Joseph Edward Kessler, 89, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.
Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2024 at Pleasant Plain Friends Cemetery in Pleasant Plain. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.
Joe was born September 23, 1934 the son of Arthur and Thelma (Coil) Kessler. He served in the United States Army. Joe married Mary Britt, December 19, 1959. She preceded him in death November 1, 2018.
Joe worked as a semi driver for 20 years at Modine in Fairfield. He loved to talk to people about driving his semi. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and visiting with friends.
Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Roberta Nicholson of Guthrie Center, Iowa; grandchildren, Cassie and Keenan Nicholson; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie McMillan of Cedar Rapids and Dixie Watson of Mt. Pleasant.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister, Josephine; sister, Marie; and brother, William.
Online condolences may be made to Joe’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Reed Ross Haeger, 78, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 8:24 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, Iowa, surrounded by his family.
Reed was born on July 28, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Reed “Ross” Haeger, Sr. and Mary (Phelan) Haeger. On August 10, 1968, he married Susan Teresa Hanley in Lewistown, Montana. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2024, after fifty-five years of marriage.
As a boy, Reed spent summers at his grandparents home outside of Rhinelander, Wisconsin at Haeger’s Lodge on Lake Thompson. Upon graduation from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Reed spent a summer on the Whitetail Ranch outside of Missoula, Montana working as a ranch hand. This experience provided a lifetime of stories and a deep personal connection to the cowboy persona. Reed attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in education. Accepting a gift from his father upon graduation, Reed spent three months traveling Europe. Through a college roommate, he learned of and accepted a teaching position at Marquette High School in West Point where he would teach English for nine years. After teaching, Reed dabbled as a restaurateur managing the West Point Knights of Columbus, Donnellson Green Acres Golf Club and as owner/proprietor of Reed’s Pizza in West Point. He finished his full-time working career at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown after twenty years. Reed and Sue purchased the Corner Tap in 1983. In August of 2023, in fine West Point Sweet Corn Festival festive fashion, they celebrated forty years in business.
From area bass fishing tournaments to weekend fishing getaways with Sue, Reed was an avid fisherman. He transitioned from water to land in the game of golf, a pastime passion he renewed with a vengeance. His dedication and knowledge for the game was intense, perhaps even driving a patron or two out of the Corner Tap with his incessant talk of it! His love of reading was evidenced by the many books that went through his hands, thousands and thousands of pages turned. Reed had not only the gift of word crafting, but with those page turning fingers, he would use his woodworking craft to spend hours in his basement making gifts for family and friends, especially his grandkids. Reed was most proud of his family. Four children, thirteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and counting… Always the teacher, always the storyteller, lighting up at the opportunity to share with them is what he loved best.
Reed is survived by his three daughters: Kathleen “Katie” (Chris) Dailey of Terre Haute, Indiana, Jennifer “Jenny” Steffensmeier (Randy Larson) of West Point, Megan (Bill) Kruse of West Point; son: Ross (Erin) Haeger of Burlington; thirteen grandchildren: Daniel Dailey, Jack Dailey, Claire Dailey, Isaac Steffensmeier (Courtney Abolt), Rachel Steffensmeier (Julian Holmes), Sarah (CJ) Richardson, Aaron (Taylor) Steffensmeier, Nathan Steffensmeier (Larissa Ferrill), Elton Kruse (Madelyn Swigart), Owen Kruse (Katie Beach), Emmett Kruse, Liam Haeger and Gordon Haeger; two great-grandchildren: Quincy and Calvin Richardson; three sisters: Beth (Paul) Reis of Wheaton, Illinois, Jane (Greg) Zimmerman of Downers Grove, Illinois, Anne Haeger of Marion, Iowa and one brother: Mark (Julie) Haeger of Downers Grove, Illinois.
Reed was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law: Sister Kathleen Hanley, CHM, Laurie Voelker; brothers-in-law: Mark Hanley, Edward Hanley, Eugene Foecke and son-in-law: Ben Steffensmeier.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.
A time of remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday with Father Gary Beckman officiating at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the West Point American Legion after the burial. Following the luncheon, a celebration of life will be held at the Corner Tap.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in his memory for Southeast Iowa Hospice.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Congratulations to the three Mt. Pleasant High School students who participated at the Iowa State Science Fair recently. Below each name is a list of their accomplishments!
Briar Bender
– SSTFI Honorable Mention Plant Sciences
– Loras College Scholarship $1000
– Mayowa Aderoju – Plant Sciences Innovation Award
Jacie Campbell
– FFA Agriscience – 1st place Environmental Systems Division III – Nomination to the National FFA Agriscience Fair
– SSTFI Honorable Mention Environmental Science
– Loras College Scholarship $750
– ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Scholarship $500
Sarai Sanchez
– Loras College Scholarship $750
– 4H Excellence in Research
– Invitation to IGNITE Leadership Conference March 2025
Eugene Michael Stewart, 75, of Mt. Pleasant, left his earthly home to go be with his God and family on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Gene was born on June 5, 1948, in rural Cass County, Illinois, the son of Alfred and Evelean (Mayhew) Stewart. Gene graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in the class of 1966. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his country from 1968 until 1972, doing a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968 until 1969. Gene was united in marriage to Pamela Mills on October 18, 1969, then returned to California after marriage, where he had two years left at Camp Pendleton. They settled in California until his retirement in 2003 from the United States Postal Service as a Postmaster in Los Olivos, California.
Gene was blessed with many loving family members from both His and Pamela’s families and friends from wherever he lived. He was a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend to all who were in his life. His greatest pleasure was to do something for someone, always ready to help or just give his love or be there to support and encourage. He loved his family and friends with his whole heart. He loved to mow and maintain his property in Mt. Pleasant, having hosted many family parties and class reunions for his and Pamela’s classmates. He loved showing off his property and having people come see it. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking in his woodshop, taking road trips with Pamela and just seeing the many beautiful places in the United States. Gene was active in his community. He served on the Salem East Cemetery Board, was part of the construction and fundraising for the Crew Public Library in Salem and was a vital part in the Salem Veterans Memorial project.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pamela, his sisters, Maxine (Larry) Freeman of Bettendorf, Iowa, Wanda (Neil) Watts of Burlington, Iowa, Sandi (Ron) Benge of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Brenda Baker (Brent Rodriquez) of Cottonwood, Arizona, his brothers, Jim (Mary Anne) Stewart of Rock Island, Illinois, Rick (Holly) Stewart of Coal Valley, Illinois, Don Stewart of Denmark, Iowa, along with many very loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Sterling Stewart, Jerry and his wife Ardith Stewart, Willie and his wife Mary Lou Stewart and Robert Stewart.
A Celebration of Gene’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Salem Congregational Church with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating. Friends may call at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 1 until 6 p.m. where the family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions in Gene’s honor may be directed to the Salem East Cemetery in his memory.
The NAMM Foundation has honored the Central Lee Community School District with the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education Award.
The award recognizes schools and districts that provide exemplary music education opportunities to students. Central Lee joins just 975 districts across the country and 14 in the state of Iowa to receive the honor this year.
“This recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a tremendous honor for our entire school district community,” said Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent. “It reflects the dedication of our music educators, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our Music Boosters and community. Music education is a critical component of our curriculum that enriches the lives of our students by fostering creativity, discipline, and teamwork. We are proud of the opportunities we are able to deliver to our students when it comes to music.”
The Best Communities for Music Education Award highlights the importance of music as an integral element of a comprehensive education. In Central Lee, students can get involved in music at the elementary level, with beginning band, youth choir, and general music classes. Middle school students can take part in show choir, concert choir, band, marching band, and jazz band. At the high school level, students participate in CENTRifugal Force, concert choir, marching band, concert band, and jazz band.
“The commitment of both our community and administration to the musical education of our students is truly remarkable,” said Central Lee Music Teacher Tracy Madsen. “Thanks to their support, our music staff has access to resources that help them provide several ensemble opportunities during and beyond the regular school day. This not only enriches the students’ music education, but also enhances their performance experiences.”
The district’s music program also benefits from the Central Lee Music Boosters, which raises money and provides opportunities for more students to get involved in music from an early age. To learn more about the Central Lee Music Department, visit https://www.centrallee.org/page/choir.
The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a RAGBRAI townhall this evening at 6:00pm. The route was released last week, which shows that cyclists will ride over 80 miles on Friday, July 26th, into Mt. Pleasant for an overnight stop. With tens of thousands of visitors, the town will be transformed for one day. Tonight, you can learn more about what this process will look like, such as logistics, accommodations, public safety, and food vendors. You will also hear about how you may be able to help.
This is a townhall discussion, meaning community members are allowed to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in discussions.
Once again, this meeting will begin at 6:00pm at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center, 307 E Monroe St.
The Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Central Lee, Winfield-Mt. Union, and Danville girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison for a meet tomorrow, April 9th.
The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host a meet on Thursday, April 11th.
The WACO relays will run today with the Van Buren County and New London boys’ and girls’ teams in attendance.
The Mediapolis, Danville, and Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ teams will travel to Wapello for a meet tomorrow.
The Central Lee boys’ team will travel to Fairfield for a meet tomorrow.
High School Soccer
The WACO boys’ team will face off against Danville tonight at 5 pm on the road.
The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will take on Highland at home tonight with the girls’ playing on Thursday, April 11th, against Mediapolis on the road.
Mt. Pleasant will take on Washington today with the boys’ on the road and the girls’ at home.
Mediapolis will host Wapello tonight with the girls’ playing first at 5 pm and the boys to follow.
The Central Lee boys’ team will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight on the road. The girls’ team will host Fort Madison tomorrow, April 9th.
High School Tennis
Mt. Pleasant will face off against Fairfield today with the boys’ at home and the girls’ on the road.
High School Golf
The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ and boys’ teams will host Wapello today.
The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to face off against Highland today.
Central Lee will take on Notre Dame today on the road.
New London will hit the road and compete against Mediapolis today.
The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Fort Madison today, while the boys’ team will head to Keokuk for their meet.
Southeastern Community College
For baseball, SCC pulled off the three-game sweep of Iowa Lakes Community College, smacking the Lakers over the weekend 22-0. Abrahan Rios finished the contest 4 for 5 with three RBIs as he swatted a home run. Cole Smith also collected three RBIs in the win. Maddux Frese went five innings on the mound and allowed only three hits, while striking out four in his third win of the season. The Blackhawks will host Kirkwood Community College on Wednesday, April 10th.
The SCC softball team will take on Marshalltown Community College today in a road matchup.
College Basketball
The Iowa women’s team threw the first punch yesterday, leading 27 to 20 after the first quarter, but South Carolina proved they were undefeated for a reason as the Gamecocks captured the National Championship after a 29-point second quarter led them to a 87-75 victory. The Hawkeyes shot over 53% from the field in the first quarter but failed to shoot over 39% for the rest of the game. Caitlin Clark scored a game high 30 points as she finished her career with the most points in NCAA tournament history. Clark also finished with the most assists and three-point field goals in NCAA tournament history. Kate Martin finished with 16 points in the loss. The Hawkeyes finished with a 34-5 record.
March Madness
The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, is almost over with the championship game taking place tonight at 8:20 pm between UConn and Purdue. Eight brackets predicted this matchup.
Our prize winners will be announced tomorrow.
This Day in Sports History
1974 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run off of L.A. Dodger Al Downing, breaking Babe Ruth’s record in Atlanta.
1975 – Cleveland’s Frank Robinson debuts as the first African American baseball manager. He also batted second, belting a home run as his club defeated the New York Yankees 5-3.
2014 – Mike Babcock wins his 414th career game as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the winningest coach in Red Wings history. He passed Jack Adams, who the coaches award is named after.
