Genevieve M. “Gee Gee” Fetterman, 89, of Salem passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center, in Mount Pleasant surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.
David Richard Calhoun, 68, of rural Mount Pleasant passed away at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born on January 13, 1957, in Mount Pleasant, the first-born son of Victor R. and Marilyn (Mueller) Calhoun, Jr. He served his country in the Iowa National Guard, where he and his cousin and friend enlisted together. Dave was blessed to do what he loved. He had a passion and talent on an excavator and truly enjoyed those days. The only way to make the day better was to call one of his sons and have them working alongside him.He was an entrepreneur at heart and owned and operated Big Creek Contracting.He enjoyed any activity that kept him outdoors.At a very young age he would go with his father to learn the art of hunting and trapping and most of all spending time together.Dave and Cookie enjoyed being in the boat on the Skunk River fishing and had a passion for Oakland Mills and its history.The river was a place to spend time together and relax.They enjoyed taking their grandchildren out in the boat teaching them how to fish and sharing an appreciation of the outdoors.
The love of family was central to his upbringing, and he raised his children with that same heart and commitment.He had many things that he loved but nothing more than his family.When one would call for help, he was always there to lend a hand.He enjoyed the traditions of big family gatherings and loved being able to spend time together sharing stories and laughs.Dave was a great listener and made time for his nieces and nephews whom he loved and who loved him dearly.Dave was a Christian and lived his life by Matthew 25:36 “I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me…..” He lived his life never turning his back on someone in need, giving his time, talent and treasure.He loved his kids and would never turn down a child with a cause.Dave never knew a stranger and always treated everyone he met with compassion and respect.
Those thankful in sharing in his life include his companion of 24 years, Cookie and his children, Ben (Sheri) Calhoun and Chad (Andrea) Calhoun, his grandchildren, Alex, Zach, Grace, Austin, Addie and Drew, his mother, Marilyn Calhoun, his brothers, Dale (Becky) Calhoun and Joe Calhoun and his sister, Mary (Alan) Raymer, along with a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.
Dave’s family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1405 West Clay Street, Mount Pleasant beginning at 3:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, it will be held at the Wright Pavilion on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds. A memorial has been established in his memory. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.
Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade: Full Schedule Announced for June 9–11
The Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade is cruising through southeast Iowa once again, drawing crowds to roadsides and small towns to celebrate the state’s proud agricultural legacy. With three full days of scenic routes, classic tractors, and community camaraderie, this beloved annual event invites all ages to join in the tradition.
Monday, June 9 – Opening Day Route
The tractors will hit the road at 6:40 a.m., departing from the Old Threshers Grounds in Mount Pleasant. The day features a wide loop through several towns and rural pit stops:
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Pass through Rome & Lockridge
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Pit Stop at Hope Lutheran Church, Germanville
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Travel through Brighton
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at Washington County Fairgrounds
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Pit Stop at WACO High School
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Pass through Trenton
6:00 PM: Return to Mount Pleasant
Tuesday, June 10 – Southern Loop Adventure
Tuesday’s route will take the tractors on a scenic southern route:
6:40 AM – 10:40 AM: Depart from Old Threshers Grounds
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Pass through Salem
8:15 AM – 11:50 AM: Pit Stop at Hillsboro Community Park
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at Van Buren County Fairgrounds
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Pass through Bonaparte & Bentonsport
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Pit Stop at Harmony School
6:30 PM: Return to Mount Pleasant
Wednesday, June 11 – Closing Day Ride
The final day of the Tractorcade will feature a shorter loop, followed by a community meal:
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Depart from Old Threshers Grounds
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Pass through Mount Union
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Pit Stop at Yarmouth School
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Return to Mount Pleasant
Lunch Provided by First United Methodist Church, served at Midwest Old Threshers Grounds
Catch the Action All Week!
Whether you’re a tractor buff or just want to enjoy a nostalgic slice of Americana, spectators are encouraged to grab lawn chairs and line the roads. Bring the whole family out to wave and cheer as rows of beautifully restored tractors roll through town.
Audio recaps and interviews from the Tractorcade are available on Spotify, Anchor, and other podcast platforms—just search for the Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade to tune in!
Janice Elaine Peterson, 85, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Janice was born on May 16, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Virgil and Margaret (Eklund) Johnson. In her youth, she was a member of the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swedesburg, Iowa. She graduated from Olds High School in 1958. On August 1, 1958, she was united in marriage to John William Peterson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children in Burlington, Iowa. During this time she worked as an elementary school secretary and for the A.E.A.
In 1983, John’s job with Ozark Airlines led them to St. Charles, Missouri. After John’s passing in 2001, Janice returned to Burlington, Iowa, in 2005. She was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed volunteering at the Swedish American Museum and Historical Society. Janice loved spending time with family and she especially treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Janice is survived by her three children, Ron (Shelly) Peterson of Burlington, Cindy (Brian) Mueller of Muscatine, Matthew (Angie) Peterson of O’Fallon, Missouri; six grandchildren Sarah (Dan) Sliwinski, Jonathan (Andrea) Peterson, Emily (Connor) Downes, Betsy (Robert) Buckman Alex Mueller, Josh Peterson; nine great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Adam, Charles, James, Grace, Cohen, Kennedy, Hattie, Eleanor; and two sisters Joan (Lee) Montei of Gilbert, Arizona, and Pat Meyer of Wayland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, and grandson Andrew Peterson.
A private family graveside service will be held in the Swedesburg Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established for the Swedish American Museum and Historical Society and the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Janice and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
The Mt. Pleasant Community Band Concerts series in Mt. Pleasant’s Central Park starts on Thursday, June 12th. Band Director Adam Creager announced this summer’s concert dates will be on Thursday June 19th, 26th and July 3rd and 10th. The concerts begin at 7pm. On Thursday, July 17th, a smaller ensemble will perform at the Wright Family Pavilion during the Henry County Fair.
On Thursday, June 12th, the Flannel Jammers will perform as many of the Community band members are on vacation. MPMS Principal and guitar talent Mark Adams headlines the show. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music in Central Park, downtown Mt. Pleasant!
Mount Pleasant will host the 26th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, through Wednesday, June 11th. which will be leading caravans of 300-500 tractors through Henry, Des Moines, and other surrounding counties. Each day’s ride will begin and end at the Old Threshers Reunion grounds south of Mt. Pleasant. The Henry County Sheriff’s Department asks residents to use caution and be aware of the extra traffic.
On June 9, the tractors will ride through Washington County, with stops at Hope Lutheran Church in Brighton, the Washington County Fairground, and Wayland.
On June 10, the route will roll through Van Buren County, with pit stops at Hillsboro Christian Church, the Van Buren County Fairgrounds, and Harmony Center.
On June 11, the caravan will make its way through Henry and Des Moines County, with Yarmouth serving as the ride’s pit stop location for the day.
Average fuel prices decreased slightly this week in Iowa after two weeks of increases according to this week’s Triple A report. Regular unleaded gasoline prices fell one cent, which is 20 cents below the national average.
Retail diesel prices also fell by one cent in Iowa, while the national average fell two cents.