Shirley Ann (Baker) Butler, 86 of Brighton, Colorado, and formerly of Washington passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at her home in Brighton, Colorado.

Shirley was born on October 12, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Clifford and Ferrell (Manning) Baker, and was one of 12 children.  Shirley grew up in Washington County, and went to school in a small country school house near Coppock.  Shirley received Christ as her Savior at the age of 10, and was baptized in the Skunk River shortly after.

In 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to Ed Gillis of Burlington, from this union three children were born, Scott, Kelli and Pam all of Brighton, Colorado.  Shirley later married James Butler of Burlington, on July 17, 1976, and they lived most of their life together in Burlington.  Jim and Shirley recently moved to Brighton, Colorado to be with their children.  They enjoyed 49 years of marriage together before James passed away on June 25, 2024.  She was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord, and who always took the time to witness to her family and to others.  She was a faithful and beloved member of the Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington.

Those thankful in sharing in her life include her children, Scott (Sandra) Gillis, Kelly Gillis and Pam Gillis, her sisters and brothers, Kenny and Susan (Kurtz) Baker of Brighton, Iowa, Milly Manning (sister-in-law) of Washington, Iowa, Ed and Kathy Baker of Wayland, Iowa, Bess Arduser of Wayland, Iowa, Karen Pickering of Washington, Iowa, Esther Johnson of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Ferrell and Bill Ulin of Washington, Iowa, Marilyn and Brad Smothers of Riverside, Iowa, Sandy and Paul Capps of Davenport, Iowa, Connie and Rick Berg of Coralville, Iowa, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Dwight Manning, an infant sister, Carol Baker, and her brothers-in-law, Larry Arduser and Lonnie Pickering.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington.  The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 2:15 until service time.  Burial will be held at a later time at the Rock Island Arsenal.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Thomas W. Lorenzen, 59, of Salem, Iowa passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Tom was born on July 10, 1965, in Clinton the son of William Alan and Bonnie Jo (Tripp) Lorenzen.  Following his graduation from high school he joined the United States Navy in 1983 and was honorably discharged in 1987. Tom worked with his father in their gutter business.  He enjoyed camping, bald eagles, watching Sy-Fi movies, westerns and eating ice cream.  Tom was united in marriage to Rosemary Burr on July 4, 2007, at the Garden Chapel of Love in Las Vegas.  Tom and his wife Rose were team truck drivers from 2000 until December of 2024.  They cross country drove for Schneider, Brad Moutrie and later Hobby Lobby. He was a master wood worker.  Tom was a devoted Christian.

Those thankful in sharing in his life include his wife, Rose, his brother, James (Tara) Lorenzen, his sister, Lisa (Paul) Koser, his stepchildren, Sarah Gordon, Joshua Gordon, four step grandchildren and one step great grandchild, four nieces and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one great nephew, Noah.   

A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, with full military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 2 until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the family. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Connie Pedersen, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She passed at Park Place Elder Living where she received exemplary care for the last three years.

Connie was born July 9, 1944, in Neosho, Missouri, the daughter of Leonard and Mae (Christensen) Rold. She graduated from high school in Avoca, Iowa. Connie went on to earn her RN from Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing, and her BSN from Graceland College. On June 7, 1964, Connie was united in marriage to Glen Pedersen in Avoca, Iowa. Together, they built a life filled with love, dedication, and service to the communities they called home. Throughout their married life, they lived and worked in Omaha, NE; Waterloo, IA; and Tishomingo, OK.

Connie was a compassionate and dedicated nurse, eventually earning the role of hospital CEO. Connie served patients and her community for 39 years before retiring in 2003. Connie and Glen moved to Mount Pleasant, where they made their home. The couple enjoyed their retirement years, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Connie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, PEO Chapter NZ, T.T.T, and Women’s Club. She had a passion for serving her family and community, spending time with friends, crafting, boating, genealogy, and reading. Connie was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter; she treasured every moment spent with them.

Above all, Connie had a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ. Her faith enabled her to know for certain that she would be in Heaven with Jesus upon her death.

Connie is survived by her two children, Renee (and Steve) Davis of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Jeff Pedersen of Altoona, Iowa; five grandchildren and their spouses Alexandra Davis, Isaac (and Anne Marie) Davis, Jared (and Janet) Carrette, Grant Pedersen, and Beau Pedersen; one great-granddaughter Rowan Carrette; sibling, Jerry (Donna) Rold; and numerous other beloved extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 58 years, Glen, in 2023.

A private family celebration of life will be held in the future. Memorial  contributions may be directed to Park Place Elder Living. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Connie and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com