Opal Wiggins, 98, of Trenton died Friday, November 29, 2024, at Van Vorhies Haus in Mount Pleasant.

Opal was born September 1, 1926, in Salina, Iowa, the eldest of eight children of Ray and Emma (Smith) Manning. She was raised in Coppock, lived in White Oak, Trenton and Mount Pleasant. She went to New York City as a teenager with band.

On June 19, 1943, Opal was united in marriage to Macy Dale Wiggins, in Kahoka, Missouri. The couple made their home on a farm outside of Trenton. She was a farm wife for many years and did any farm chore you can think of. Her early years were spent house keeping and babysitting. She worked for Rabadeax Produce in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Additionally, Opal worked for the hospital housekeeping, Van Vorhies Haus, and cleaned many homes well into her later years. Opal was always working.

She was a member of the Trenton United Methodist Church, UMF, and formerly of the Moose Lodge in Mount Pleasant. Dale and Opal loved to spend time together traveling, camping and fishing. Opal enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, country music and dancing.

Opal is survived by two daughters, Esther (David) Lance of Trenton, Julie (Michael) Conner of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren Irene (Fred) Brown of Lockridge, Dale D. Lance of Trenton, Jodi (Partick) Pitrillo, Joni Perez both of Las Vegas, NV; six great grandchildren; and brother Lyle Manning of Bertram, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dale; daughter Retha Carol Wiggins; and six siblings, Anna Lowe, Gladys Lee, Delores Sinn, Carol Payne, Everett Manning and Patricia Manning.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery in rural Wayland. Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory where the family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for Trenton United Methodist Church and the Van Vorhies Haus. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Wellington, 59, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, November 25, 2024 at her residence.

Cindy was born August 17, 1965 In Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Everett William and Velna Irene (Seager) Wellington. She attended school in Mt. Pleasant.

She was a longtime employee at the Iris City Cleaners. Cindy was gifted in the art of crafting, and enjoyed beading, puzzles and painting. The outdoors was a draw to her. She loved camping, most especially at Big Hollow. Spending time with family was very important to her, as she looked forward to the holidays with her family.

Survivors include a son, Nicholas Wellington of Fairfield; a daughter, Darcie Jayne Williamson of Minnesota; siblings – Chuck Wellington of Rome, IA, Teresa Kramer of New London, Marylu Granaman and her husband David of Mt. Pleasant, and Chris Bruggemeyer and her husband Rob of Mt. Pleasant, and several grandchildren.

Her parents and a brother, Bob Wellington, precede Cindy in death.

Friends may call to sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday, December 6 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA. A Celebration of Life for Cindy will be held from 4-8 PM on Saturday, December 7 at the VFW Post in New London.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Norma Joan (Weirbach) Emerson, 92, of Fairfield, Iowa passed away November 28, 2024.  Norma was born, December 4, 1931, to Edward R. and Leora G. (Given) Weirbach, at home near Farson, Wapello County, Iowa.

Norma grew up on a number of farms in Wapello and Jefferson Counties.  She became a permanent resident of Fairfield in 1945 when the family settled on a farm north of town.  It rested on a dirt road with no running water or electricity.  She and her younger sister, Jeanie, rode a horse in tandem to country school (bareback).  Working outside with their dad, the sisters milked cows, put up hay, shucked corn by hand, and cleaned many hog pens, horse stalls, and cow barns.

Norma married Max O. Emerson, December, 24, 1948.  They raised their family in Fairfield and were married for 64 years until Max’s death in 2013.  Max was a lifetime hunter and fisherman.  Norma always told people, “If it can fly, swim, walk, or run, I’ve probably cooked it.”

She worked at Fairfield car dealerships for 35 years as a title clerk, bookkeeper, and secretary.  She retired from Danielson Motor Company in 1996.  Norma was a member of the First Lutheran Church for over 70 years.  She was also a member of the First National Bank Heritage Club.

Norma was an avid country music fan.  She chauffeured a carload of sisters, her daughter, and many nieces all over Iowa and beyond to attend concerts for many years.  She was a charter member of the Country Music Society of America, and a fan club member of over a dozen country music stars including George Strait, Willie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and Eddie Rabbit.  She also enjoyed reading, raising tropical fish, photography, arranging family reunions, and gathering for big holiday get-togethers.

Norma is survived by her children, Janet (Gary) Craven of Boone, Iowa, Bruce (Cinda) Emerson of Fairfield, and Tracy Emerson of Fairfield; grandchildren, Kelly Anderson, Shane Kramer, Greg Kramer, Brian Kramer, Erin Kruger, Sarah House, Tina Devery, Chad Emerson, Damion Goodrich, and Gerrad Goodrich; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Jean (Weirbach) Cochran.

Preceding Norma in death were her parents, Edward and Leora Weirbach; husband, Max Emerson; sister, Shirley (Weirbach) Hahn; brothers, Robert Weirbach and Richard Weirbach; and grandson, Todd Craven.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Fairfield at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Lutheran Church in Fairfield would be appreciated. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Richard F. Merschbrock, 74, of Wever, Iowa, passed away at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

He was born on September 23, 1950, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Ambrose and Bertha (Harvey) Merschbrock.

Survivors include his siblings: Robert (Barbara) Merschbrock of Marion, Iowa, Danny (Marsha) Merschbrock of Eldridge, Iowa, Deb (Farmer) Cook of New London, Iowa, Diane (Roger) Bailey of Fort Madison, Iowa, Dale (Deina) Merschbrock of West Point, Iowa; Dennis (Patty) Merschbrock of Bartonville, Illinois; bonus daughter: Jackie Smith and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ambrose and Bertha; brother: Ronnie; niece: Heather Merschbrock; best friend and companion for over twenty-seven years: Kathy Smith.

Richard was a 1969 graduate of Marquette High School. He served in the United State Army. He worked as a carpenter and then a painter for twenty plus years at Great River Medical Center. Richard was a member of the Elks and the American Legion. Richard, in his spare time, enjoyed overseeing his acreage, woodworking, duck and deer hunting and fishing. He will be missed by his family and dog “Lizzie”.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House or Wever Fire and Rescue.

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