James M. Karaff, 49, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 10:44 am. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.

He was born on September 26, 1974, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Lloyd E. and Marian (Standley) Karaff.

He is survived by his parents: Lloyd and Marian; brother: Bronson M. Karaff of St. Paul, Minnesota; uncle and aunt: Frank and Joyce Protsman.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; one uncle and one cousin.

James was a graduate of Central Lee High School. He worked as a manager for Kentucky Fried Chicken. He enjoyed animals (especially dogs), camping, taking his best friends Henry and Jack (the dogs) camping.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.

Per his wishes, no services will be held

Memorials have been established in his memory for PAW Animal Shelter or an animal rescue 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.

William Lane Knox, 94, of Mt. Pleasant, died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his residence.

William ‘Bill” Knox was born August 21, 1929 in Moline, Illinois to Esther(Terry) and Earl Knox. He grew up on a farm near Joy, Illinois the youngest of three boys.  His family moved to Aledo, Illinois where he graduated from high school. One of his biggest joys was attending Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, earning his way by being a busboy throughout high-school.

Bill married Marilyn Wakeland on August 4, 1951 and then worked for Contel Telephone Company, retiring in 1992.  

Bill was a member of Community of Christ church and was ordained as an elder, becoming a much beloved pastor of several congregations. Camping and volunteering at Camp Nauvoo at Nauvoo, Illinois was his passion and  he was a longtime member of Camp Nauvoo Board.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years and three children, Debbie Batey(Todd), Kevin (Cindy), Kelly Manning (Jack), his son in law, Bret McFarlin (Teva), seven grandsons and 11 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers and his dear daughter, Kathleen McFarlin.

A service will be held in the spring at Camp Nauvoo.

A memorial has been established for Outreach International and Camp Nauvoo and may be sent toKimzey Funeral Home at 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641 who is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

We thank many friends and family and especially Everystep Hospice who lovingly cared for him and his family.

Beth Lynne Owen, 64, of Milton, FL and formerly of Ft. Madison, IA, died Saturday, December 2, 2023 in Milton from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting  Beth’s family with local arrangements.

On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com

Beth Lynne Carpenter was born March 20, 1959, in Cleveland, OH. She was the daughter of Charles and Marcia (Stubing) Carpenter. Beth was united in marriage to Bobby Porter. The couple later divorced. On October 11, 1998, Beth was united in marriage to Alan “Buck” Owen. Mr. Owen died in 2004.

Beth loved to play pool. She played on several pool leagues for many years. She was especially fond of going to pool tournaments. Beth also loved riding her motorcycle and attending bike rallys. She was a member of District 18 ABATE of Iowa. Her true passion, however, was being among her family and friends. She enjoyed socializing with the many people she met. She never knew a stranger. Once you met Beth, you would remember her as she would definitely remember you.

Those grateful for sharing in Beth’s life include her children – Robert (Casey) Porter of Kearney, MO, Janeene (Ray Simmons) Porter of Salem, IA and Jeremiah (Rayna Buckner) Porter of Keokuk, IA; 5 siblings – Donna Ford of Ohio, Michael Neargardner of Lakewood, OH, Amy (William) Kuhn of Elyria, OH, Barbara (Craig) Roshaven of Ft. Worth, TX and Lydia (Ron) Huffman of Milton, FL; 9 grandchildren – Nicholas porter, Triston Surratt, Dezirae Porter, Ethan Porter, Ryan Simmons, Raelyn Simmons, Essance Smeltser and Eylissa Smeltser as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband Alan, sister-in-law Helen Neargardner and sister Daphne Lindsey precede Beth in death.

James A. “Jimbo” Settles, 77, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, Missouri.

He was born on November 26, 1946, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Samuel Dewey and Etta Mae (Case) Settles. On May 10, 1969, he married Phyllis Hammer at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Franklin.

Survivors include his wife: Phyllis; sons: Sean (Lindsay) Settles of Fort Madison, Pete (Chrissy) Settles of West Point, Iowa and Jon (Emily) Settles of Columbus Junction; grandchildren: Katlynn (Cody) Mason, Rodric (Elizabeth) Settles, Danen, Jarrett, Tanner, Tauren, Tate, Paul and Eve Settles; great grandchildren: Brooke, Luke, Kane, Dakota and Beckham; step-great grandchildren: Bristol and Berkley; sister: Carol (Terry) Durbin of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two half sisters and one half brother.

James was a 1965 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He attended Burlington Junior College and the University of Hawaii. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. James worked as a millwright at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. He was a member of the Burlington Eagles Club, Burlington Disabled American Veterans and the Fort Madison Vietnam Veterans of America. He enjoyed tinkering on cars, racing and watching westerns.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.

A private family graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in rural Franklin with full military rites presented by the Fort Madison Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, rural Franklin.

A memorial has been established in his memory for the West Point Fire and Rescue.

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