Myndell Lucille Boshart, 105, formerly of Wayland, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Sunrise Terrace, Winfield, Iowa.

Myndell Lucille Wagler was born December 14, 1918, to John Schertz and Ada Marie (Hirschy) Wagler at her parents’ farm home near Trenton, Iowa, in a snowstorm. She was the second child in a family of 11 children. Myndell grew up in the Trenton/Wayland area and graduated from Wayland High School and was the last surviving member of the class of 1937. Following high school, Myndell moved to Iowa City and was a housekeeper and cook for famous Iowa artist, Grant Wood, for four years. She had many experiences to share about her time there.

On September 21, 1941, she was united in marriage to Dillon Floyd Boshart at her parents’ home in a double wedding ceremony with Dillon’s twin brother, Dennis, and her sister, Esther. Myndell was an active farm wife and had many talents including sewing, especially clothing for her four daughters, baking, cooking, canning, and freezing everything available. She will be remembered for her delicious pies and cinnamon rolls.

One of her great joys was spending evenings outside tending to her large vegetable and flower gardens. Her home was filled with green plants, a testament to her green thumb. She enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes play football and especially basketball.

Myndell was a lifelong member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church where she was active in Mennonite Women as well as volunteering many years at the Crowded Closet. Her faith, a devoted prayer warrior, and kind spirit were depended upon by her family, extended family, and friends. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and large extended family. She had an uncanny memory for remembering all of their names and birth dates.

She is survived by her children: Winifred “Wini” Wilt, Coralville; Doris and Bob Nelson, Wayland; Rosalee “Rose” and Art Lauer, Swedesburg; Phil and Barb Boshart, Wayland. Grandchildren: Dale Wilt, Coralville; Tricia and Ben Bender, Daniel and Annika, Coralville; Lisa and Dave McDowell, Stephanie and Josh Van Trump, Kelli and Kyle Penfield, and Michelle and Daryn Parker, Olds; Katrina Nelson, Knoxville; Rustin and Libby Nelson, Emmett, Hattie, and Felix, Urbandale; Mitch and Holly Lauer and Makena, North Liberty; Joe Lauer, Chicago, Illinois; Jill Lauer, Coralville; Julie and Adam Behrends, Brooklyn, Makayla, and Avery, Urbandale; Mike and Natalie Boshart, Keegan and Kasen, Washington; Rebecca Boshart, Wayland; eight great great grandchildren; and three sisters, Dorothy Wenger, Wayland; Ardith Eigsti, Denver, Colorado; and Kaye and Mahlon Schweitzer, Kalona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dillon, in 1994, daughter, Linda, in 1969, son-in-law, Walter Wilt, in 2022, and her siblings and spouses, Elmer and Jean Wagler, Earles and Myrtie Wagler, Esther and Dennis Boshart, Ruth and Victor Miller, Clarence Wenger, Lois and Rollin Short, Mervin Eigsti, Mary Ellen and Einer Stoltzfus, and Verla and Merle Conrad.

A visitation will be held 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, family will not be present. Per Myndell’s request, a private immediate family memorial service and burial at Sugar Creek Cemetery will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024. Following, there will be a luncheon at noon at Sugar Creek Fellowship Hall to celebrate her life with family and friends.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Sunrise Terrace and Every Step Hospice for their loving care for Myndell during her residency there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sugar Creek Mennonite Women, Every Step Hospice, or Sunrise Terrace. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Myndell and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Kathleen M. Mathews, 96, of New London and formerly of Denver, Colorado, died Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Morning Sun Care Center.

Kathleen was born January 6, 1928 in Danville, she was the daughter of Fred D. and Bertha F. Parrott Mathews.  She was a 1946 graduate of Danville High School Danville and attended the  Congregational Church of Danville.   Kathleen was a legal secretary for Caddes Law Firm in Denver for almost 50 years.  She enjoyed reading, walking, and loved to travel.

Kathleen is survived by her nieces and nephews: Pat (J.D.) Stucker and Tom (Becky) Wagner of Danville; John (Bev) Wagner of Amana; and Mike Mathews, Norm (Susie) Mathews, and Judy (Charlie) Webb, all of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ralph, Wayne, and Wendell Mathews; sister Cyrene Wagner; nephews Donald and Fred Mathews; and her stepmother Isabelle Mathews.

According to her wishes, Kathleen has been cremated and graveside services will be held in Jagger Cemetery at a later time and date.  Memorials have been established to the Danville Museum and the Danville Congregational Church.

Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left a www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Louise Unkrich, 99, of Swedesburg, IA, died Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield, IA.

Louise Elaine Tolander, was born August 11, 1924, in Washington, IA. She was the daughter of Harold Leslie Eugene and Prudence Irene (Abrahamson) Tolander. Her mother died when Louise was ten and her dad remarried Ruth Peterson. She attended Olds High School in Olds, IA, where she excelled in basketball and softball, graduating in 1943.

Louise intertwined her faith and talents throughout her life. She went to the American Institute Technical School in Des Moines, where she studied drafting and aircraft design. Being wartime, Louise answered the call to serve by working at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant in Omaha, NE.  A genuine “Rosie the Riveter,” she worked on the first B-29 Superfortress, riveting and bucking the ailerons.  In her spare time, she played softball for the bomber plant team, the Bomberettes.

On October 15, 1944, at the Swedesburg Lutheran Church, Louise was united in marriage to Ensign Clarence Canby Unkrich, her high school sweetheart.  Clarence was soon sent to the Pacific front in the Navy during WWII, but their love was anchored in shared dreams and commitment.

Following Clarence’s return, Louise worked alongside him on the family farm. They raised livestock and grew crops. Louise enjoyed being active outside, accomplishing any tasks needed for the farm operation. She was proud of her great-grandfather’s farm being recognized as a Heritage Farm, with over 150 years in the family.

Louise’s faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of her life. She passionately followed Him and strived for her life to reflect His.  Louise was a very active member of the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was one of the first three women elected to the church council. She held various leadership roles in the church women’s group and committees plus sang in the church choir for 70 years. For 30 years, Louise served as the Smorgasbord Chair, an annual Swedish dinner event.

Louise and Clarence established the annual Midsummer Fest to celebrate the summer solstice in the Swedish tradition of singing and dancing around the May Pole. This festival led to the formation of the Swedish Heritage Society in 1986.  These founders established the Swedish American Museum, with Louise as its sole director for 33 years. Her tireless efforts earned her a Merit Award from the Swedish Council of America in 2007. She was passionate about family genealogy, local history, and Swedish traditions.

Louise and Clarence loved to travel, including camping and cruises. They visited all fifty states as well as Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Africa. Louise visited Sweden ten times and traced the location of all eight great-grandparents who immigrated to the United States in the 1860’s. They wintered in Alamo Palms, TX, where Louise remained active in several groups at the retirement village. Louise continued to winter in Alamo Palms after Clarence’s passing, where she enjoyed her second family of friends.

Louise was a 97-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary where for 40 years, she co-chaired its former Pancake House at Midwest Old Threshers. She was a member of Chapter L of TTT for 77 years and a 15-year member of the Wayne Township Election Board.  Louise and her daughters were active members of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.   She was the Iowa Director of the organization, including organizing the 2019 National ARRA convention in Iowa.  Louise was recognized for all her contributions by being named Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair in 2011. On December 7, 2022, Louise was a VIP at the 81^st Pearl Harbor Memorial Day in Honolulu, HI.

When Louise had free time, she loved to bake, especially Swedish cinnamon rolls, rye bread, and Swedish pancakes. Her culinary magic allowed delicious treats to appear, multiply, and then quickly disappear. Louise also enjoyed gardening, stamp collecting, photography, and woodworking. What didn’t she do?!

Louise was the steadfast pillar of her family who selflessly served her country and community and honored the Lord above all else.  Psalms 23:5, “My cup overflows with blessings,” summarizes the inspiring life she lived – a riveting legacy! Louise riveted not only metal but also the bonds of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication. This legacy, like the rivets she set, remains etched in the hearts of those who love her, a true testament to the impact of our Rosie, Louise.

Those thankful for sharing in Louise’s life include her three beloved children – Trish (Warren) Woepking of Riverside, IA, Stan Unkrich (Valerie) of Winfield, IA, and Julia (Keith Granle) Unkrich of Aurora, CO; siblings – Bill (Marjorie) Tolander of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Joan Dawson of Estherville, IA, and Wayne (Nancy) Tolander of Burlington, IA; brother-in-law Merle Unkrich of Winfield, IA.

Grandma Lou adored her six grandchildren – James Woepking, Dr. Joanna (Jess) Settles, and Jason (Danielle) Woepking, Brendan (Brandelle) Unkrich, Angela (Alfonso) Ribeiro, and Tyson (Dr. Gabby) Unkrich. Louise’s pure joy was her 18 great-grandchildren, and she was anticipating the birth of her first great-great-grandchild.

Her husband Clarence, father Harold, mother Prudence, stepmother Ruth, and sister Donna Rae Zuk preceded Louise in death.

A funeral service for Louise will be held at 11:00 AM on FRIDAY, APRIL 12^th, 2024, at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the church prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in the Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service at the Swedesburg Parish Hall.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 88, Swedesburg, IA 52652 or the Swedish American Museum, P.O. Box 74, Swedesburg, IA 52652.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Louise and her family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Trevor Maurice Coughlin, 32, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Trevor was born January 21, 1992 in Mount Pleasant. He was the sone of James Bryan Dugger and Diane Marie Cornell. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in 2010. He furthered his education at WyoTech College in Wyoming.

For many years, Trevor was employed at the former Jerry’s Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. A football devotee, he was a huge fan of the Los Angeles Rams and the Georgia University Bulldogs.

Survivors include his mother Diane of Mt. Pleasant; brother – Michael Sammons and wife Sheila and Juston Sammons, all of Mt. Pleasant; a nephew Tyler and a niece Shawna.

His father precedes in death.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, April 2 at the Forest Home Cemetery, where interment will take place. The Rev. Gary Van Nyhuis, Associate Pastor, Faith Christian Outreach Church, will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 AM until 12:00 PM on Tuesday at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to wwwkimzeyfh.com