Lawrence “Larry” Geils

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at 6:43 am CDT

Lawrence “Larry” Perry Geils, 83, of Branson, Missouri, formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

 

He was born on April 30, 1941, the son of William and Maire (Anderson) Geils and his stepfather Frank Bideaux who was a huge part of his life. 

 

On August 28, 1960, he married Carolyn L. Young, who survives.  They recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.  

 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Teresa (Mike) Pollpeter of Walnut Shade, Mo, Dean (Kate) Geils of Bradford, Pa.  Four grandchildren, Brandon (Shelby) Pollpeter, Cory (Chandler) Pollpeter, Kiera Geils, and Zoe Geils and one great grandchild Monroe Pollpeter, one sister Roberta Bynum and one brother James Bideaux.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, and sister Sylvia “Jean” Geils.

 

After high school he and Carolyn remained in Donnellson and were active in their community and owned several businesses.  They were members of the Donnellson United Methodist Church and Larry served a term on the city council. He also served as the president of Iowa Oil Jobbers.

 

In 1993, he and Carolyn moved to Branson, MO and eventually had a successful condominium management company. He was a member of the Branson United Methodist Church.  

 

Larry enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and traveling with friends.  His travels took him on many adventures his most loved of which was cruising.

 

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2024 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.  

 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2024 at the Argyle Memorial Gardens in rural Argyle, Iowa with Carolyn Pundt officiating.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

 

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

Sports, September 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

WACO will travel to Iowa Valley on Friday, September 6th, at 7 pm for their first district game of the season.

Fairfield will stay at home to take on Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will have their home opener on Friday against West Burlington/Notre Dame at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. Head coach John Bowlin knows the key to his team’s success is connected with their ability to take the ball away,

“We never turned the ball over last year. I think we might have had one on the year. So been preaching to these guys. We did a lot this summer working on it and they’re flying to the ball moving well and just, you know, be in the right spot.”

Danville will travel to take on Highland on Friday at 7 pm. 

New London will square off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will face off against Pekin on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Central Lee will travel to Cardinal on Friday at 7 pm.

Mediapolis will compete against Sigourney-Keota on Friday at 7 pm at home.

Columbus will look to get back on track against Wapello on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tonight at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Burlington tonight at 7:15 pm. 

Mediapolis will get their season rolling tonight at Wapello for a tournament with Holy Trinity Catholic, West Burlington, Central Lee, and Burlington Notre Dame also making the trip. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will look to move to 2-0 tonight against Louisa-Muscatine at 7:30 pm at home.  

WACO will face off against Cardinal on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm at WACO in the first game of a quad with New London and Fairfield making the trip.

Van Buren County will participate in a tournament on Thursday at 4:30 pm at Pella Christian. 

Danville will compete in a tournament at Burlington Notre Dame on Saturday, September 7th. 

High School Cross Country

Van Buren County, Danville, New London, and Fairfield will travel to Ottumwa to compete in a meet on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant, Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Holy Trinity Catholic, and WACO will run at Elks Fairview Golf Course on Thursday at 4:30 pm.

High School Cross Country Rankings

Iowa High School Track and Field and Cross Country released their first individual rankings of the regular season yesterday and Washington, Fort Madison, and Van Buren County touted several runners within the top 30.

For the boys’ Class 3A rankings, Tyler Alderton, a senior, ranked 10th for the Demons followed by Andrew Rees down in 19th. The Demons finished in 5th at the Anamosa cross country meet with Alderton taking 4th place and Rees grabbing 10th place, both with sub-19 minute times. 

Jacob Shottenkirk of Fort Madison entered this week of rankings at #29 as he raced to a 12th place finish at the Cedar Rapids Prairie Invitational with a time of 17 minutes and 51 seconds. 

For the girls’ Class 3A rankings, Iris Dahl leads Washington after being ranked 14th, thanks to her 2nd place finish at the Anamosa meet with a time of 21 minutes and 15 seconds. Lauren Horak finished in 8th place at the meet and rounded out the rankings at 30th. 

Fort Madison’s Ellie Hellman’s top 10 finish at Prairie over the weekend helped propel her to 24th on this week’s rankings.

The Van Buren County boys’ team has two runners ranked within the top 15 of Class 1A with Lincoln Bainbridge leading the convoy at #2. The junior finished behind Knoxville’s Isaac Rankin, who ranks 3rd in Class 3A, in the Warriors’ first meet of the year. Landry Loeffler grabbed the #15 slot after a top 10 finish at the Albia meet last week.

Lastly, Rylee Philips of Van Buren County finds herself ranked 22nd in Class 1A after a 5th place finish at the Albia meet last week. 

The next round of individual rankings are set to be released on Monday, September 9th.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will hit the road to take on Southwestern Community College tomorrow, September 4th, at 7 pm.

College Football

#25 Iowa is set to host this year’s rendition of the Cy-Hawk Series on Saturday, September 7th, at 2:30 pm. The Iowa broadcast will be on 105.5 FM and the Iowa State broadcast will be on 98.5 FM and AM 1130.

This Day in Sports History

1904 – For the only time in Olympic Games history, there is a throw-off in the discus final after Americans Martin Sheridan and Ralph Rose tie with a best throw of 128′ 10½” in St. Louis; Sheridan wins with 127′ 10¼”.

1928 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Ty Cobb records his 4,189th and final career hit as a pinch hitter for the Philadelphia A’s in a 6-1 loss vs the Washington Senators.

1994 – Miami routs Georgia Southern 56-0, breaking the NCAA football record with its 58th consecutive home win; Alabama won 57 straight at home between 1962-82.

Sports, September 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

WACO’s high flying offense was on full display over the weekend as the Warriors blew past Coon Rapids-Bayard 66-46. Clayton Miller tossed for 339 yards and seven touchdowns in the win with five of those touchdowns going to Isaac Rich, who led the team with 134 receiving yards. The Warriors will travel to Iowa Valley on Friday, September 6th, at 7 pm for their first district game of the season.

Fairfield will stay at home to take on Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will have their home opener on Friday against West Burlington/Notre Dame at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Danville will travel to take on Highland on Friday at 7 pm. 

New London will square off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will face off against Pekin on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Central Lee will travel to Cardinal on Friday at 7 pm.

Mediapolis will compete against Sigourney-Keota on Friday at 7 pm at home.

Columbus will look to get back on track against Wapello on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant traveled to Grinnell over the weekend and finished 1-3, falling to the host, Carlisle, and South Tama, but defeating Fairfield in a three set epic. In an early preview of Southeastern Conference play, the Panthers gutted out a 15-8 victory in the final set as the team combined for nine service aces and Alex Scott led the team with eight kills in the contest. Scott finished the tournament with a team leading 17 kills. Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tomorrow, September 3rd, at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield finished the Grinnell tournament 0-4, falling to Carlisel and Grinnell in straight sets and losing 2-1 to Urabandale. The Trojans will travel to Burlington tomorrow at 7:15 pm. 

Central Lee hosted a tournament over the weekend with West Burlington also in attendance and here’s how the two teams competed. The Hawks split their weekend with dominating wins against Centerville, 21-15 and 21-12, and Keokuk, 21-9 and 21-10, but lost to Durant 2-1, with a thrilling 16-14 third set going the Wildcats’ way, and Burlington, 21-17 and 21-14. Ellie Lake finished the tournament with 41 assists and seven aces, while Halle Lampe had 25 kills for the tournament and eight aces against Keokuk.

West Burlington was in control for most of the weekend, sweeping Durant, Burlington, Centerville, and Keokuk with the Grayhounds being the only team to challenge the Falcons 21-16 and 22-20. The wins propelled West Burlington out of pool play to take on Mid-Prairie with the winner moving on to the championship bout. The Golden Hawks outlasted the Falcons in the third set 15-12 and eventually defeated Burlington to claim the crown. Taryn Snodgrass tallied 93 assists over the weekend with Brenna Beggs collecting 31 kills over the five games. 

Mediapolis will get their season rolling tomorrow at Wapello for a tournament with Holy Trinity Catholic, West Burlington, Central Lee, and Burlington Notre Dame also making the trip. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will look to move to 2-0 tomorrow against Louisa-Muscatine at 7:30 pm at home.  

WACO will face off against Cardinal on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm at WACO in the first game of a quad with New London and Fairfield making the trip.

Van Buren County will participate in a tournament on Thursday at 4:30 pm at Pella Christian. 

Danville will compete in a tournament at Burlington Notre Dame on Saturday, September 7th. 

High School Cross Country

Van Buren County, Danville, New London, and Fairfield will travel to Ottumwa to compete in a meet on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant, Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Holy Trinity Catholic, and WACO will run at Elks Fairview Golf Course on Thursday at 4:30 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team was swept in their two matches over the weekend, finishing with a 1-3 record at the Jimmy John’s Tournament. The Blackhawks will hit the road to take on Southwestern Community College on Wednesday, September 4th, at 7 pm.

College Football

#25 Iowa finally got their offense in gear in the second half with a 40-0 thumping of Illinois State over the weekend. Cade McNamara threw three touchdowns, while Kaleb Johnson led the rushing attack with 119 yards and two touchdowns. 

Rocco Becht’s arm carried Iowa State’s offense to a 21-3 win on Saturday over North Dakota. Becht finished the day with 267 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing only six incompletions. Jaylin Noel led the receivers with 135 yards and a score.

The Hawkeyes are set to host this year’s rendition of the Cy-Hawk Series on Saturday, September 7th, at 2:30 pm. The Iowa broadcast will be on 105.5 FM and the Iowa State broadcast will be on 98.5 FM and AM 1130.

This Day in Sports History

1962 – St. Louis first baseman Stan Musial records his 3,516th hit in a Cards’ 4-3 loss vs the New York Mets; overtakes Tris Speaker into 2nd place behind Ty Cobb on the MLB all-time list.

1966 – Joe Auer returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a Miami touchdown in the Dolphins’ first ever NFL regular-season game; Oakland Raiders go on to win 23-14 at the Orange Bowl before 26,776 fans.

1987 – Houston outfielder Kevin Bass becomes the first NL player to switch hit home runs in a game twice in one season in an Astros 10-1 win vs the Cubs.

Suzanne Miller

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Suzanne Miller quietly passed on Friday, August 30, 2024 at her cabin north of Bentonsport.  Suzanne was born June 19, 1949, the daughter of Duane Sarby and Gloria Smith.  She has sons Lauren, Nathan (with Lori), and Todd (with Angi), as well as nine grandchildren.

Suzanne was a weaver by trade and created art across many mediums, but particularly enjoyed painting.  She loved living quietly in the woods, tending to her herb garden, and reading in her comfy chair.  As she wished, no services will be held – simply remember her in your own way and at your own time.

Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.behnerfh.com.

 

 

Susan D. Martin

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 6:15 am CDT

Susan D. Martin, 76, of Fairfield, IA passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney, IA. As were her wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.  Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite racing attire or the color purple in her memory.  Memorial contributions in Susan’s honor may be directed to Noah’s Ark of Jefferson County in memory of her love for animals and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Susan Diane Martin was born on June 12, 1948, in Fairfield, IA to Max and Vivian Rodibaugh Madden.  She was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and graduated with the Fairfield High School Class of 1966.  Susan spent several years w

orking in bookkeeping and accounting for several local car dealerships.  In 1982 she began working at the Nelson Nursing Home in Fairfield where she served as their Activities Director until its closing.  She then went on to work for Indian Hills Workforce Development and finally as the Senior Citizens Center Manager in Fairfield for 10 years.  She had a servant’s heart and spent most of her career caring for the elderly.  Susan was the proud mother of two boys, Rob and Thad.  She enjoyed living the farm life for many years while she was raising her children.  As her family grew with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren Susan made sure to follow and support their activities.  She was an avid racing fan and LOVED sprint car racing.  In her early years, Susan spent many years at Knoxville Raceway, “pit crewing” on a family-owned sprint car.  She always said, “Fast cars don’t have fenders!”  She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats and dogs.  Susan loved anything purple.  She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by her family and many friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents William and Dorothy Rodibaugh, and her beloved cat, Screech.

Left to honor her memory are her two sons, Rob (Juanita) Martin of Eldon, IA and Thad (Jaime) Martin of Batavia, IA; four grandchildren, Brandyn Martin, Ashlyn (Tanner) Chance, Mackenzie Martin, and Cale Martin; four great grandchildren, Cohen, Keegan, Hadley and Grayson; two siblings, Bud Madden and Mitzi Maynard; her feline companion, Princess, as well as many extended family and friends.

Clifford “Brian” Stains

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 5:46 am CDT

Clifford “Brian” Stains passed away peacefully in Fairfield, IA on August 30, 2024.

There will be no services held at this time. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

An avid lover of the outdoors, music, science, and the arts, he will be remembered for his intellect, kindness, generosity, and warmth of spirit.

A Double Red, having graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree, and then a master’s degree, he played an important role in the early development of image and word processing software.

An adventurous soul, he pet a cheetah in Africa, travelled to the edge of a 215 foot waterfall in New England, and spent time exploring India, Western Europe, and Central America.

He is survived by Cliff, Marilyne, Noah, and Nate, and he will be remembered by his many loving friends.

Online condolences may be made to Brian’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Eloise VanZile

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 5:44 am CDT

Eloise VanZile, 82, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of the Rome community, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Rome Baptist Church with Pastor Guy Sammons officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  The family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. A memorial has been established in her memory.  According to her wishes 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.

Dean S. Foss

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 5:33 am CDT

Dean S. Foss, 70, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Dean was born on May 28, 1954, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Delbert and Darlene (Stucker) Foss.  During his early years Dean played in the band Sunburst playing bass guitar and worked as a grain bin builder.  He enjoyed watching movies and was a fan of Star Wars and Star Trek.  He had a voracious reading habit, and enjoyed reading classic literature, contemporary fiction and self-help books of all different kinds. Dean was trained in nursing at Southeastern Community College’s Practical Nursing program.  He graduated from the program in 1982, and was licensed.  Dean joined the United States Navy on May 14, 1984, and went through the Naval Health Sciences Education and Training Command at the Naval Hospital Corp School, Great Lakes, Illinois, where he graduated with distinction.

He was stationed at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California until he was honorably discharged on December 6, 1988, due to a debilitating stroke event. Dean ranked E4 as a Corpsman. Later in his life he became a computer technician.  At the age of 52 he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, became a student of the Bible, and attend the Bible Missionary Church in Mt. Pleasant. Dean was a great father and was willing to help others to achieve their goals in life.

He is survived by his son, Nicolas and his wife Orfa Foss of Mt. Pleasant his grandchildren, Nicolas (Nico), Sofia and Camila and his sister, Sue Krzystofiak of Mt. Pleasant.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Wellspring Evangelical Free Church in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Roger Welty officiating.  Burial will follow with Military Honors in the Forest Home Cemetery.  Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.  A memorial has been established to the Bible Missionary Church in his memory.

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

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