On December 24th, 2023 at about 2:30 in the afternoon the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a firearm being stolen from a residence in the 2100 grid of Lexington Avenue. An investigation into the theft determined Levi Stevens, 25, had taken the firearm without the owner’s Knowledge or permission. On December 25th Levi Stevens was located and placed under arrest for Theft in the 4th Degree and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Vehicle Fire East of Swedesburg
On December 23, 2023 just after 2:40 in the afternoon, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency report of a vehicle on fire near the intersection of 140th Street and Kentucky Avenue. Olds Fire Department and Henry County Deputies responded to the scene. The reporting party and driver of the vehicle, Scott Johnson of Mount Pleasant, reported that he had done mechanical work on the vehicle and was out test driving when a spark and flame erupted from the engine compartment. Scott was unable to control the fire and exited the vehicle before calling 911. Scott was uninjured from the fire, and the vehicle was inoperable after the fire was extinguished.
Eleanore Ann (Miller) Swigart
Eleanore Ann (Miller) Swigart, 84, of Mt. Pleasant was promoted to heaven on Sunday, December 24, 2023, to be with Jesus for Christmas.
Ellie was born on January 11, 1939, at Ithaca, New York, the daughter of Marion & Ruth (Arnold) Miller. She graduated from Ithaca High School with her brother Frank in 1956. Ellie attended Baptist Bible College in Johnson City, New York, preparing herself to be a teacher. While in college, she met Earl Swigart from Iowa, who was studying for church pastoral ministry. Eleanore and Earl were united in marriage on August 28, 1959, with the Bible motto: “We are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Ellie was a faithful partner in ministry for the 62 years of serving the Lord in five churches in Iowa and Wisconsin. She was a counselor and mentor to many and pianist or organist in each of these churches. Her life was focused around others which started with her four children, seventeen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. Her love and hobbies included hosting, sewing, quilting and gospel music.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Earl, her children, Alan Swigart of Mt. Pleasant, Robert (Stacey) Swigart of Mt. Pleasant, Kathi (Steve) Shaw of Vacaville, California and Marci (Erik) Kadlec of Oregon, Wisconsin, her fifteen grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren along with a host of family and friends.
Ellie is preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Brandon Swigart, a granddaughter, Madison Shaw, her brother, Frank Miller, her parents-in-law, Weldon & L. Ruth Swigart, and her brothers-in-law, Marvin Swigart and Kenneth Swigart.
A Celebration of Ellie’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 11 until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Calvary Baptist Church. Memorials may be directed to Baptist Mid Missions/Bible International or to the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp at Ventura, Iowa. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.
Mary Ann Manning
Mary Ann Manning, 81, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the New London Specialty Care Center.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. Mary’s family will receive friends from 10 until service time at the Murphy Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Cemetery rural Wayland. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in her memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.
Nathan Kendall Byrum
Nathan Kendall Byrum, 32, of Keokuk formerly of the Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield communities. He lost the battle with his mental health on Friday, December 15, 2023.
Nathan was born on March 30, 1991, in Mt. Pleasant the son of Micheal and Carolyn Byrum. He was raised in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from the Mt. Pleasant High School. Nathan was united in marriage to ShaLeah Byrum on December 23, 2014, in Ottumwa. To this union three children were born, Angel, Javier and Aysha. They later separated. Nathan later had a daughter, Kendall, with Myha Housh and was like a father to Myha’s daughter, Evelyn.
Nathan enjoyed fishing, cooking, listening to his Grandpa Kenny’s old stories, but most of all being with those he loved. Nathan made friends everywhere he went. He was a funny and charming person. There was never a dull moment with him around.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Javier Byrum, Aysha Byrum, Kendall Rose Byrum and his bonus daughter, Evelyn Housh. The mothers of his children, ShaLeah Byrum and Myha Housh, his parents, Micheal and Carolyn Byrum, his sister and protector, Carlee (Mathew) Byrum-Neff, his sister, Heather (Dwayne) Leichty, his brother, Todd (Cindy) Byrum, along with nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his first born daughter, Angel, his grandfather, Kenneth Kendall, who he adored and was very close to, his grandmother, Janet Kendall, his grandmother, Nina Allison, and grandparents, Carl and Betty Byrum.
No services are planned at this time. A private family celebration of Nathan’s life will be held at a later time. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.
Karen Joyce Townsend
MOUNT PLEASANT – , 79, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Silver Palms in Mount Pleasant.
Karen was born September 6, 1944, the daughter of Guy and Mary Crawford. She graduated from Cardinal of Eldon High School in 1963. On June 14, 1985, she was united in marriage to Daniel Townsend in Fairfield. They made their home in the Mount Pleasant community where Karen worked at Heatilator for nine years and also at Rumors.
Karen is survived by her step daughter Dawn (Phil) Hendrickson of Mount Pleasant; step son Pat (Stephanie) Townsend of Kalispell, Montana; two grandson’s Tim Crawford, Willie Crawford; three step grandchildren Jake Townsend, Brett Townsend, Sam Townsend; and a great grandchild Zane. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dan, and a son Daniel Crawford.
According to Karen’s wishes her body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Karen and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Beverly Meyerholz
Beverly Meyerholz, 92, of Wapello, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Lone Tree Health Care Center. Bev made her home in the recent few years at Lone Tree Health Care Center, a “home” she found comfort in and enjoyed with the many activities she participated in and the residents and staff that became much more to her. As Bev’s family continues to celebrate her life they invite all friends and family to join them for informal gathering on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Graveside Services will follow at the Wapello Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.
Beverly Jean Flayharty was born on July 27, 1931, in Lucas, Iowa, the daughter of Delbert and Charlotte (Goben) Flayharty. At the age of seven, Bev moved to Mount Union, Iowa where she made her home with her uncle and aunt, Virgil and Jeneva Johnson, who raised her. Beverly graduated from Mount Union Consolidated Schools and went on to obtain her registered nursing degree from Burlington Hospital School of Nursing. On October 11, 1953, Beverly was united in marriage to Harry Dean “Swede” Meyerholz. They made their home in Wapello as Bev became the Director of Nursing at the Wapello Nursing Home, where she worked from 1969 until 1981. In 1982, Swede and Bev moved to Iowa City as Bev began working as a staff nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. After retirement Swede and Bev moved back to Wapello were Bev enjoyed being involved in the original Wapello Study Club, Red Hats, Colonial Quilting Club, Jane Delano, Journeys and the Wapello Methodist Church. Bev along with Swede enjoyed traveling, possibly seeing all 50 states and always cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Beverly will be deeply missed by her children, Debbie (Roger) Huddle of Muscatine, Steve (Diane) Meyerholz of Iowa City and Jeff Meyerholz of Muscatine; grandchildren, Whitney (Tony) Hollenbaugh, Mitch (Robyn) Huddle, T.J. (Megan) Meyerholz, Paul (Liz ) Huddle, Jill (Travis) Grager, Koert (Erica) Huddle, Jacob (Kirstie) Meyerholz and Dylan Meyerholz; great-grandchildren, Cal, Taylor, Josiah, Luke, Pete, Brayden, Brantley, Jacklyn, James, Harrison, Bennett, Carson, Jetzyn, Timothy, Harper, Collins, Clarke and Greyson.
Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Delbert Flayharty; mother and step-father, Charlotte and Ben Bentzel; her husband, Swede on May 6, 2017 and her uncle and aunt, Virgil and Jeneva Johnson.
Accidental Shooting East of Bonaparte Christmas Morning
Yesterday morning at approximately 12:30 AM the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report of an accidental shooting that had occurred at a residence on Hawk Drive east of Bonaparte.
The adult female victim was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment, and was reported in stable condition yesterday.
This incident is being actively investigated by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known danger to public. At this time no further information will be released.