Mark Elliott Sedlacek, 67, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the University of Iowa Health Care Center in Iowa City, IA. Funeral Mass honoring his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial will be in the Fellows Cemetery in Keosauqua immediately following. A visitation will be held at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA on Thursday, May 7, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Mark’s honor may be directed to the family to be decided at a later date. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Mark Elliott Sedlacek entered this life on May 24, 1958, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of Marvin and Maxine Posusta Sedlacek. He attended school in Cedar Rapids, graduating with the Jefferson High School Class of 1976. Mark went on to further his education and nurture his love of the outdoors by attending Kirkwood and receiving his associate’s degree in forestry management. At an early age Mark had a love for nature and enjoyed hunting and trapping whenever he had a chance.

Mark began his career working as a park ranger for Geode State Park near Danville, IA before taking a job at Lacey State Park in Keosauqua. This move found Mark in the place that he would call home for the remainder of his life. On December 12, 1992, he married the love of his life, Maureen Morris. This was the first chapter in a love story that lasted over 33 years. With this union came the addition of stepchildren who were welcomed into the family and never thought of or treated as anything other than his kids.

Mark stepped away from his job as a park ranger to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and worked with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department. He eventually took a role as the golf course manager at the Riverview County Club in Keosauqua. During this time he raised pumpkins and it became a family affair. Eventually Mark decided to retire and truly “live his dream” of being a full-time produce farmer. Mark began raising all kinds of fruits and vegetables to sell at local farmers’ markets. While he took pride in nurturing his plants, his true joy came from sharing knowledge and creating memories with his grandchildren. In his off-season he spent countless hours working a trap line and was a lifetime member of the National Trappers Association.

His grandkids will forever remember all of the campfires with s’mores and hot dogs, BINGO at Christmas, the snacks he brought for every one of their sporting events, and ice cream trips after a day of hard work. He had a huge heart and a matching sense of humor that he shared with those around him. While he had a quiet presence… his actions spoke volumes. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the community that he called home.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to share his story is his loving wife, Maureen Sedlacek of Keosauqua, IA; four children, Tonja (Kurt) Jirak of Keosauqua, Tanner Morris (Christa Beason) of Johnston, IA, Ty (Kristin) Morris of Lisle, IL, and Tasha Morris of Keosauqua, IA; his grandchildren, Kelby (McKenzie) McClaran, Alexis (Carter) Robertson; Ella, T.J. Sophia, Leo, Amos, Knox and Blaise Jirak; Kyle, Mason, Kendall, Sydney, and Harry Morris and Baelyn Beason; three siblings, Doug (Jennifer) Sedlacek, Neil (Betty) Sedlacek, and Jill Sedlacek, as well as several special nieces and nephews, extended family, and many, many friends

Michael Herbert Hoelzen, 83, of Danville, died Monday, May 4, 2026 at Addington Place, Burlington.  He was born October 5, 1942, in Burlington to Robert Hugo and Laverne Bodkin Hoelzen.  Mike was a 1960 graduate of Sperry High School and attended some college classes following high school.  On January 12, 1963, he married Claudia Jean Stucker at Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Grove.

He worked in the Airline Industry for over thirty-five years and was a member of Harmony Bible Church.  Mike was an avid gardener and woodworker and dearly loved his cats, Missy and Junior.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children Brian (Marcia) Hoelzen of Bellingham, Washington and Michelle (Rob) Lecuyer of Azle, Texas; three grandchildren, Alex (Rachel) Hoelzen, Chelsea Vowell and Courtney (Ethan) Franklin; five great-grandchildren, Lilah Beth, Dawson, Logan, Archer and Brooks; brothers Randy (Donnalee) Hoelzen of West Salem, Wisconsin and Dave (Berit) Hoelzen of Burlington; and many loving cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve Hoelzen.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 8, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Matt Mitchell officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family greeting the friends from 1:00 until the time of the service.  According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be at a later date at Shinar Cumberland Cemetery, Pleasant Grove Township.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Tunnels To Towers Foundation (T2T Veterans Homes).  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Paul R. “Bob” Willits, 96, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his home at Addington Place.  Bob was born April 20, 1930, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the son of C. Robert and Selma Long Willits. He graduated from Pleasant Lawn High School in 1947 and later attended Iowa Wesleyan College. On March 29, 1958, he married Ruth Carolyn Whitham.  She died January 18, 2021.

He was a lifelong farmer, self-employed until his retirement in 1991. Bob also proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1950 to 1958.

He is survived by his daughter, Deb Sianchuk and her husband Curtis of Missoula, Montana; three grandchildren, Max Sianchuk, Brad Willits and Erica Willits; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ruth; son Stephen; sister Janet Gordon; half-brother J.T. Willits; half-sister Elin Bennett; and other extended family members.

In accordance with his wishes, no funeral services will be held. A private family service will take place at Burge Cemetery in New London, Iowa at a later date. Memorials have been established for EveryStep Hospice and the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.