Deloris Nadine Watznauer, 93, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the West Point Care Center in West Point.
She was born on August 12, 1930 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Anna (Moncrief) Davolt. On June 25, 1949, she married Floyd Leo Watznauer in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2023.
She is survived by her son: Randy (Judy) Watznauer of Fort Madison, Iowa; daughter: Rhonda (Duane) Burkhardt of Carlisle, Iowa; several nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Floyd; five sisters: Evelyn Taylor, Laura Ewing, Deloma LaFontaine, Ruth Freeman, Mary Hughes; six brothers: Harry, Harold, John, Floyd, James and Raymond Davolt.
Deloris was a 1948 graduate of Fort Madison High School. She worked at Sheaffer Pen Co., Blue Grass Dairy, Fisher Pharmacy and Easter Foods. She was a member of Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison. Deloris enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, watching the Chicago Cubs and most of all, spending time with her family.
Her body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A graveside service will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Fort Madison.
Memorials have been established in her memory for Compassus Hospice or PAW Animal Shelter.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Milton Dean Bass, 84, a resident of Birmingham, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at his home.
Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14th at Faith Christian Outreach Center in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Monte Knudsen officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Christian Outreach Center or Birmingham Fire Agency.
Dean was born February 6, 1940 in Burlington, the son of Leo and Maxine (McMillan) Bass. He served his country in the United States Army. Dean married Sandra Pool, August 28, 1966 at Zion Bible Church in Douds.
Dean worked as a machinist for John Deere Ottumwa Works for 30 years. He enjoyed camping, landscaping, horticulture, spending time outdoors, and going out to eat. Always up for an adventure, he enjoyed making their yearly trip to Branson, Missouri. Dean was active citizen in Birmingham, giving his time and service on the city council and as fire chief. He will be remembered in Birmingham for his beautiful flowers at their home and as an expert in outdoor illumination.
Those left to honor his life are his beloved wife, Sandy; children, Dion Bass of Birmingham, and Mindy (Scott) Keehner of Staunton, Illinois; granddaughters, Kylee and Kolbie Bass, and Koral and Korryn Keehner; sister, Janet (Jim) Zeitler of Milton; brother, Duane (Mary) Bass of Ottumwa; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Rusty Bass.
Online condolences may be made to Dean’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Rachel Helen Palmer, 92, of Farmington, Iowa, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024, at her home in Farmington. Rachel had been suffering with dementia for a number of years and was unable to attend church so on this Sunday, it was surprisingly special for her to finally be in church with her departed loved ones and her redeemer, Jesus Christ.
She was born on February 16, 1931, in Charlotte, Iowa, the daughter of Edward John and Ellen Sophia (Schelin) Vance. Rachel grew up on a farm near DeWitt until 1947, when her parents bought a farm in Farmington, Iowa, where she finished her high school years and graduated as valedictorian of her class.
On December 10, 1950, she married Raymond Guy Palmer, Jr. at the First Baptist Church of Farmington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2008.
Together, Ray and Rachel bought a farm where she lived until her passing. She raised chickens and milked eight cows until her son began school. She then started working outside the home for Sheaffer Pen Corporation, Ortho Fertilizer Plant and Eagle Summit Childcare along with other jobs. Rachel enjoyed working in her flower beds and gardens. She also loved her cats, dogs, horses and cattle. Rachel loved her family dearly and was always a dedicated helper in times of need, even when her nephews asked for her trademark apple pies. Rachel was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wayland, in Wayland, Missouri and she sang in the family’s Blue Grass Gospel group.
She is survived by her son: Gary (Judy) Palmer of Farmington, Iowa and several nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ray; two brothers: Edward and Robert Vance; sister: Ellen Boyer; brother-in-law: Phil Alarie; sister-in-law: LaVerna and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with Pastor Dan Deatrick officiating.
Burial will be at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington.
A memorial has been established in her memory.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Whether you are rooting for the 49ers of the Chiefs for this year’s Superbowl, this is your reminder to be responsible on the roads.
U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Iowa, is teaming up with local law enforcement to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party or attending one, everyone has an important job: Help keep drunk drivers off the road so we can all make it home safely on game night.
When you drink and drive, the ones who lose are you and those you put in danger. In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. Even if there aren’t any deaths resulting from a crash caused by drinking and driving, a crash could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries. There are also consequences in addition to crashes, including expensive fines and attorney fees, jail time, and losing your driving privileges.
If you’re hosting a party for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, eat food, and drink plenty of water.
Another important reminder: Never serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver.
If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. Commit to a sober evening. If you are attending a party or are at a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the non-alcoholic drinks. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, intercept their keys, and help them get home safely.
There are many options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. While driving, if you suspect there is a drunk driver on the road, always contact your local law enforcement agency.
It’s simple: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. If you drive drunk, you lose. Commit today to refrain from drunk driving. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
The Mount Pleasant Community High School is offering a Free Help with your FAFSA night at the end of February.
This event takes place in the media center from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 27th. Students must bring their laptops and a cellphone. A parent needs to accompany their child. Please bring your Social Security Number for both student and both parents if married or remarried with names as shown on ssn cards. You must know your date of birth and email address, and students need to bring their drivers license if they have one. You must bring your 2023 taxes.
Students and parents must have a FSA ID before they can complete a FAFSA application.
You can become a Trained Weather Spotter. That’s right, this class is presented by the US National Weather Service Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois and hosted by Henry County IA Emergency Management. The class will cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes. This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.
This will take place at the New London High School Auditorium (101 W Wilson St) on Wednesday, March 6th, from 6:30-8:30pm.
It lasts about 2 hours, is free, and open to the public. Preregistration is NOT required.
February 13th is the date for the Statewide High School Voter Registration Day, where students across Iowa are encouraged to take steps to register to vote, make a plan to vote when eligible, and learn about Iowa’s voting process.
“Of course, voting is one of the best ways to make your voice heard, and registering to vote is the first step in that process,” said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. “We find that often, when young people are educated about the election process, they are more comfortable in participating in Iowa’s elections when they are eligible.”
There are currently more than 4,500+ 17-year-olds already registered to vote in Iowa. This number is significantly higher than 3,400+ 17-year-olds registered to vote in September 2023 in the weeks leading up to 2023 National Voter Registration Day.
Iowa law allows 17-year-olds to register to vote and participate in Primary Elections if they turn 18 prior to or on the day of the General Election.
With this statewide day of action, Secretary Pate is encouraging high schools in all 99 counties to host a voter registration drive and educate students on the voter registration and participation process. Iowa law requires high schools to conduct two voter registration drives every school year.
“Exercising your right to vote is a powerful way to help shape the world we share,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “High School Voter Registration Day is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the electoral process while taking the first step to fulfill your critical responsibility as engaged citizens.”
Currently 2.2 million Iowans are registered to vote. Iowa has some of the best voter registration and participation rates in the nation and is ranked in the top three nationally for election administration.
To check your voter registration status, register to vote or update your information, visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov
