Joel R. Sallee, 73, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, December 4, 2025, at his home.

Joel was born October 8, 1952, in Michigan, the son of Oscar and Dorothy (Webber) Sallee. He graduated high school and began a career as a Draftsman. Joel lived in Georgia before relocating to Mount Pleasant 15 years ago. He enjoyed music of all kinds, spending time reading, and fishing. Joel was a talented woodworker.

Joel is survived by his son Corey (Heidi) Sallee of New London, Justin Sallee of Salem; four grandchildren, Anneliese, Elaina, Anthony, Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and there will be no services. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Joel and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

LaVerne Fred Loges, 93, of rural Farmington, passed away on December 6, 2025, at River Valley Place in Fort Madison.

LaVerne was born on March 29, 1932, in rural Farmington, to Fred and Linda (Weber) Loges, and was raised with the values of hard work, faith, and family. On August 17, 1958, LaVerne married Barbara Simpson in Keokuk, Iowa.

LaVerne is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Barbara; and his children: Tami (Ross) Griffeth of Lowell, Michigan; Lori (Stuart) Davidson of Center Point; daughter-in-law Tina Loges of Farmington; Scott (Ann) Loges of Forest City; and Bradley Loges of Farmington. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Margaret Griffeth, Freddy (Katie) Griffeth, Kathryn (Matthew) Ingram, Hannah Davidson (fiancé Taylor Brecht), Heather (Corey) Austin, Kelcey Loges, Addison Loges (fiancé Makayla Stair), Jessa Loges (fiancé Cole Wilkin), and Colette Loges; and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy. LaVerne is also survived by his sister-in-law Sharon (Fran) Brownlee and his brother-in-law John (Julie) Simpson, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Randy; and his sister, Lois Orrock.

LaVerne attended country school in rural Lee County and graduated from Donnellson High School. After attending Iowa State University, he returned home to continue the family tradition of farming. LaVerne was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he served with the 39th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon, training scout dogs for patrol. His fellow servicemen became lifelong friends, and they continued to hold annual reunions for 70 years following their discharge.

LaVerne’s life was shaped by service—to his family, his church, and his community. He was an active member of Zion Mennonite Church, where he served in several leadership roles. He was also a member of the Donnellson American Legion, was a Harrison Township Trustee, and served on the Harmony School Board.

A lifelong farmer, LaVerne dedicated his life to working the land, tending his crops, and caring for his livestock. He also found joy in sports, both as a participant and a fan. He enjoyed bowling, baseball, basketball, and football, and he was a dedicated Iowa State Cyclones’ and Los Angeles Dodgers’ supporter. He especially loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed puzzles and a good card game.

LaVerne’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the example he set, and the memories held dear by all who were fortunate enough to share in his long and well-lived life.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson with Pastor Rachelle Luitjens officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Mennonite Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory for Zion Mennonite Church or Honor Flight. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Virgil Lee Myers, 94, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 in Fairfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating his life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11^th at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined.

Virgil was born May 26, 1931 in Fairfield, the son of Roy Marion and Cleo Helena (Briggs) Myers. He married Barbara Jean Blakeley, October 12, 1952. She preceded him in death August 24, 2016.

Virgil worked as a mechanic and truck driver. In his retirement, he spent many hours cleaning up Myers Cemetery located near Abingdon. Virgil enjoyed listening to Ray Price, horse sled pulls, spending time with family, and enjoying life.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Michael (Sue) Myers of Albia, and Lonnie Myers of Fairfield; daughter-in-law, Lee Ann Myers of Pleasant Plain; grandchildren, Mark (Lisa) Myers, Dan Myers, Katie (Bruce) Potts, Chris (Bianca) Myers, Andrew Myers, Phillip (Jodi) Myers, Jonathan (Morgan) Myers, Lizzie (Brandon) Helmick and Kassie (Ryan) Curran; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Quinton, Andrew, Taylor, Davin, Erica, Gantz, Corbin, Mackenzi, Alexandra, Benjamin, Leah, Ayden, Brylon and Maizie; and many great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck; brothers, Jack and Robert; and sisters, Marilyn and Delores.

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

Marilyn Darlene Glass, 93, of Fairfield, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 at the home of her son, Bob, in Libertyville.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield with visitation to follow from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. A Memorial Mass for Marilyn and her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Glass will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Ross Epping as celebrant. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice Compassus. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Marilyn was born September 16, 1932 in Fairfield, the daughter of Gilbert and Goldie (Smith) Pruden. She graduated from Fairfield High School and later married Robert W. Glass. He preceded her in death. Together, they raised four children.

Marilyn lived her entire life in Fairfield and called South Eighth Street home. There she stood by her husband and raised her family and is where memories began which will be carried forward.

Marilyn was a homemaker, caring for her family, home and yard, and hosting neighborhood coffee gatherings. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, serving on the funeral dinner committee and as chair of the prayer chain. Marilyn was also a member of TTT, Chapter E.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Danny Jo (Debra) Glass of North Liberty, and Robert Dean (Dale Sue) Glass of Libertyville; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Roberta Pruden; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lani Sue; son, David Kirk; stillborn grandson, Bryce; great-grandson, Atticus; and siblings, Gilbert Melvin Pruden, Marjory Royer, Bonnie Dille, and Karen Luke.

The Glass family is thankful for the blessing of Hospice Compassus and their care.

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

Paul L. Tinder, 81, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Keokuk, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul Leon Tinder was born November 9, 1944 in Croton, IA. He was the son of Ora Carl William and Violet M. (Bradley) Tinder. The family moved to Keokuk where Paul graduated from Keokuk High School. Following high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Army. He was inducted on August 12, 1965 at Ft. Des Moines, IA and was transferred to the US Army Reserves on March 8, 1966 at Ft. Ord, CA. He remained in the reserves until August 11, 1971.

On December 11, 1966 in Hamilton, IL, Paul was united in marriage to Ethel Lorraine Bryant. Mrs. Tinder passed just over a month ago on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at their home in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul graduated from an air conditioning school in Quincy, IL after his marriage. He then accepted a position as a Firefighter with the Keokuk Fire Department. Paul was the first African American to serve on the Keokuk Department. His interest in fire safety led Paul to accept a position as a Deputy State Fire Marshall for the state of Iowa, being the first African American to serve in that capacity. He remained with the State Fire Marshall’s office until retirement. Paul was asked to come out of retirement to work as a Structural Engineer Inspector for the state, from which officially retired.

Paul was a member of the Second Baptist Ministries of Mt. Pleasant. He played bass guitar for Tinder’s Gospel Family Band. Paul was a member and devoted many hours to the Mt. Pleasant Historical Preservation Commission.
Paul had a love and penchant for cooking. This led him to operate two restaurants, Tinder’s Ribs with locations in Wayland and Mt. Pleasant.

He enjoyed playing golf, primarily at the Thursday Men’s Golf League at the Deerwood Country Club. When time allowed, Paul was an avid photographer.

Those thankful for sharing in Paul’s life include his children – Sharon (Medgar) Harris of Rock Island, IL, Dempsey Dixon of Mt. Pleasant, Paul Tinder, Jr. of Chaska, MN and William (Esther) Tinder of Belleville, IL; 4 siblings – Sharon Sangster of Keokuk, Larry Tinder of West Point, Tommy (Vickie) Tinder of Keokuk and Robin Holmes of Milwaukee, WI; 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His parents, wife and a great grandchild precede Paul in death.

Friends may call to sign the register and pay their respects on Friday, December 12 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will receive friends from 11AM-12PM on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The funeral service for Paul will be 12 Noon on Saturday at the church. The Reverend Tony Campbell, Pastor, Second Baptist Ministries, will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Keokuk with military honors conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

In loving memory of Katy Hutton

On November 30th, 2025, Katy Hutton died peacefully at home under the care of Hospice and surrounded by family. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher and friend, she will be missed by many.

Katy loved gardening and took great pride in her flowers. She was an avid card player and a loyal Hawkeye fan, traveling frequently to tournaments and bowl games with her late husband, Art. Many lives were impacted through Katy’s love of teaching, her support of students with disabilities, and her work with Special Olympics and Camp Courageous.

Born Catherine Betty Hendrickson on August 14, 1935 to Jake and Rubye (Lee) Hendrickson of Richland, Iowa, Katy was the youngest of five children. She was an outstanding basketball player earning First Team All-State honors in both her junior and senior years of high school. She was the top point scorer in the state in 1953 and is among the all-time leaders in career points scored.

Katy met Robert (Bob) Hummell while they were attending Iowa Wesleyan College. The couple married in 1955 and had four daughters before moving to Orange County California in 1961. Katy worked as a telephone operator while finishing her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education at Chapman College and in 1967 began her teaching career at El Modena High School.

Katy earned her Master’s Degree from Northeast Missouri State University in 1974 and returned to her home state of Iowa. While teaching and coaching in Fairfield, she met Art Hutton whom she married in 1982. Together they built a vacation home at Lake of the Ozarks where they spent many wonderful summers with their children and their families. Katy retired from teaching in 1983 when she and a friend opened The Bride Elect in Fairfield and later a second store in Iowa City. She then worked briefly for Families, inc. before being recruited back to the school district to work with special education students, retiring for good in 2014 at the age of 79.

Katy took great comfort in her faith and the knowledge that she would be reunited with loved ones who had preceded her in death: her parents Jake and Rubye Hendrickson, sisters Wanda (X) Nady and Janet (Chuck) Klein, brother George (Marvalene) Hendrickson, husband Art, and beloved dog Jake.

Katy will be lovingly remembered by her sister Lugene (Bub) Krieger, daughters Mary (Jim Benson) Rankin, Amy (Greg) Krier, Rubye (Marty) Gillespie, and Janey Hummell; step-children Geoff (Ann) Hutton, Shelli (Dave) Hutton-Hartig, and Curt (Holly) Hutton; grandchildren Gregory, Rob, Eric, Jake, Leah, Jessica, Emily, Lucas, Abby, Patrick, Jackson, Maxwell, Calvin, Selma, Rachel, Rebecca, Jake, Heather, Hannah, Avery & Ava; and many great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 1:00 pm, Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Richland Methodist Church in Richland. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Katy’s name to the Richland Library, PO Box 160, Richland, Iowa 52585. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

R.I.P. we love you more!

Robert “Bob” Leroy Scotton, 90, of Fairfield, IA, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00-10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating his life will follow at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Wright Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials can be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation in honor of Bob’s love for Maddie, his four-legged companion.

Bob was born September 24, 1935, in Fairfield the son of Robert and Vuda (Doss) Scotton. Bob spent most of his life with his lifelong partner, Barbara “Bobby” Sell, until she passed away, March 22, 2011.

Bob served with the United States Army in Germany from 1954 to 1956. In his younger years, Bob spent time farming and worked as a welder at Farmall, which grew his love for Farmall tractors. He was also the lead man at Falco Aluminum Casting for many years and spent a lot of time scrap metaling. Bob enjoyed dancing and watching stock car racing and westerns. He and Bobby often traveled in their RV and enjoyed camping and fishing.

Bob will be greatly missed by his children Mona Scotton-Wolfbrandt, Robert (Cindy) Scotton, Steven Scotton, and Bobby’s son Jeff Sell; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his four-legged companion, Maddie, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lillie, Dwain, Pauline, Leo “Red,” Floyd, Cecil, and Della; and his lifelong partner, Bobby and her son Butch.

Online condolences can be made to the family at behnerfh.com.