David Gregory Ward, 78, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Ross Epping officiating. Private burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to EveryStep Hospice.

Dave was born January 26, 1947, the son of Jack, Sr. and Mary (Holden) Ward. Dave served his country in the United States Army from 1968 – 1971 during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his life, Dave owned and operated the A & W Restaurant in Fairfield, worked at Jefferson Motors and Danielson Motors in the parts department, Parkview Care Center in maintenance, and the Co-Ed Theatre.

Dave enjoyed spending time outdoors and at his 2^nd home near Kilbourn. He collected model cars, enjoyed cooking, and telling stories. Dave was a history buff, and the family care taker.

Those left to honor his memory include his sisters, Rosemary Hammes and Luanne Brown, both of Richland; sister-in-law, Judith Ward of Fairfield; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Reed, A.J. Hammes, Renee Grimm, Cristen Lykken, McKensey Bainbridge, Tyler Brown, and Bud Ward, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Barry, Richard, and Jack, Jr.; nieces, Lisa Summerlin and Kay Ward; brothers-in-law, John Hammes and Doug Brown; and great-nephew, Asher Grimm.

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

Rachel Irene Kemp, 94, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Jefferson County Health Center.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fairfield Community Center or Hospice of Washington County. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Rachel was born on August 22, 1931, in Douds, the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Humphrey) Wiley. On August 23, 1953, she married Eugene Kemp in Leando. They shared nearly 60 years together before his passing in 2012.

A devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Rachel spent her life caring for others and pouring herself into her community. She worked in advertising sales at the Town Crier in Fairfield and was a loyal partner to Eugene in his carpentry and handyman business. She was also a steady presence on the family’s Christmas tree farm, where her warm smile and friendly nature made everyone feel welcome.

Rachel had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She loved the simple joys of life—bowling, bingo, and sharing laughter with her many dear friends. She was a proud member of First United Methodist Church, the Heritage Club at First National Bank, and served faithfully on the Fairfield Community Center board.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Alan (Missy) Kemp of Urbandale and June Kemp of Fairfield; daughter-in-law, Sue Kemp; grandchildren, Stephen (Jennifer) Kemp, Jennifer (Anthony) Signore, Nikolas (Dana) Kemp, and Samuel Kemp; three great-grandchildren; nephew Linn (Mary) Vehslage; and niece, Kim Meeker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her parents; her son, Neal Kemp; and sisters, JoAnn Wiley and Catherine Kann.

Rachel will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of fun, and her unwavering love for her family and friends.

Online condolences may be shared with Rachel’s family at www.behnerfh.com.

Gifford L. Shanstrom, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 307 S. 29^th St. Unit B, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Gifford was born March 22, 1944 in Abingdon, Iowa, the son of Richard and Mary (Crawford) Shanstrom.

Gifford worked for Rockwell International in Fairfield and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, golfing, and watching NASCAR.

Those left to honor his memory include his lifetime partner, Donna Miles of Fairfield; daughters, Tara Dyer of Tennessee and Kimberly Huinker of Marion, Iowa; grandson, Noah Dyer; brother, Gayle (Kathy) Shanstrom of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Shanstrom; sister, Shirley Diamond; nephew, Brian Shanstrom; and great-niece, Barbie Shanstrom.

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

John Wright, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born October 18, 1943, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Merton and Ruth (Burrows) Wright. He attended Mount Pleasant High School, but felt he was being called to serve his country, driven by a deep love for this great nation. John proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he received his high school diploma in 1962. John owned and successfully operated Packers Sanitation for many years before his retirement. On November 22, 1980, John was married to Kimberly Anne Heywood, the couple shared a life together until Kim’s death in May of 2017. John married Becky Jerabek on April 21, 2018. Their marriage was built on love and laughter, enriched by their travels, their stories, and the many memories they created together.

He was a member of the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club and the Moose Lodge. John loved to play golf and achieved the rare feat of two hole-in-ones. Travel was one of John’s greatest passions. He visited all 50 states and an impressive 81 countries, some of them multiple times. His travels were filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. John enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Becky; two daughters Paula (Steve) Cox of Cordova, IL, Angela (Kirby) Booton of Mount Pleasant; mother of his children Karen Wright of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren Natalie (Sam) Taylor, Haley (Thayne) McElhinney, Emily (Tyler) Hill, Madelyn Cox, Jeffery Cox; five great grandchildren; step-sons Louis (Carol) McCaslin, Joseph Jerabek; five step grandchildren; and brother Bradley (Nancy) Wright of Albert Lee, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kimberly; siblings Mary Russell, Betty Hall, Dorothy Lamm, Richard Wright, and William Wright.

Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club. The family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club or the Make A Wish Foundation. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for John and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com