Karl Messer, 97, of Mount Pleasant died Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living. Funeral services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory.
Les Roth
Les Roth, 65, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 8:14 P.M. Friday September 26, 2025 at his home.
Born July 8, 1960 at Fort Madison, Iowa the son of Ivan L. And Elsie Irene(Morton) Roth. On April 8,1989 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton he married Lora Thompson.
Survivors include his wife Lora; Son: Brady (Emma) Roth; two daughters: Danika Roth and Sara Roth; Four grandchildren: Sophia, Bodhie, Lorelai and Greyson. Two sisters: Marjorie (Gary) Lightfoot and Miriam (Kurt) Freesmeier; Mother-in-law: Florence Thompson. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father -in-law Clyde Thompson and brother-in-law Rick Thompson.
Les was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. After graduating from Central Lee High School in 1978, he worked at Mt. Hamill Elevator driving truck until 1983 when he worked alongside his parents owning and operating Town and Country Grocery Store in Donnellson. His first love was also farming, where he raised cattle and became a Dekalb Seed Dealer. Active in his community, Les served on the Lee County Fair Board, the Evangelical Cemetery Board, and was a member of the Lee County Cattleman’s Association. He and his wife, Lora, also opened their home as foster parents for 14 years. A loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, Les enjoyed coaching his children’s softball, baseball, and basketball teams, as well as volunteering at the scorer’s table for HTC sporting events. In his free time, he loved playing cards, going to the Iowa State Fair, camping, kayaking, and most of all, spending time with his family—especially his grandchildren.
His body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
Friends may call after 12:00 P.M. Tuesday September 30, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., there will be a Christian wake service at 6:30 P.M.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday October 1, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton with Fr. Dan Dorau as Celebrant.
Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery in Houghton.
Memorials may be made to Together We Rise (for Foster Children).
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Southeast Iowa Area Schools Show Support for Washington Teen Killed in Weekend Accident
Schools across the area are coming together today to honor the memory of Carson Ryan, a Washington High School senior who tragically passed away Sunday morning following a weekend accident. Students, staff, and community members are wearing orange and black, Washington’s school colors, to show their support for Ryan’s family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.
The Washington Community School District announced Carson’s passing and shared that support services are available to students, including district counselors, the school nurse, the school support team, AEA staff, and trained counselors from neighboring schools.
In a statement, the district described Carson as “a truly kind, thoughtful, and caring presence”. He had recently been named to the school’s homecoming court, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned among his peers.
As the community continues to grieve, Washington schools and neighboring districts are encouraging students and staff to lean on one another and to take advantage of the resources offered. KILJ will release additional details as they become available.
September 29, 2025 – October 5, 2025
09/29/25
Mark Overburg
09/29/25
Galen Noard
09/29/25
Leah Roberson
09/29/25
Brett Garmoe
09/29/25
Bev Krogmeier
09/30/25
Olin Cowan
09/30/25
Todd Davis (twin) 60th bday
09/30/25
Tony Davis (twin) 60th bday
09/30/25
Doris Aicher
09/30/25
Elise Swanson
10/01/25
Tiffany Hauptman
10/01/25
Waunita Gibbons
10/01/25
Graig John "Sprout" Stauffer
10/01/25
Mark & Linda Kimzey *Anniversary
10/01/25
Kevin & Joan Wagler *Anniversary
10/2/25
Joe & Nicole Syfert
10/2/25
Rosie Rogers
10/2/25
Kelsey DeWitt
10/2/25
Allan Woline
10/03/25
John & Kathy Ita *Anniversary
10/3/25
John Millspaugh
10/3/25
Bob Carson
10/4/25
Darrell * Martha Ridenour
10/4/25
Jeffrey thomas
10/4/25
Richard Kinney
10/4/25
Garret Burgus
10/4/25
Erin humble
10/4/25
Adam Humble
10/05/25
Tyler & Jordie Dingman
10/05/25
Whit & Kelly Mabeus *Anniversary
Sports, September 27th
High School Football
Mt. Pleasant exercised their Demons last night in their Homecoming matchup, beating Washington for the first time since 2008, claiming a 44-20 victory. The sophomores stepped up in a big way for the Panthers with Asa Rose nabbing an interception, Ryan Helling tallying 93 yards on the ground, including a rushing touchdown, and Griffen Jones returning a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown and plowing in for another touchdown on the ground. Head coach John Bowlin knows the future is bright for the Panther program,
“Yeah and they needed to for us this year, you know, we have some great leadership. The junior and senior classes have worked their tails off, but obviously, you know, with the depth that we have almost every kid getting time out there. And like I said, all those guys came in, did just a great job, you know, Kaden Schadt, got a big one there at receiver as well. You know, just stepping up, making plays and that, you know, they’re an athletic group. And if they keep working, they really got a great future ahead of them.”
Brody Clark provided the final dagger with a 26-yard pick six and caught the final touchdown of the game with a three-yard reception. The Panthers clash with Fort Madison on Friday, October 3rd, at 7:30 pm on the road.
Fairfield was blanked by Solon last night 77-0. The Trojans will travel to Washington on Friday at 7:30 pm.
West Burlington/Notre Dame’s consistent scoring caged Central Lee last night in a 27-15 final. The Falcons will host Wilton at 7 pm on Friday.
Central Lee will square off against Mid-Prairie at home at 7 pm on Friday.
Van Buren County was squashed by Pekin last night, 52-8. Nolan Glick was unstoppable as the senior ran for 312 yards and scored six total touchdowns. The Warriors will get a bye week with their next contest happening on October 10th against Wapello.
Mediapolis had their Homecoming spoiled by Wilton last night 42-14. The Bulldogs will take on West Liberty on Friday at 7 pm at home.
Wapello shut out North Cedar last night 43-0. Wapello will host Columbus on Friday at 7 pm.
WACO’s turnover riddled contest against Belle Plaine last night resulted in the Warriors second straight loss of the season in a 34-24 final. Trey Edeker rushed for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort. The Warriors will attempt to get back in the win column on Friday at 7 pm in a home showdown against English Valleys.
Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to HLV/TC on Friday at 7 pm.
High School Volleyball
The eight-team Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament finals are scheduled for tonight at Southeastern Community College. The night will start with the quarterfinal rounds at 5 pm.
#2 Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Central Lee.
Van Buren County will square off against Mediapolis.
Burlington Notre Dame will take on Winfield-Mt. Union and Wapello will compete against West Burlington.
Mt. Pleasant will get another chance at home on Tuesday, September 30th, against Burlington at 7:15 pm.
Fairfield will head back home to host Keokuk on Tuesday at 7:15 pm.
High School Cross Country
New London, Notre Dame/West Burlington, and Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to Clear Creek Amana for an invitational on Monday, September 29th.
Mt. Pleasant and Danville will participate in the Williamsburg Invitational on Tuesday, September 30th.
WACO and Fairfield will compete at the Washington Invitational on Tuesday.
Van Buren County will celebrate their senior night at the Warrior Invite with New London, Central Lee, and Holy Trinity Catholic participating on Tuesday.
High School Girls’ Tennis
Fairfield will host Central DeWitt in the Class 1A Region 1 championship today with the winner advancing to the state tournament.
Southeastern Community College
The volleyball team split their matchups yesterday, falling to Illinois Central College in straight sets before sweeping Waubonsee Community College. The Blackhawks will host Southwest Community College on Tuesday, September 30th, at 7 pm.
The men’s and women’s soccer teams will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College today.
College Football
Iowa will look for an upset against #11 Indiana today at 2:30 pm at home. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.
#14 Iowa State will host Arizona tonight at 6 pm fresh off a bye week. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.
This Day in Sports History
1939 – The Chicago White Sox play the first “day-night” doubleheader against Cleveland, but lose both games, 5-2 and 7-5.
1942 – The New York Giants beat Washington 14-7 without gaining a 1st down. The only team to ever accomplish this feat.
2006 – The Boston Red Sox honor former player Johnny Pesky by officially naming Fenway Park’s right-field foul pole “Pesky’s Pole.”
Local High School Football Scores (Week 5)
8-Player
(6-0) Iowa Valley 69, (1-4) Winfield-Mt. Union 22 (Thursday)
(2-3) Belle Plaine 34, (3-2) WACO 24
Class A
(4-1) Wapello 43, (0-4) North Cedar 0
(5-0) Pekin 52, (1-4) Van Buren County 8
Class 2A
(3-2) West Burlington 27, (2-3) Central Lee 15
(4-1) Mid-Prairie 56, (2-3) West Liberty 35
(3-2) Wilton 42, (2-3) Mediapolis 14
Class 3A
(4-1) Mt. Pleasant 44, (2-3) Washington 20
(5-0) Solon 77, (1-4) Fairfield 0
(3-2) Keokuk 55, (0-5) Fort Madison 27
Class 4A
(4-1) Burlington 23, (3-2) Clinton 8
Patricia Winheim
Patricia Winheim, 79, of Keosauqua, Iowa, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Keosauqua Health Center.
She was born on September 19, 1946, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Carmen (Murphy) Dearing. She married George Winheim.
She is survived by her husband: George; son: Eric (Carrie) Winheim of Libertyville, Iowa; four grandchildren: Pearl, Gretta, Patrick (Samantha) Winheim, Christian Douthart and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pat was a graduate of Fort Madison High School. She graduated with honors from the University of Iowa majoring in English and Spanish. She taught for fifty years at Harmony, Aquinas, Marquette and Holy Trinity High Schools. Pat was a champion quilter. She was very meticulous with her quilting creations and her pieces were highly appraised. Pat was known as a saint to her students, family and friends.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established in her memory for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools educational program for a scholarship to be established in her memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
2025 Mount Pleasant Homecoming Royalty Speaks with KILJ News
2025 Mount Pleasant Homecoming Royalty Speaks with KILJ News Director, Hayden Douglas:
MPCHS 2025 Homecoming Court:
Olivia McCormick
Kaeden Bare
Meadow Carter
Noah Lange
Addison Clark
Max Sloat
Ashlynn Beauchamp
Jack Newman
KING: Ramzy Davis
QUEEN: Alex Scott
Homecoming King Ramzy Davis:
Homecoming Queen Alex Scott:
Olivia McCormick:
Kaeden Bare:
Meadow Carter:
Noah Lange:
Addison Clark:
Max Sloat:
Ashlynn Beauchamp:
Jack Newman: