds, in later years, directing the seed purchase and home canning with son, Bob.

Joyce kept up to speed on the evening news and never missed a vote.

The Garretson farm has been a welcoming home away from home to many over the years due to the friendship, warmth, and caring of Joyce and Joel Garretson.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Helman and husband Dave, two sons, Joel  and Robert Garretson, sister-in-law Josie Bainter; six grandchildren, Justin Garretson and Rachel, Kurt Garretson and Kate, Sarah Helman Breseman and Brian, Barbara Helman, Eric Garretson and Drew Garretson; six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jeneva, Isabelle, Joel Howard IV, Edith and Owen; and her faithful Golden Retriever, Homer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one son, John, daughter -in-law Marlene and sister Myrll Jean Hoffman and brother-in-law Don.

 

John L. Tasker

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:41 am CDT

John L. Tasker, age 71, was blessed to meet the Lord on October 14, 2024, at Savannah Heights Care Center in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

John was born in Anamosa, Iowa, on March 16, 1953. He was the third child born to Jack and Dorothy (Mott) Tasker. John was raised in Wyoming, Iowa. John served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1970 – 1974. He was aboard the USS Enterprise ship. He married Kathy Feller of Cascade, Iowa, on September 14, 1979. John was employed by the Iowa DOT and worked out of the Jones County maintenance shop in Anamosa, Iowa. He drove semi part-time for Lou Somerville Trucking. He retired from the DOT in 2010.

John attended the Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. John loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved sharing about his faith. John loved golfing and fishing. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. John received his quilt of valor on March 15, 2023, while at Savannah Heights. He loved spending time with his six grandkids, they called him “Grandpa John” and “Papa.”

John is survived by his wife Kathy of Mount Pleasant; son, Matthew (Holly) Tasker of Estelline, South Dakota; daughter, Nichole (Jeff) Mason of Salem; six grandchildren, Lincoln Tasker, Leighton Tasker, Landry Tasker, Mckinley Mason, Kenai Mason, Cooper Mason; sister, Cathy (Dean) Wheeler of Cedar Rapids; and brother Tom Tasker of Wyoming, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Lincoln Street Baptist Church, with Jim Hughes officiating. Visitation will be held 9:30-10:15 a.m. Saturday morning prior to the service. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Memorial funds have been established for the VA Hospital in Iowa City, Compassus Hospice and Savannah Heights Activities Department. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for John and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

 

Doug Bausch

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:40 am CDT

Doug Bausch, 89, of Morning Sun passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Hospice House in Burlington.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Yarmouth Baptist Church.  A private burial will follow the services. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Yarmouth Baptist Church, Southeast Iowa Hospice or the Morning Sun Ambulance Service.    Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. 

Douglas Lee Bausch was born on September 4, 1935 in Sweetland, the son of Stephen and Mae Adeline (Male) Bausch.  Doug was united in marriage to Janet Lutz in 1957.  The couple later divorced.  On October 21, 2004 he was united in marriage to Joan Bonar-Delzell in Smokey Mountain, TN. Doug worked in sheet metal maintenance, taught welding at Black Hawk Community College and retired as a welder from John Deere after 20 years.  He was a member of the Yarmouth Baptist Church and very involved in singing with the Rhythm Rockers, at Old Threshers and in many local churches. Doug enjoyed woodworking, fishing, going to the races in Columbus Junction, showing off his 1984 Pontiac in car shows and most of all, being with his family.

Doug will be deeply missed by his wife, Joan Delzell-Bausch of Morning Sun; children, Tim (Lori) Bausch of Illinois City, Joy Greer of Milan, IL and Brian (Julie) Bausch of Moline, IL; step-children, Monte (Becky) Delzell, Kent (Sheila) Delzell and Kirk (Kim) Delzell, all of Morning Sun; grandchildren, Ryan, Dusty, Kodi, Jason, Amanda, Alex and Amber; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lester (Fern) Bausch of Columbus Junction; Gary (Joyce) Bausch of Columbus Junction; Carol (Leonard) Chatfield of Columbus Junction; Joyce (Leonard) Johnson of Louisiana; Philip Bausch of Indiana; Jarry (Lindy) Bausch of Connecticut and Susan (Ed) Sturgis of New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-son, Mark Delzell; son-in-law, Greg Greer and siblings, Hope, Ruth, Ron, Steve, Marilyn and Larry.

Helen Garrels

By Yorke Prough · Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 9:38 am CDT

Helen Irene (Hazen) Garrels, age 101, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, at Parkview Retirement Community in Maryville, TN. Born on July 26, 1923, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Zellah Mae (Anderson) Hazen and James (Harry) Hazen. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Irwin Harold Garrels; her brothers, John Hervey Hazen and Dale Harry Hazen; and her sister, Louise (Hazen) Roach.

She is survived by her son, James Irwin Garrels, and his wife, Joan Brooks; her daughter, Susan Irene (Garrels) Larsen, and her husband, Mark; and her treasured granddaughter, Shaina Walker, and her husband, Ian. Helen will also be deeply missed by numerous extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, Helen went on to become the owner of the Danville and New London Variety stores. She had a love for collecting antiques, creating artificial bouquets, and crafting. After moving to Tennessee, Helen found joy in spending time with her daughter and granddaughter, further enriching her life with love and laughter.

Helen’s extraordinary life was featured in a documentary titled Crossroads: The Ballad of Helen and Ernie, which highlighted her memories in Iowa and the beautiful partnership she shared with her husband. Known for her warm smile, sense of humor, and love for making others laugh, Helen had a unique gift for brightening people’s lives with her sweet personality.

The legacy Helen leaves behind is one of kindness, joy, and a deep love for her family and community. Services for Mrs. Garrels will be at 11:00 am, Friday, October 18, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Rev. David Mixon officiating. Burial will follow at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville, with a luncheon immediately after at Long Creek Church. The family will greet friends at the chapel beginning at 10:00 until the time of the service.

Her family will be hosting a memorial service in Tennessee at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or The Macular Degeneration Association. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Mt. Pleasant Marching Band Takes 2nd in Missouri, Best Colorguard, Drum Majors

By Yorke Prough · Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 9:36 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community High School Marching Band traveled to Clark County, Missouri, this weekend for a competition in which they made a good name for themselves. The show, “Dare to Dream” left a good impression, as the panthers placed second in Class 4A at the 33rd Annual Parade of Champions at the high school in Kahoka.

The Color Guard placed first in 4A and the Drum Majors received top honors in 4A. They also had the highest score among all of the participating bands’ Drum Majors in all classes.

The panthers will compete at the state marching band competition this coming weekend. Congratulations to the Mt. Pleasant High School marching band!