The City of Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, April 6 at 5:3pm. The meeting will take place in Danville City Hall, 105 W. Shepherd Street. Items on the agenda include department reports, final review of the City of Danville 2045 comprehensive plan with a public hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026, among other items. This meeting is open to the public.
It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived devoted to service and ministry that we announce the passing of Gary L. Reynolds. Born on Friday, October 6, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gary passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 81 in Chicago. A resident of Schaumburg since 1991, Gary touched countless lives with his unwavering faith and passion for service.
Gary’s life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to his beliefs and community. He earned a MBA from North Park University and a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary. His education laid the foundation for his enduring dedication to his work with Converge, formally known as the Baptist General Conference, where he was a beacon of faith and support.
As an educator and church planter, Gary spent time in Brazil and in Mexico spreading the message of hope and love. His devotion to God’s creation was evident in his love for people, the outdoors, and especially being near to or on the water — a pastime that brought him great joy and peace.
Gary’s legacy is carried on by beloved wife of 58 years, Doris (nee Dumse), his cherished daughters, Cristiana (Brian) McDowell and Diana Michelle Reynolds, his dear brother, Wayne (Nancy) Reynolds, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gunnard and Velma (nee Whal) and his sister, Carol.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are grateful for the profound impact Gary had on everyone who knew him. His life of service and dedication will be celebrated at Village Point Church in Elk Grove Village on Saturday, April 18. Inurnment of his cremains will be held at Burge Cemetery, rural New London, Iowa, at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Summer Brazil Ministry Opportunity through Village Point Church, continuing Gary’s lifelong mission of spreading love and faith to all corners of the globe.
As we remember Gary, let us find comfort in his enduring teaching and beautiful memories he leaves behind. May he rest in peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Roland Leslie Hatton, 93, passed away on March 27, 2026. Born October 8, 1932, in Janesville, Wisconsin but grew up in Winfield, Iowa. Roland was a cherished presence whose life was marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and the enduring love of family and friends. He lived in Chandler, Arizona.
Roland’s story began in Winfield, Iowa and carried him onward through learning and service. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Iowa Wesleyan University, a foundation that would support a life defined by responsibility and care for others.
From 1952 to 1956, Roland served in the US Navy, answering the call of duty during his younger years. In his working life, he was an Insurance Claim Adjuster in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—work that required patience, fairness, and a measured hand, qualities that reflected the way he moved through the world. He uplifted everyone he associated with by always telling jokes and singing songs.
Roland is survived by Janet Fye Hatton, his loving wife of 68 years; Teresa Holmes (Tim), his daughter; Tracy Hatton (Karen), his son; and his grandchildren, Zachary Holmes, Chelsea Holmes, Trevor Hatton, Logan Hatton, and Jenna Hatton.
Roland was preceded in death by his twin daughters; his Parents, Walter and Ethel Hatton; and his Brother Walt Jr. and his sister-in-law, Shirley Hatton.
In the rhythms of everyday life, Roland found joy in golf, traveling in the motor home, fishing, college sports, basketball and football—simple pleasures that became lasting memories for those who shared the time with him.
He was a member of the Methodist Church, a Life member VFW, and part of the Iowa Mutual 20-year club, connections that spoke to a life rooted in faith, loyalty, and community.
Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roland’s honor.
A graveside service will be held for Roland at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union, Iowa at a later date.
Elliott Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com
Kenneth Lloyd Fischer, 93, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House on April 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:30 p.m. at the Ashford Park Clubhouse, 1810 E Ashford Ave., Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Please join us for a casual time of fellowship. Stop by and share memories, stories and enjoy Kenny’s favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks with friends and family.
Memorials may be directed to Van Vorhies Haus or Spring Grove United Methodist Church. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kenneth and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
EveryStep Grief & Loss Services offer The Touching our Grief support group. It is free and open to anyone who needs support following the loss of a loved one. Sessions are led by expert bereavement counselors and offer a safe place to give and receive support from others. The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4-5:30pm in the EveryStep conference room, 118 N. Main street in Mt. Pleasant. For more information, contact Amanda Day, bereavement counselor at 319-330-1086, or everystep.org. this month, the group will meet on Thursday, April 16th.
Kathryn “Kate” (Katy) Gerst, 76, passed away on March 28, 2026.
She was born on October 26, 1949, in Burlington, Iowa, to Edwin “Ed” and Carolyn “Cotty” Hicklin and was raised in Wapello, Iowa. She grew up surrounded by family, lifelong friends, and a strong sense of community that stayed with her throughout her life. Wapello was always home to her, and it remained the center of her life and the place where she built lasting relationships and memories. On March 1, 1969, she married the love of her life, Roger “Rod” Gerst Jr. Together they built a life grounded in family, community, and a deep care for the people around them.
She was a devoted wife and mother, and her daughter was at the center of her world. Being a mom was the role she cherished most, and it showed in the way she supported, encouraged, and stood by her daughter through every stage of life.
Kate was known by many as the heart of the Wapello junior and senior high school. She served as secretary for nearly 20 years and knew every student who walked through those doors. She remembered their names, their stories, and what they needed, and she treated each one with kindness and care. To many students, she was more than a secretary. She was someone they could count on, someone who listened, and someone who made them feel seen. She also served as the school’s drama director, where she encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and be part of something bigger. Her impact on those students stayed with them long after they left school.
Her love of music was a constant throughout her life. She was a talented bassoon player and performed with the Southeast Iowa Symphony for many years. Music was not just something she did, it was something she truly loved. Later, she took on the role of manager for the symphony, continuing to support the organization and the arts community in a different way. She believed in the importance of music and the role it played in bringing people together.
She was always supportive of Rod’s photography and took great pride in her daughter’s career. She encouraged the people she loved without hesitation and stood behind them in everything they did. Her support was steady and unwavering, and it meant more than words can fully express.
Travel was something she loved throughout her life and something she shared with her family. She and Rod spent years exploring together, and those experiences became an important part of their life. They traveled across the country and beyond, including trips to Canada and Alaska. Whether it was a long-planned trip or time spent simply getting away, she valued those moments. Being together, seeing new places, and making memories along the way brought her a great deal of joy. After retiring, she was able to spend even more time traveling and being with Rod and Cary, something she truly cherished.
Above all else, she was the best mom. She was steady, loving, and always there when it mattered most. She showed up in every way that counted, and that is what will be remembered most.
She is survived by her husband, Rod; her daughter, Carolyn “Cary” Gerst; her sisters, Martha (Greg) Remley, Betsy Barber, Nancy (Mike) Roach, and Jane Weaver; her brother, Bill (Erin) Weaver; her brother-in-law, Marty (Brenda) Gerst; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Roger and Dot (Dorothy) Gerst; her infant daughter, Hannah; her sister, Joan (Ronald) Cross; and her sister-in-law, Becky Gerst.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services or memorial at this time. A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, https://www.seiso.us/support, in Kate’s name. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services is caring for Kate’s arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
