Kay F Stilson

 

Kay F. Stilson

Kay Francine Stilson, 81, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at UnityPoint-Trinity Bettendorf following a long battle with C.O.P.D. "Smoking will kill you"

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the United Methodist Church, Hampton, Iowa. Burial will be in Hampton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at church. Memorials may be made to Hampton Bulldog Wrestling.

Kay was born on January 5, 1944 to Arthur and Lois Izer. She was raised on a farm in Franklin County by her aunt & uncle Francis and Violet Meyer. She married William “Bill” Stilson on August 18, 1963. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2020. They had two children, Michael Ross and Craig William.

Kay worked for The Hampton Chronicle and Times in the advertising department and worked her way up to advertising manager. She retired in December 1989

In 2000, Kay and Bill started going to Donna, Texas for the winters. They bought a trailer in Magnolia Park and looked forward to going there every winter.

Kay kept busy doing crafts, attending the music jams and selling 50-50 raffle tickets. She did a lot of baking for the jam halftime breaks. Kay enjoyed meeting and visiting with all the people.

Kay enjoyed high school and college wrestling, NASCAR racing and was a New York Mets and Miami Dolphins fan.

Kay is survived by her sons Michael of Farmington, Minnesota and Craig of Eldridge, six grandchildren: Chelsea (Brett) Medernach of Farmington, Minnesota, Collin Stilson of Farmington, Minnesota, Cade Stilson of Reno, Nevada, Ethan (Lexi), of Davenport, Iowa and Grant and Samantha Stilson of Eldridge, Iowa; great-grandchildren Paisley and Maverick Medernach of Farmington, Minnesota

In addition to her husband, Bill, Kay was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister Judith, and a special aunt and uncle.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kay F. Stilson, please visit our flower store.

Kay Stilson

I received a call from Peggy Gordon a few days ago with the news that Kay Stilson had passed away. I have not posted this news until now because I was hoping to find an obituary but thus far have not been successful.

Many of us who were long-time residents of Magnolia Park remember Pecan Bill and Kay who lived on the corner of Peach and Center Street. Bill could almost always be found cracking pecans outside and Kay would be busy inside.

Nice people, both of them. 

If I should find an obituary I will post it here.

Leonard “Butch” Brooker, 1941 – 2025 Obituary

 

I did find an obituary for Butch and am posting this now as a reminder that a Celebration of Life open house will be held tomorrow in Jefferson Iowa at the Depot from 11:00 - 2:00

Leonard Dean “Butch” Brooker, 84, of Jefferson died September 9, 2025.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 am to 2 pm at The Depot in Jefferson. Lunch will be served.

 Butch was born in a farmhouse near Cooper to J.R. and Marion Brooker on June 9, 1941.  He graduated from Jefferson High School. He married Barbara Ann Brock on July 25, 1959, in Jefferson. 

 He was almost born working; first as a paperboy, then he pumped gas, followed by appliance repair in a hardware store. Offered a higher wage, he joined the company crew at the REC where he was enticed to learn how to climb poles by one of the crew leaders. He practiced on a pole outside his house and became proficient, remaining an electrical lineman for most of his working life. He worked for Alliant Energy for the majority of those years and retired in 2003 from that company. Butch was always in motion, and if you made his acquaintance, it was most likely on a softball field, a golf course, or at a square dance. 

In retirement, he and Barb traveled in their RV all around the country for several years, and wintered in Texas, where he added billiards to that list, winning many tournaments. He and his favorite partner, Paul Keleher, racked up many trophies over the past three years.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents J.R. and Marion Brooker; his brother Robert Brooker; his stillborn son Kevin; and sister-in-law Jo Brooker.

 Butch is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann; children Richard Feterman (Donna), Gary (Susan) Brooker, and Jason (Laura) Brooker; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings Marlene (Bernard) Kelley, Robert’s widow; Joyce Brooker, Bill Brooker, Don (Marty) Brooker and Leo (Keri) Brooker; many nieces and nephews; and great friends.

 In memory of Butch, he would be pleased if you pay it forward by helping someone in need.

Barb and his Butch’s sons wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all the people who assisted us with his recent illness. It is heartwarming to see so many who care.

Virginia M. "Ginny" Stavrum May 1, 1927 – September 23, 2025

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Clearwater for Virginia M. “Ginny” Stavrum, age 98, of Clearwater, who passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River.  Reverend Dennis Backer will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Luke’s Parish Cemetery in Clearwater. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Clearwater.

Virginia was born on May 1, 1927, to James and Elizabeth (Stearns) Bowder in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She married Melvin R. Stavrum on May 5, 1945, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in St. Augusta, Minnesota. Virginia was employed by T & O Plastics in Clearwater for 27 years, retiring in 1989. She was an avid square dancer and a member of the Beaux and Belles Square Dance Club and St. Luke’s Parish.

Survivors include her children, Beverely Lokensgard of San Juan, TX, Connie Dziuk of Greenfield, Bob (Bev) Stavrum of St. Cloud, Ken Stavrum of Clearwater, Mark (Pam) Stavrum of Plymouth and Lisa (Jim) Ludescher of Big Lake; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and sister, Betty Stewart of Alexandria.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Melvin; her parents; stepfather, Henry Niebolte; four brothers, James Bowder, Adrian Bowder, John Bowder, and Frank Niebolte; sister, Alice Janchar; one infant sister, Dorothy Bowder; son-in-law, Perry Dziuk; grandson, Robert Stavrum, Jr. and two great grandchildren, Charles Bixler, Jr. and Travis Monson.

A special thank you to the staff of Guardian Angels Care Center and Triniti Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Ginny.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Butch Brooker...

 Thanks so much, Deon, for posting that. My head is fuzzy yet, and my reaction times are slow. I do plan to come to the RGV this fall as soon as I get things settled here. Probably mid-October as usual. Son Jason is driving me down and then flying home. At least that is the current plan.

Love to All,

Barb Brooker

Butch Brooker

 It is with so much sadness that I am posting this. I had decided that I was going to wait and see if Barb wanted to do it, because this blog was originally her creation but have now decided that I am going to post the bare essentials for now. Butch and Barb have been long-time friends of ours and of so many former residents of Magnolia Park. 

As those of you who have followed Barb's own blog over the years know, Butch had been having many health difficulties for the last several months and at 3:00 AM on September 9, 2025 Butch passed away. I have not seen an obituary yet but according to Barb's most recent information there will be a Celebration of Life at the Depot in Jefferson Iowa from 11:00 - 2:00 and there will be a lunch. These are merely suggested hours as Barb and their boys, along with their spouses, expect that people will wander over to the Brooker home afterwards.

I did look to see how far Jefferson is from us and it is a long ways but I'm hoping that those of you who don't live so far away will be able to attend this. Barb and Butch were such an important part of Magnolia Park and it's hard to believe that this has happened. 

Fred Rabe Obituary

 Fred John Henry Rabe, Jr., 100, of Clyde passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in an Abilene hospice facility.

Fred was born March 15, 1925, in Independence, Missouri to the late Fred John Henry and Minnie Ladora (Tarver) Rabe. He attended school in Lee Summit, Missouri. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1946. He married Wilma Chapele in Monahans and he moved to Clyde in 2019. He worked as a truckdriver for Yellow Freight Lines for 23 years and had previously worked as an EMT in Rising Star.

He is survived by his son, John Rabe and wife Renae of Grove, Oklahoma; three daughters, Mary Marcus and husband David of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kay Bailey and husband Ken of Clyde and Diane of Kansas City, Kansas; seventeen grandchildren; many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; his son, Tom; his daughter, Jean; brother, Alfred and sister, Marcella.

Fred Rabe Passed

I heard from several people today that Fred Rabe passed last night. Fred was a very long-time resident in Magnolia Park and most of you will remember him. He fell and hit his head requiring stitches and hospitalization. He remained unresponsive and they transferred him to a hospice where he passed away. He was 100 on March 15.

His daughter is Kay Bailey, 106 Bryant Rd Clyde TX 79510 if you'd care to send her a card. I have looked for an obituary but thus far haven't found one. If I do find one I will post it here.

Kenneth Huizenga Obituary

Another long-time member of our Magnolia family has passed. We have many good memories of Ken and Helga in those years that we were all in Magnolia Park. They camped all winter in a camper van which had all the comforts of home even though it wasn't overly large. It's nice to have those memories of friends and good times from those Magnolia years.

Kenneth J. Huizenga, 90, was born August 12, 1935 to Alice (Zeeryp) and Cornelius Huizenga in Garden Plain, IL.

A visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service, starting at 11 a.m. Pastor Jeff Coester of The Big Red Church in Sterling, IL will be officiating. Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to The Big Red Church - First Congregational, Sterling, IL and Albany Ambulance, Albany, IL.

Ken spent his youth living upstairs of his family Garden Plain grocery store and working in his father’s field. Before school he picked vegetables to peddle market to other grocery stores in the area. Ken attended Garden Plain schools and graduated from Fulton High School in 1953, and has lived his whole adult-life two doors west of the old Garden Plain Grade School.  

Ken met the love of his life, Helga (Ibs) while cruising the streets of Clinton in his new red/white ’56 Chevy Bel Air convertible. The handsome guy with that bright smile and the shiny classic car, caught her eye and they had their first date at a Maid-rite in the Quad Cities. They married in the Zion Lutheran Church, Clinton, IA on August 20, 1960.  

Ken served in the US Army being drafted 1958-1960 and 1961-1962 during the Berlin Crisis and sent to Korea. He is a member of the American Legion, Post 402, Fulton, IL and member of the United Methodist Church, Morrison, IL.  

Ken enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with friends and family. He always made sure to supply his girls, grandkids and special friends with his homegrown popcorn. Ken and Helga loved to travel and camp along the way, visiting all 50 states and traveling to Germany to visit his daughter and family while they were stationed there. They also wintered in Donna, TX for nearly 20 years in their motorhome. Ken’s greatest joy in life was spending time with family and special hugs from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Before retirement, Ken worked as an insurance agent, Clinton Corn Processing, Brinkman Lumber Company, and substitute rural mail carrier for Fulton and Cordova areas.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Helga, and daughters: Rita (Randy) Kaufman-Schaller and Christine (James) McGowan. Grandchildren: Katie (Adam) Hoagland, Alyssa (Joe) Fisher, Brianna (Doug) Chidester, Nicholas (Katie) Kaufman, Courtney McGowan, Ryan McGowan, Mitch Schaller and Jordan Schaller. Great-Grandchildren: Colton Hoagland, Kennedy & Paige Fisher, Wren Kaufman, and a great-grandbaby on the way.

Ken was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Ella Mae Bielema, and brother Wayne Huizenga.

Joe Stinchfield Obituary

Joe was a part of our Magnolia family for many years and will be missed by all who knew him.

 Keith Joseph "Joe" Stinchfield, 100, of Willard, WI, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI.

Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 am at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman.  Fr. Ben Franchuk will celebrate the Mass with burial to follow in the Bowman Cemetery.  Visitation for Joe will be on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 12-9 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel in Bowman.

Joe was born April 15, 1925 in Bowman, ND to Mark & Marion (Cunningham) Stinchfield.  He was raised on the family farm in Ladd township, Bowman County and attended first through 8th grade at Lone Tree School.  After eighth grade, Joe worked on the Ed McManus farm where he was paid $10 a month plus room and board, he also herded sheep for his sister Doris and built many stone johnnies.  Other jobs he had as a young man were working on a threshing crew and driving for the Dray Line delivering products to and from the railroad..

Joe met the first love of his life, Shirley Egeland, at a dance in Rhame. They were avid dancers throughout their time together.  They took square dancing lessons and could do a mean waltz and polka. They married on September 18, 1947.  Six children were born to this union.  In 1949, Joe went to work for Boyd Himebaugh of H&H Drilling Company.  After several years, Joe  started his own business and in 1956 Stinchfield Ditiching & Well Service began.  When the lean years were over, Joe & Shirley enjoyed traveling, camping & boating, & playing horseshoes.

Joe retired in 1989.  He & Shirley started wintering in Donna, Texas in 1994.  They enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and going to Mexico with their “Snow Bird” friends.

Shirley passed away on May 26, 2006.  The kids encouraged Joe to go back to Texas to get out of the ND winters.  There he met the second love of his life, Janice Brom.  They became dancing partners and soon decided to become life partners.  So at age 83, Joe, packed up his belongings and moved to Mead Lake, Wisconsin.  They were married on October 4, 2008. The couple continued to enjoy Texas living for several years.  With this marriage, Joe gained two step sons, their wives, and 5 granddaughters.  Joe enjoyed many new relatives and friends in Wisconsin as Jan comes from a large close knit family and has many friends.   Joe and Jan enjoyed the lake view living, pontooning, and of course a lot of dancing!  Jan took such good care of Joe.  She loved listening to his stories and making sure he was in tip top shape!   Without her care & love, Joe never would have made it to 100 years.

Joe was always a hard worker and his priority was providing for his family.  He never stopped learning new things and was a common sense man.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, Mark and Marion; siblings, Dorothy (Chet) West, Doris (Virgil West); George Stinchfield, Kenneth (Liz) Stinchfield; and Robert Stinchfield.  Son, Michael Stinchfield; Sons-in-law, Bill Weber, Les Rolph.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Janice Brom; his children, Diane Weber; Bonnie Stinchfield; Debbie ( Terry) Sarsland; Joel Rolph; Mark (Teresa) Stinchfield; Matthew Stinchfield; Brian (Tara) Brom; Nathan (Lisa) Brom; Sister in law, Marce Stinchfield.  
Grandchildren;  Peter (Shelia) Weber; Erin Weber ( David Sullivan); Sunni Hanson (Jason Pearson); Carri Stinchfield (Tad Wells); Stephani (Casey) Frank; Terrill (Mike) Heyen; Curt (Jenn) Sarsland; Tanya Rolph ( Vayourinh Siharath); Jesse Rolph (Payton Caruth); Zach (Phoebe) Stinchfield;  Kayla, Kendra, Kinley Brom; Alice & Samantha Brom
Great grandchildren;  Kayla (Stuart) Collins; Jacob Weber; Kinsley Hanson; Summer and Taylor Wells; Nova and Rowan Frank; Eli, Rhyann, Lucy Heyen; Caleb, Julie Claire, Gabe, and Anna Sarsland; Brennan & Blakely Siharath; Aleah Fertig and Avery Rolph; Lily and Chloe Stinchfield
Many nieces and nephews.

Joe Stinchfield Celebrates a Milestone

 Joe Stinchfield celebrated his 100th birthday in April but the party was held today. Here are a couple of photos showing Joe and Jan along with some of the party goers.

To reach 100 is truly a cause for celebration!

Congratulations Joe on your Birthday Achievement

Allan Wolfe Obituary

 Allan Lane Wolfe, 81, of Chippewa Falls, passed away on June 8, 2025 at his home under the care of Mayo Hospice.

He was born on June 6, 1944 to Wesley and Alice (Anderson) Wolfe in Cornell, WI.

He grew up in Cornell and graduated from Cornell High School in 1962.

Outside of his professional life, Al was a man who found joy and fulfillment in the great outdoors. An avid hunter, he cherished the peaceful solitude of early mornings in nature, often sharing stories from his adventures. Golf was another of his passions — he loved the camaraderie of a day on the course. He had a deep love for traveling. Whether exploring new places or revisiting favorite destinations. He cherished spending time with his brothers, often working together on projects that brought them closer and created lasting memories

Al proudly served his country as a veteran, a commitment he carried with honor throughout his life. He was also a long-standing member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for over 50 years and a licensed Master Electrician. Dedicated to his trade, Al shared his expertise as an electrical apprenticeship instructor at a local technical school, mentoring countless students and helping them build strong, successful careers. Through his service, profession, and passions, Al built a life defined by integrity, generosity, and lasting relationships—always reminding those around him to embrace life’s simple pleasures.

Known for his quick wit and caring nature, his home was always open to family and friends—a place where everyone felt welcome.

Allan is survived by his loving partner, Roxann Herold of Chippewa Falls; his children, Shelby Martin of Houston, MN, Christina Dziuk of Fond du Lac, WI, and Lane (Jeanie) Wolfe of Eau Claire; Grandchildren, Haley Dziuk, Brianna Martin, Jonathan Dziuk, Brett Martin and Maxwell Wolfe; Great Grandchildren, Sarvini Thandapani, Brexton and Beckett Martin; Siblings, William Wolfe, Peter Wolfe, David Wolfe, Bonnie Stordahl and Sharon Shier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Alice Wolfe; Siblings, Wanda Randall and Virginia Walker; and Son in law: Shawn Martin.

A Memorial Service for Allan will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Father Tom Oudenhoven officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with services starting at 11:00 a.m. Al will be laid to rest in Prairie View Cemetery following the service.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Allan Wolfe, please visit our flower store.

Allan Wolfe (Abe)

 I just saw on Facebook that Abe Wolfe has passed. I can't find an obituary but Abe and Roxy were residents of Magnolia Park for several years. Abe was involved in music and often sang at the jams. If I do find an obituary, I will post it.

Paul Pfeiffer and Shirl Pfeiffer

 I have received word from Edna Walker that Paul Pfeiffer passed on May 11 and his wife Shirl also passed about a week ago.

I did find mention of an obituary but was unable to read it or share it. Edna told me that they were Magnolia residents when she and Jerry first went to the valley and they were involved in music and golf.

I did not know them as that was before our time but I'm sure some of you must remember them. They apparently lived in the Valley as a funeral home in Harlingen handled their services.

Orlen Anderson Obituary

I received word today from Eileen Misfeldt that Orlen Anderson had passed. He and his wife Shirley lived in Magnolia Park for several years. I do appreciate that Eileen keeps me informed with information like this and it gives us a chance to chat a bit. She and LeRoy are doing fine and I enjoyed chatting with her. We talked about the "good old days" and agreed there will never be anything quite like what we had at Magnolia.! They do miss going south and I told her we do like our park Trails End a lot, of course that could be because so many of our Magnolia neighbors are also there!

Orlen Anderson, 92, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his home at Prince of Peace Assisted Living.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls.  Interment will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, also at the funeral home.  

 Orlen was born in Madison, SD to William and Laura (Grove) Anderson on October 31, 1932.  He grew up on the family farm by Howard, SD.  Orlen graduated from Howard High School and worked on the farm for two years.

 On February 10, 1952, Orlen was united in marriage to Carol Ann Nelson at Oldham Lutheran Church in Oldham, SD.  They lived in Madison prior to moving to Sioux Falls where he worked at a commission firm for eight years.  Orlen then worked at the United States Postal Service for 32 years.  Orlen and his wife, Carol Ann were members of the Moose Lodge for 18 years.  On June 13, 1995, Carol Ann passed away.

 On October 23, 1998, Orlen was united in marriage to Shirley Tirrel at Ben Clare United Methodist Church in rural Valley Springs. Orlen and Shirley wintered in Donna, TX for 15 years.  Shirley passed away on May 28, 2018.

Orlen had the remarkable ability to remember dates and years of birthdays and anniversaries of all of his relatives as well as family friends.  He loved to share stories of his childhood on the family farm and how he lived with a married couple in Howard in order to attend high school.  Orlen was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and always looked forward to eating lutefisk and lefsa.

 Left to share his memories are his sons, Donald (Jean) Anderson and Richard (Debbie) Anderson; his daughter, Laurie (Scott) Timmer. Orlen was blessed with ten grandchildren, Rebecca (Tim) Petersen, Daniel Anderson, Heidi Galer, Michaela Anderson, Lucas (Alexis) Anderson, Elizabeth (Dave) Furlong, Benjamin (Jill) Anderson, Joseph (Amanda) Timmer, Kristina (David) Foster, and Andrew (Audrianne) Timmer as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

 Orlen was preceded in death by his wives, Carol Ann and Shirley; son, Robert Anderson; parents, William and Laura Anderson; brother, Harvey Anderson; sisters-in-law, Lenora Anderson, Laurel Jensen, and Loretta Nelson; brothers-in-law, Orville Jensen, Verlynn Nelson, and Glen Pearson; nephews, Michael Nelson and Wayne Anderson; daughter-in-law, Pam Anderson; and grandson-in-law, Matt Galer.

 

Mary Pierce

 I am saddened to report that I have heard from Mike and Pat Jordan that Mary Pierce has passed. We remember Mary and her husband Max well. I always thought of Mary as the true definition of a "lady" and it seems she always had a smile on her face. She and Leslie C would handle the readings when Magnolia would have our annual Remembrance Service for those who had passed each year

Mary Lou Pierce, age 87, of Stockton, IL passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born on June 19, 1937 in Freeport, IL to the late Lyle and Daisie (Hardacre) Rife. Lyle passed away when Mary was young and her mother later married Wilbur Wright. Mary married her high school sweetheart, Max Pierce, on August 20, 1955 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton. 

She was a 1955 graduate of Stockton High School. Mary was an active member of the UU Church in Stockton. She loved bowling with the Motorettes, dancing with her husband, playing cards, gardening, cooking and wintering with her husband in Donna TX. Mary was exceptionally kind, a caretaker to the core. She was always thinking of others and everyone was welcomed in her home. 

She is survived by her husband, Max Pierce; her children, Vicki (Olivier Andreini) Selover, Crystal Pierce, Brian (Patti) Pierce, Rick Pierce and Diane (Dale) Heath; her grandchildren, Jefferson (Amanda) Selover, Regina (Derek) Butler, John (Natasha Hastings) Reiland, Jammie (Mark) Hannis, Jana Reiland, Tony Pierce, Karly (Larry) Gleeson, Jing Jing (Sitai Qin) He, Maria (Ragnar Stefánsson) Heath, Carissa (James) Armstrong, Vince (Chas) Heath and Alissa Adams; her 15 great grandchildren; and her sisters, Phyllis Gothard, Pat Phillips and Sharon (Stan) Cox. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Eugene Selover; her daughter-in-law, Jiao He; and her sister, Shirley Heller and brothers-in-law, Dalvin Heller, Gene Gothard and Don Phillips.

A memorial fund will be established in lieu of flowers. 

A celebration of life potluck will be held at 1pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Brian & Patti Pierce farm for friends and family.  

This and That

 It was suggested to me that I should post some of my bird pictures and wildlife pictures on the blog as many folks don't have Facebook which is where I usually post them and I like that idea so here are just a few I've taken since we returned home from Texas.

Virginia Stavrum Birthday

 I know it's been ages since I've posted anything so I'm glad I heard from Connie Dziuk today regarding her Mom's birthday.

Virginia Stavrum, who like so many of us, is a former Magnolia Park resident is having her 98th birthday on May 1. That is quite an achievement for anyone to reach.

It would be great if cards could be sent to her to help her celebrate such a milestone. Her address is:

Guardian Angels Care Center, Virginia Stavrum Room 305, 400 Evans Ave NW, Elk River MN 55330. Connie says that her Mom has some memory issues but otherwise is in good health. May 1 is not that far away so lets get those cards in the mail very soon!

The news from former Magnolia residents is getting less and less as the years pass. I am able to keep track of all of those who are in our park Trails End and we are in touch with a few others and sometimes see them in the Valley. It is always good to see old friends, which as I read what I just wrote could be a pun. Long-time friends and we are all getting older but you all know what I meant.

My computer seems to have a mind of its own because it keeps changing what I am typing. That is not a good sign! Our trip home was almost uneventful except for going through Kansas City at rush hour. We won't do that again! In fact, we will go back to our usual route which is straight down through Illinois, over to Little Rock and Texarkana and then south to the Rio Grande Valley. It is the most stress free that's for sure.

My computer is giving me a fight so I guess I'm done. Happy Easter to all and remember, if you have news to share, please do let me know.

Ron Pearce Obituary

 Ronald Earl Pearce, age 80, of Weslaco, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Ronald was born on February 11, 1944 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Christine B. Pearce and his 3 sons Randy Pearce, Brian (Lisa) Pearce and Aaron (Diane) Pearce. Also left to cherish his memories are 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents Roderick Pearce and Bernadette Kohler and his brother Tom Pearce.

Mr. Pearce had a big interest in houseboating on the Mississippi River. He spent his married life in Richfield, Wisconsin. He was an EMT and prior he was a credit manager.