Sports, April 29th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 6:49 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team took home another team title after winning the Keosippi Relays last night with 148.5 points. Alex Scott’s 100-meter dash time of 12.3 seconds was good enough for 1st place and 3rd in school history. Elodie Rawson claimed the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 29 seconds. The Panthers gathered victories in the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 meter relays. 

Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren County will compete in the Bob Gerard Relays on Friday, May 1st. 

New London hosted the Chris Selby Co-Ed Invitational last night and Mediapolis walked away with the sweep as the girls’ team collected 163 points, while the boys’ team snatched 177 points.

For the girls’ teams, Mediapolis took home the gold in the 4×400, 4×800, and distance medley relays. Layne Price also won the 100-meter hurdles. The Bullettes swept the throwing events with Payton Harris throwing the discus to a mark of 123 feet and 8 inches and Jemma Huntington snatching the win in the shot put with a heave of 31 feet and 8 inches. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame’s Kaylee Webb won the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.37 seconds and the 200-meter dash with a mark of 27.11 seconds. Hannah Ritter took the 800-meter run.  

Danville’s Alaina Gourley sprinted to a win in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1 minute. The Bears claimed victory in the 4×100, 4×200, and sprint medley relays. 

New London’s Allison Gillip picked up the lone victory in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 15 seconds. 

On the boys’ side, Mediapolis was led by Simon Wendel, who won the 800-meter run, and Gannon Gunn, who took the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.05 seconds. The Bulldogs claimed the 4×400, 4×800, and the sprint medley relays.

New London finished in 2nd place as a team with the help of London Franklin winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.88 seconds along with the long jump with a mark of 21 feet and 10.25 inches, while Riley Raines won the 1600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes and 41 seconds.

Landry Haberichter claimed the 200-meter dash for West Burlington/Notre Dame with Eli Oleson winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.25 seconds. Kellan Porter soared to a win in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 2 inches. 

Lastly, Danville’s Trevon Herman won the shot put with a toss of 40 feet and 7 inches. 

WACO will host the Ekstrand Relays tomorrow, April 30th, with Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, Washington, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating. 

High School Soccer

The Central Lee boys’ team clobbered Highland last night, 10-0. Peter Seyb netted four goals in the victory. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team, led by Makayla Marsden’s two goals, shutout Macomb last night, 4-0. The Nike boys’ team followed that with a 7-0 handling of Danville. 

The Danville boys’ team will host Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday, May 1st, at 4:30 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will attempt to spoil Central Lee’s senior night on Friday with the boys’ teams leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team nudged past Hillcrest Academy last night, 1-0. 

The WACO boys’ team fell 5-0 to Mediapolis last night. The Warriors will take on Sigourney-Keota tomorrow, April 30th, at 5 pm on the road. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team lost to Burlington last night, 4-0. The Bullettes will compete against Canton tomorrow at 5 pm on the road. 

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Northeast tomorrow at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will hit the road to play Prince of Peace at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield tomorrow with the boys’ team on the road kicking off at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host the Trojans at 4:30 pm.

Washington will compete against Burlington tomorrow with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team hitting the road with both games starting at 5 pm.

High School Golf

The Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, and Washington boys’ teams participated in the Oskaloosa Invite yesterday and the Demons finished on the podium with a 3rd place team score of 307, while the Trojans and Panthers took 10th and 11th place, respectively.

Washington was led by Rajan Roth and Drew Conrad’s score of 71, which placed them in 4th and 5th place respectively. Fairfield’s Archer Kreuter claimed a round of 78 for 18th place, while Merrick Lamm of Mt. Pleasant took home a card of 80 for 25th place. 

The Southeast Conference boys’ teams will meet up in Keokuk on Friday, May 1st. 

The SEC girls’ teams will make up their conference meet in Burlington tomorrow, April 30th. 

Central Lee split their contest with Van Buren County yesterday with the girls’ team losing 217-263 and the boys’ team taking down the Warriors 149-166. On the girls’ side, Lily Smith led the Hawks with a score of 55. On the boys’ side, Caleb Larson and Mylan Lowenberg each carded a 36 for the Hawks, which was tops in the field, and the Warriors’ had Leo Jirak and Aden Debner each produce a round of 41. 

The Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ teams will compete in the Keokuk Invite today.

The Central Lee and Van Buren County girls’ teams will travel to Keokuk for an Invite on Monday, May 4th.

The Wapello girls’ team exited with the sweep in their triangular yesterday, while the boys’ team defeated Lone Tree, 196-201, but fell to WACO, 193-196. The Arrows were anchored by Emmalin Marshall’s card of 42, while Wyatt Marlette and Cully Fry each shot a 48 for the Wapello boys’ team. 

The Wapello girls’ team and the WACO girls’ and boys’ teams will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic for a triangular tomorrow. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team finished in 3rd place at a quad in Ottumwa yesterday. 

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team competed in the West Liberty Invitational yesterday and claimed 5th place as a team with a score of 344. Konner Kinneberg and Justin Knipfer medaled for the Wolves with Kinneberg taking 10th place and Knipfer grabbing 15th place as they both carded an 84. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant remained unbeaten on the season with a 6-3 victory over Ottumwa last night. Sawyer Fulton and Carter Gehling each collected tiebreaker victories in their singles matches, while the teams of Fulton and Max Heater and Isaiah Lange and Charlie Syfert picked up wins in their doubles matches. 

Fairfield snuck past Burlington last night, 5-4. The Trojans will host Mt. Pleasant tomorrow, April 30th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team swept Black Hawk College in two thrillers, winning game one 10-9 and taking game two 6-5. The Blackhawks will travel to Kirkwood Community College today.

The softball team will continue their home stand today against Indian Hills Community College in a doubleheader. 

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team fell to Illinois State last night, 13-6. The Hawkeyes will play Illinois at home on Friday, May 1st, at 6 pm.

The Iowa softball team will host Northern Illinois tonight at 5 pm.

The Iowa State softball team swept St. Thomas yesterday, 6-5 in game one and 11-8 in game two. The Cyclones will take on #22 UCF at home at 4 pm on Friday.

This Day in Sports History

1941 – The Boston Bees agreed to change their name to the Braves.

1961 – ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” premiered.

1981 – Steve Carlton (Philadelphia Phillies) became the first left-handed pitcher in the major leagues to get 3,000 career strikeouts.

Darlyne Gray

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 6:04 am CDT

Darlyne Gray, 93, of New London, died Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at her home.  She was born December 1, 1932 in Burlington to Paul Robert and Pauline Cramond Humiston.  She was a graduate of Wapello High School and a member of New London Christian Church.  On April 12, 1953, she married Kenneth D. Gray in Burlington.  He died December 16, 2020.

She was a wonderful homemaker and owned her own silk floral business which she operated from her basement.  Her favorite job was selling boots at The Western Wearhouse in Colorado Springs.  Darlyne and Ken enjoyed wintering for twenty-eight years in Bowling Green, Florida at the Avion Palms. She was a member of Midway Circle and the Red Hat Society in Bowling Green. She enjoyed quilting; Tuesday lunch with her friends; playing cards; cooking and baking as feeding people made her very happy and when her answering machine picked up, it said she was busy baking cookies.

Darlyne is survived by her children, Mark (Sally) Gray of Colorado Springs, Scott Gray of Fairfield, John (Jill) Gray of Holland, Michigan and Sue (Gary) Lachapelle of New London; eight grandchildren, Elisabeth, Zachary, Jaron, Meagen, Matthew, Addie, Amber and Justin; and seventeen great-grandchildren.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Harry, Phil, Fred, Rex, George and Dale.

A memorial has been established for The Fulton Cairo Cemetery.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a Celebration of her life will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday, May 1, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper officiating.  Visitation will begin at noon with the family receiving friends from 5:00 until the time of the service.  Inurnment for Darlyne and her beloved husband will be at Fulton Cemetery, Cairo, Iowa at a later date.  A memorial has been established and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

JoEllen Jepson – Pending

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 1:51 pm CDT

JoEllen Jepson, 61, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services are pending at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

Farmington Dog Breeder Highlighted in “Horrible Hundred” List for Third Time

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 9:57 am CDT

A Farmington dog breeder is once again drawing national attention over alleged violations tied to puppy mill operations.

According to a report released Monday by Humane World for Animals and covered by Iowa Capital Dispatch, Wuanita Swedlund has been named to the group’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list for the third time. The report highlights 100 dog breeders across the country cited for regulatory issues.

State and federal inspectors have reportedly been unable to access Swedlund’s facility during six separate attempts between June of 2025 and January of this year. Just before those denied inspections, officials documented repeated violations in May of 2025, including unsanitary conditions and a buildup of feces.

In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an official warning after continued refusals to allow inspections. The last time federal inspectors were able to enter the facility, in December of 2024, they reported finding a heavily matted dog, multiple dogs without water, and enclosures contaminated with fecal material. Those findings also placed Swedlund on last year’s list.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Swedlund’s operation has also been referenced in a pending lawsuit filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals against the USDA, alleging a lack of enforcement. The lawsuit claims six puppies died in cold conditions at the facility without penalties being issued.

Past inspection reports have also cited injured animals and other serious concerns, including a case where a dog accessed and partially consumed a puppy in a neighboring enclosure. Inspectors have also raised concerns about possible “puppy laundering,” or the sale of dogs bred by other operations with violation histories.

Humane World for Animals says its annual report is meant to raise awareness about conditions in commercial breeding facilities. In a statement, the group says puppy mills will continue to operate as long as there is consumer demand.

Swedlund is one of five Iowa breeders named in this year’s report, alongside operations in Kiron, Afton, Toronto, and Joice.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, April 20-26, 2026

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 9:48 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (Apr. 27, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Many farmers got a good start on planting last week, though widespread rain on Thursday and again over the weekend parked planters for a few days,” said Secretary Naig. “The good news is that soil temperatures are on the rise, and outlooks into May are showing the potential for cooler and drier weather after a very active stretch of severe weather. I expect farmers will be making the most of every good window to keep planting moving along.”

Crop Report

There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, 2026, which is 2.0 days more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 22 percent complete, which is 10 percent behind last year when 32 percent of the crop had been planted. Soybean planting reached 11 percent, which is 12 percent behind 2025, when 23 percent of the crop had been planted. Oats planting reached 74 percent, 5 percent behind last year when 79 percent had been planted.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at https://www.nass.usda.gov/.

Weather Summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

While rainfall was widespread across Iowa though April’s last full week, this was the first reporting period with below normal totals for most stations; only the southwest corner was unseasonably wet. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with positive departures approaching nine degrees east; the statewide average temperature was 57.4 degrees, 6.0 degrees above normal.

Gusty northwesterly winds held Sunday (19th) afternoon temperatures in the mid 40s northeast to mid 60s southwest with stray clouds passing over the state. Monday (20th) dawned chilly with morning lows in the upper 20s to mid 30s north to south. Winds swung back around to a southerly direction under clear skies with daytime temperatures reaching the 60s across western Iowa; temperatures were 10 to 15 degrees cooler farther east. Southwesterly winds increased overnight into Tuesday (21st) with lows around sunrise in the low to mid 50s at most stations. Unseasonably warm temperatures blanketed much of Iowa’s northwestern half with mid to upper 80s observed at many locations; the statewide average high was 83 degrees, 20 degrees above normal. Isolated showers developed over northwestern Iowa around daybreak on Wednesday (22nd) leaving behind minor rainfall totals at several stations; Le Mars (Plymouth County) collected 0.09 inch while 0.19 inch was reported in Spencer (Clay County). Skies remained generally clear through the day as southerly winds ramped up with temperatures in the mid 70s over southern Iowa to the low to mid 80s across the northern reaches of the state.

Cloud cover increased over western Iowa into Thursday (23rd) as a cold front advanced through the state. Afternoon conditions within the warm sector were unstable with ample forcing for upward motion in the presence of low level wind shear. Storms fired along the Iowa-Nebraska border and quickly became severe-warned. Multiple weak tornadoes were confirmed with some structural damage in Little Sioux (Harrison County). Large hail was the dominant mode of severe weather until the front pushed into central Iowa later in the evening. Three additional weak tornadoes were observed near Slater (Story County), around Mitchellville (Polk County) and just east of Interstate 35 in Weldon (Decatur County). From central Iowa on, the event transitioned to numerous straight-line wind reports with a 70 mph wind gusts in Lamoni (Decatur County) and Davenport (Scott County). Rainfall was reported at most Iowa stations with more than 75 collecting at least 1.00 inch; two stations in Delaware County, Hopkinton and Manchester reported 1.67 inches and 2.11 inches, respectively with a statewide average of 0.60 inch. Winds shifted to the northwest behind the front with Friday (24th) morning temperatures in the low 30s northwest to mid 50s southeast. Afternoon conditions were pleasant with highs in the 60s and sunshine. Saturday (25th) was nearly a mirror image of the previous day except for easterly winds, signaling an approaching low pressure system. Showers moved into western Iowa into the afternoon hours with totals holding under a few tenths of an inch, though Underwood (Pottawattamie County) hit 0.76 inch. Western Iowa remained overcast into Sunday (26th) morning while clear conditions were reported in the east with lows in the 40s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.01 inch in Clinton (Clinton County) to 2.11 inches in Manchester (Delaware County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.69 inch; the normal is 0.98 inch. Mapleton (Monona County) and Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 21st, on average 26 degrees above normal. Municipal airports in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) and Spencer (Clay County) reported the week’s low temperature of 21 degrees on the 20th, on average 16 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures varied from the low 50s northwest to mid 60s southeast as of Sunday.

O’Hare selected to lead Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 9:35 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen O’Hare as Warden of the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF).

O’Hare brings more than 20 years of experience within the Iowa DOC, with a strong background in institutional operations, security management, staff leadership, and evidence-based correctional practices. She most recently served as Associate Warden of Security at MPCF, where she provided executive oversight of facility security operations and played a key role in advancing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Warden at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility and continue my service with the Iowa Department of Corrections,” said O’Hare. “I look forward to building on the success of the DOC and MPCF by leading our excellent teams with honesty and accountability. I want to ensure MPCF continues to be a top example for operational efficiency and helping individuals successfully reenter Iowa’s communities.”

Prior to her role as Associate Warden of Security, O’Hare served as the Treatment Services Director at MPCF and held leadership positions at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening institutional operations while supporting rehabilitation and successful reentry outcomes.

“Kristen is a proven leader who understands the complexity of modern corrections,” said Director Beth Skinner. “Her experience, integrity, and commitment to both safety and rehabilitation make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. I am confident she will continue to move the facility — and our department — forward in meaningful ways.”

“I am very excited to welcome Kristen to her new role as Warden of the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility,” said Deputy Director of Institutional Operations Marcy Stroud. “Kristen brings a deep expertise in institutional operations, security management, and evidence-based correctional practices. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, strengthen compliance, and drive operational improvements that enhance both safety and rehabilitative outcomes. Her leadership has been instrumental in breaking down silos, aligning teams around shared goals, and fostering a culture grounded in collaboration and professionalism.”

O’Hare holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Buena Vista University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

Sports, April 28th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 6:43 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee will participate in the Keosippi Relays tonight.

WACO, Winfield-Mt. Union, Van Buren County, and Columbus will compete in the Sigourney Co-Ed meet tonight.

New London will host the Chris Selby Co-Ed Invitational tonight with Danville, Mediapolis, Wapello, and West Burlington/Notre Dame making the trip.

High School Soccer

Mt. Pleasant split their night with Keokuk with the boys’ team squashing the Chiefs 12-0 to celebrate their senior night, while the girls’ team fell in a 4-1 bout. Dylan White continued his dominant streak with four goals and five assists, but the story of the night was Xach LeBlanc, the goalie, managing to net one for the Panthers. 

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield on Thursday, April 30th, with the boys’ team on the road kicking off at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host the Trojans at 4:30 pm.

The Washington boys’ team lost to Fort Madison last night, 6-0, as the Demons managed just two shots on goal. Washington will compete against Burlington on Thursday with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team hitting the road with both games starting at 5 pm.

Fairfield’s contest with Burlington last night was canceled due to the weather. 

Central Lee went 1-1 against Albia last night with the girls’ team losing, 10-0, and the boys’ team coming out on top, 4-1. Mason Sanders and Peter Seyb each scored two goals in the win. The Hawk boys’ team will face off against Highland tonight on the road at 5 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team had their game with Sigourney-Keota postponed to May 4th. The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Monmouth-Roseville tonight at 5 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will host Macomb at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will take on Danville at 7 pm tonight.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5 pm on the road.

The WACO boys’ team will hit the road to play Mediapolis tonight at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will play Burlington tonight at 4:30 pm on the road. 

High School Golf

The Southeast Conference (SEC) had their meets postponed yesterday. 

The SEC girls’ teams will make up their conference meet in Burlington on Thursday, April 30th. 

The Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, and Washington boys’ teams will travel to Oskaloosa for an Invite today. 

Van Buren County split their matchup against Mediapolis yesterday with the girls’ team winning 215-222, while the boys’ team fell 159-176. Sophia Jirak led the Warriors with a round of 42 followed by Mediapolis’ Bri Spears, who shot a 54. On the boys’ side, Mediapolis was anchored by William Worrall’s card of 40. 

Van Buren County will travel to Central Lee today.

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame on Thursday at home.

Wapello will host WACO today in a triangular.

The Danville girls’ team will compete at English Valleys today. 

The Columbus boys’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine today.

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will compete in an invite today at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Ottumwa.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will participate in the West Liberty Invitational today. Senior Nicholas Sparrow talked about what he’s been working on heading into the contest,

“It’s probably short game as well. I mean Mr. Wachs is always preaching to us that it doesn’t matter if you can hit the ball 300 yards or off the tee or what, as long as your 50 yards in is good then I mean it’s going to be pretty hard to stop you.”

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant picked up a dominant victory over Fort Madison last night, 8-1. Charlie Syfert shutout his opponent in his singles match. The Panthers will travel to Ottumwa today.

Fairfield will face off against Burlington tonight on the road.

Southeast Conference News

The Southeast Conference (SEC) will be expanding to seven teams starting in the 2028-29 school year with Oskaloosa joining the fold, pending Oskaloosa School Board approval and the Conference Realignment Committee established by Iowa Legislative HF783. Oskaloosa Activities Director, Jamie Jacobs, stated that compatibility in competitive balance, student experience, and community relationships were the main reasons for the move from the Little Hawkeye to the SEC.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will host Black Hawk College today. 

The softball team will continue their home stand tomorrow, April 29th, against Indian Hills Community College in a doubleheader. 

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will look to continue their five-game winning streak against Illinois State tonight at 6 pm at home.

The Iowa softball team will host Northern Illinois tomorrow, April 29th, at 5 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on St. Thomas in a home doubleheader today.

This Day in Sports History

1930 – The first night game in the history of Organized Baseball took place in Independence, Kansas.

1965 – Lindsey Nelson broadcasts a baseball game at Houston Astrodome from a hanging gondola.

2018 – Shaquem Griffin is the first one-handed person to be drafted into the NFL; selected by Seattle Seahawks.

Norbert J. Gerleman

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 6:37 am CDT

Norbert J. Gerleman, 93, of rural Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Norbert was born on July 25, 1932, in Ossian, Iowa, the son of Leo and Lorraine (Zweibimer) Gerleman.  He graduated from Cresco High School.  Norbert was called to serve his country during the Korean War.  He joined the United States Air Force on May 21, 1952, in Des Moines and was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956, at the Manhattan Beach Air Force Station in Brooklyn, New York. Following his return from the service, he went to Missouri and farmed with his brother, Charles.  Norbert was united in marriage to Mary Jo Leu on July 18, 1959, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.  After 62 years of marriage Mary Jo preceded him in death on September 25, 2021.

Norbert worked for the Water Department for the City of Mount Pleasant, and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown.  Norbert had a love of the land and enjoyed farming; he was proud that during the hard times he was able to hold on to his farm.  Norbert was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Tim Gerleman of Mt. Pleasant, Todd Gerleman of Lockridge, Tina Opzeeland of Oregon City, Oregon, and Troy Gerleman of Ottumwa, eleven grandchildren, Jessica Landess, Jamie Pardell, Jacque Gerleman, Jalyn Gerleman, Alex Gerleman, Liam Gerleman, Gabriel Opzeeland, Gavin Opzeeland, Dominic Gerleman, Katelyn Gerleman, and Anna Gerleman, and six great grandchildren, Teagan Landess, Coral Landess, Ezra Pardell, Tanner Pardell and Brecken Michael Lally and little baby Lally on the way, and his sister, Mary Ann Sadler of Burlington, along with many nieces and nephews.

Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Jo, and three brothers, Charles Gerleman, Gerald Gerleman and Edwin Gerleman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Father Ross Epping officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery in Mount Pleasant with Military Honors. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening.  A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.  Memorials in his memory may be directed to Compassus Hospice.

Norberts family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses who gave wonderful care for their father for the past 8 years, so that he was able to stay on the farm.   This was such a huge blessing to Norbert and his family.

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

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Norbert.