Shirley Benner Obituary

 I have been informed of the passing of Shirley Benner. Shirley and Roy were long time residents of Magnolia Park and most of you will remember her.

The family of Shirley I. Benner sadly shares the news of her passing. After a struggle with cancer, she passed at the age of 89 with her daughters and family around her on July 12, 2026.  Shirley was born in Cedar Springs, MI to Carlton and Phyllis (Metzger) Eadie.  She was preceded in death by Roy, her loving husband of 71 years; her parents; brothers, Keith Eadie and Dale Eadie; daughter Lauri Brower; son-in-law’s, Howard Smith and David Draper; grandson’s, Daniel Jousma and Phillip Jousma; and great granddaughter, Breanna Otto.  She is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Cal) Karsten, Judy Smith, Christy (Marty)  Walker, Gale Draper, Kim (Gary) Donker; 13 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; siblings, Russell (Shirley) Eadie, Kay Alverson, Marge (Carl) Alverson, Richard (Tanya) Eadie, Larry (Deb) Eadie and Phil (Deborah) Eadie; many nieces and nephews. Shirley loved to travel.  She and Roy would pack up the girls and would travel north, south, east or west every summer and go camping on the weekends.  When Roy worked out of state, she took leave from work and went to wherever Roy was working. Upon retirement from GM after 25 years, the two of them would hook up the Airstream trailer and start off on a journey to wherever the road would lead them.  Their goal was to visit every national park and see every state, including Alaska and Denali & Glacier Bay National Parks.   If Roy didn’t want to go somewhere that she wanted to go, that didn’t stop her.  She would simply ask her sister(s) or daughter(s) to take the adventure with her. Her patient, committed and unconditional love of her family and friends was a living testament to her love of the Lord.  By example, she taught her children to love the Lord, to be faithful, strong and independent. The “light-of-her-life” where the grandchildren and great grands – especially the babies.  She “loved” on them all. Shirley was a crafter (knitting and cross stitch being most memorable), garage sale treasure hunter (her favorite spot was the Ropa in Texas!) and a woman who loved to play cribbage, cards and dominos. Shirley (mom), you have left our earthly life, but you will never leave our hearts.  We will always miss you and love you. A celebration of life service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Alaska Baptist Church, 7240 – 68th St.  SE, Caledonia, MI  49316 with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow at 12:00 p.m.  A grave side committal will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, 2894 Patterson Ave.  SE, Grand Rapids, MI  49512 following the lunch. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

 

Cornelius "Cornie" Everett Rietveld Obituary

I have been informed of the passing of Cornie Rietveld. Cornie and Gert were residents of Magnolia Park and as I recall, lived in their RV. His brother Tom & Tom's wife Joyce were also in Magnolia at that time.

Cornelius “Cornie” Everett Rietveld passed to his heavenly home on the morning of July 7, 2026, at the age of 87. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Bridge Community Church in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Reverend Clayton Balsley will be officiating.

He was born March 22, 1939, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea to Neal and Jennie (Loverink) Rietveld. He attended country school in the Rose Creek area. At the age of 12, he had a severe gun accident and spent 3 months in Austin Hospital. He still carried shrapnel in his chest from the accident.

At the age of 15, following his father’s passing, he began farming with his mother and sister Irene. Cornie loved excitement and speed. He had many cars and two Harley-Davidsons, 1942 & 1951. His last bike was a 2006 Suzuki. His sister Irene recalls his many adventures.

He met his children’s mother, Nancy Fell, from Waseca, and during their 46-year marriage, they had six children: Neal, Angie, Ron, Connie, Dan, and Bob.

His jobs consisted of working on farms and construction as a mechanic and truck driver. Cornie loved to fish and had many rods. One of his favorites was owned by his deceased son, Neal, who passed away in December of 2024.

After Nancy passed away, he sold their farm but kept the 20 acres and called it “The Farm”. This is where he parked his motorhome during his many visits to “The Farm,” and where his children joined him for camping and good times. Cornie introduced Ruth Ann to camping at “The Farm,” where they spent many weeks in the summer.

Cornie's health gave him many trials and tribulations, but he was so strong until the end. He was very proud of his Dutch heritage.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy (2006); his second wife, Gertrude (2018); his parents, Neal and Jennie Rietveld; his brothers, Bob and Jack; his twin sisters at birth; and his son, Neal.

Cornie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth Ann Severtson Rietveld; his children: Angie (Dave) Strommer of Alaska, Ron (Jaci) Rietveld of Aitkin, Connie (Daniel) Kingsley Ford of Aitkin, Dan (Roxanne) Rietveld of Aitkin, MN, and Bob (Jessica) Rietveld of Austin; step-children: Jeff (Janet) Severtson of Plymouth, Stacia (Mark) Schumaker of Glenville, Sandin (Lisa) Grasdalen of Edgewood, WA, Chad (Nicky) Severtson of Albert Lea and Jason (Laurie) Severtson of Union, KY; brother: Tom (Joyce) Rietveld of Owatonna, sisters: Irene Rietveld of Rose Creek, Betty (Peter) Porta of Johnson City, TN, his 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; and by and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Rest in peace, “Babe,” till we see each other again.

Deral Rogers Obituary

 Deral Wayne Rogers, 77, passed away August 6, 2026, in Sioux City, IA. Memorial services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Visitation will be at 9:00 A.M. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 10:00 AM.

Deral was born in Oakwood, Texas, on January 1, 1949. He spent his youth in Texas until he enlisted in the Navy in June 1968. Deral spent four years serving in the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged, having earned a Bronze Star.

He spent the next 23 years mastering his trade as a master welder until he moved to Sioux City in 1995 to help rebuild the Terra plant in Port Neal, Iowa. It was here that he met his wife, Linda Rogers, while out dancing. They bonded over their shared love of music and spent 26 years together raising Linda’s children, Carrie and Robert, and spreading joy and love until Linda passed away in 2021.

Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer, Deral continued to find joy in music, spending his winters jamming with his friends in Texas and the rest of his time in Sioux City, Iowa doing the same. He spent his final day at the Betty Strong Encounter Center playing his guitar and singing with his friends and loved ones.

Deral is survived by his girlfriend, Mary Jo; mother-in-law, Elaine; stepchildren, Carrie and Robert; sister, Laura; and grandchildren.

Deral Rogers

 I have been informed that Deral Rogers of Sioux City Iowa has passed away. Deral and his wife Linda were Magnolia residents for several years. Many of you will remember him as the son-in-law of Spike and Elaine Wingert and you will also remember his very deep voice. He and Linda often sang together at the jams and their voices complimented each other perfectly.

If I'm able to find an obituary I will post it here.

Genevia Jackson Obituary

 Genevia (Gilmore) Jackson, age 82 of Sparta, Missouri passed away June 23rd, 2026 in Alamo, Texas. She was born August 11, 1943, in Rogersville, Missouri 

For twenty years, Genevia was employed at Fasco in Ozark with her husband, Mike. After retirement, they traveled across the country together. They settled in the warmth of the Weslaco, Texas community and then later the Alamo Rose Community. 

She is survived by her husband Mike; sons Rick Jackson and wife Tammie and Michael Jackson and wife Darenda; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and many other caring relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her dad John Gilmore, mom Carrie (Williams) Gilmore, and sisters Buelah, Aimee, and Ivonne.

Funeral services for Genevia will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026 at J.D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home, Rogersville. Burial will follow in Linden Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2025 at the funeral home.

 

Genevia Jackson Death Notice

 Alamo- Genevia Jackson, 82, passed away on June 23, 2026.

Genevia and Mike were long-time residents of Magnolia Park. This is the only information that I could find at this time.

Arrangements for Genevia will be under the direction of J.D. Lee & Sons Funeral Home, of Rogersville, MO.

Jon D Larson

 Mary Bruun called me yesterday telling me that we have lost another former Magnolia resident. The obituary wasn't available until today. Jon and Edy at one time had a cabin in the Willard Wisconsin area which is only about 18 miles from where we live. We, of course, didn't know that until we met them in Magnolia Park.

JonD. Larson, 83 of Coon Valley, died Thursday May 7, 2026 at Aspen Place in Viroqua. He was born August 3, 1942 to Sherman and Olga (Rude) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Jon graduated from Westby High School in 1960. He married Edythe Hanson on March 7, 1964 at Coon Valley Lutheran. They lived on the family farm outside of Coon Valley and raised 3 children. He briefly operated the Mobil Service Station in Coon Valley before returning to the farm. Jon enjoyed doing custom work in the Coon Valley area for many years. After retiring, they traveled to warmer climates during the winter months. They also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Mead Lake. He maintained many friendships from their travels.

Survivors include 3 children, David (Sue) Larson, Darren (Jodi) Larson and Debby (Jeff) Kragt; 4 grandchildren, Jessie Larson (Ethan Baker), Mitch (Lisa) Larson, Katie (Dalton) Tysver and Nick Larson; and a great grandson, Kayson Tysver.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edy in 2020; his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Carliss (Karen) Larson and his uncle and aunt, Clinton (Lucy) Larson.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday May 13, 2026 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Ben Morris will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. The Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. 

Max turns 90!

I hope you all can see the details. It isn't as easy as it used to be for me to post. Or maybe I am just rusty! Barb B.

 

Walt Peterson

 I was also asked to pass this information along. Walt Peterson passed away January 28, 2026. There was no obituary.

Walt was cremated and his remains were sent to his family members in Dayton Iowa. Walt and Cindy Peterson were long time residents of Magnolia Park.

Edna Nelson Obituary

 I am sorry to be posting this so late, Darlene Jansen gave this information to me a long time ago but truthfully I seem to be so busy that I got way behind in taking care of this blog. I hope to have much more time here at home this summer so things get posted in a timely fashion.

Edna Mae Nelson lived a long and steady life, the kind built on work, family, and the simple routines that become the heart of a home. She passed away February 23, 2026 at the age of 95, surrounded by her family at Westridge Nursing Home in Knoxville. Following her wishes, no formal services will be held. Memorials in Edna's honor may be directed to the American Legion Post 632 in Melcher-Dallas, in care of Pierschbacher Funeral Home, 309 W Main Street, Knoxville Iowa 50138.

She was born January 5, 1931, to Ira and Belle (Sims) Vander Linden, one of twelve children in a lively household where there was always someone to talk to and something going on. Growing up in such a large family meant that quiet moments were rare, but laughter and stories were never in short supply. She attended Knoxville Schools with the class of 1949, stepping into adulthood with the same steady determination that would carry her through the years ahead.

On March 19, 1949, Edna married Charles "Whitey" Nelson. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work and were blessed with three children: Cindy, Charles Jr. and Barry. Edna believed in showing up and doing what needed to be done, whether at home or out in the community. She spent years working as the cook at Melcher High School, where students and staff alike came to know her not just for her warm presence but for recipes that became local favorites. Her cinnamon rolls and school pizza were talked about long after the lunch trays were cleared. She also found herself chaperoning dances and riding along on girls' sports trips, quietly becoming part of the memories of countless students.

Edna wore many hats over the years. She worked as a beautician in Melcher, spent time at Casey's, and at the Northcote Locker. When Whitey suffered a stroke in 1977, she moved her beauty shop into their home so she could continue working while caring for him. It was just what she did--she adjusted and kept going.

In the early 80's, Edna and Whitey began wintering in Texas, a tradition that brought new friendships and a different pace of life. She settled easily into the retirement community there, filling her days with crafts, painting, sewing, and cooking for friends. After Whitey passed in 2009, she continued making the trip south for another decade, holding onto the friendships and routines that meant so much to her.

Back home in Iowa, her world centered around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She rarely missed a school function if she could help it, happy to sit in the stands or an auditorium seat, simply watching them grow.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Whitey" Nelson; her parents, Ira and Belle Vander Linden; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Nelson; son-in-law, Kevin DeGoey; sister-in-law Leota Nelson; and her siblings Viola, Louise, Muriel, Paul, an infant brother Ira, Ray, Tub, Lucille, Jack, and Ruth.

She leaves behind her children, Cindy Nelson, Charles (Rhonda) Nelson Jr. and Barry Nelson; her brother, Dale (Judy) Vander Linden; and a niece raised as a sister, Sandra Williams. She also leaves six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will remember her steady presence, her work ethic, and the warmth she brought into their lives.

Vera Salmon Obituary

 I was saddened to be informed that Vera Salmon has passed. She was a very long-time resident of Magnolia Park and I'm sure many of us have lots of great memories of her. She loved the Goldwing Express group and I remember when Kenton hired them to help celebrate her birthday. The hall was packed and I don't think she ever quite smiling all the while they played.

 

Vera Salmon Obituary

Vera was born to Bill and Olive Smith in Grandview on January 6, 1937. She was the youngest of three children, and her older siblings Cliff and Irene, guided her to dances! She came south, first to Russell to work in a bakery, and then moved to Birtle where she worked at the hospital. A love affair with a local young man, George Salmon began at a Solsgirth Dance. This love affair continued for 50 years. They were married on February 22, 1956 and began their farming career together. Then came the arrival of their four sons – Kenton, Murray, Darren and Lyle, followed by 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Vera’s cooking was her life. She could whip up a meal for a crowd in no time and no one ever went home hungry. The coffee pot was always on; neighbours and friends were welcome at any hour, especially after the Gnaton Hall Dances!

Vera and George loved to dance, to visit, to fish and to travel, both to northern Manitoba and straight down south #83 to Texas. They spent over 35 years as Manitoba Snowbirds, saw lots of scenery and made countless friends each winter. Mexico was always an adventure-some things we don’t know the whole story on…but they loved it.

George passed away April 10, 2006, and Vera, with her family, always close by, continued on the Salmon way by welcoming friends and strangers to her home. For 58 years she continued the camping and fishing trips to Iskwasum with family and friends as well as heading south where she was always welcomed by her friends.

Vera was predeceased by her husband George, her parents Bill and Olive Smith, her siblings Cliff Smith and Irene (Bill) Palmer; her in laws Ephraim and Mary Salmon, Velma (Don) Potter, Betty (Clarence) Hickman, and Joe Zuzanski.

Vera is survived by her sons and their families: Kenton Salmon, Kristen(Jamie) Larson and Taylor, and Kristen’s Mom Barb Salmon; Murray(Cheryl) Salmon, Jason (Kaitlynn) Salmon, Parker and Callum, Candace Salmon, Desmond and Wilfrid; Darren Salmon, Amanda (Blaine) Watson, Karyssa (Austin) and Maliah, Courtney (Kyle) McKinney, stepdaughter Roselyn Silvaggio, Alivia and Zachary; Lyle (Betty) Salmon, Colin(Glynis) Salmon and Adelynn, Brendon (Shaylin) Salmon and Jayce; her sisters-in-law Dorothy and Verla, as well as multiple nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly.

Cecil Woodward

 Cecil Edward Woodward, 89, of Callaway, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Callaway Good Life Center.

He was born on September 19, 1936, in Callaway, Nebraska to Merril and Esther (Rarden) Woodward. He attended public school in Callaway and graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1954.

Cecil enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on January 31, 1959. On August 10, 1959, Cecil married Hazel Harvey. Four children were blessed to this union: Jeral, Joe, Janel and Jon. This marriage would later end. He would soon find love again and was united in marriage to Jean Hergenrader on July 7, 2001, bringing a blended family together with Krysti and Scott.

Cecil worked in various jobs in Cozad and owned the Body Fender Repair and later painted cars at H&H Body Shop. In 1970 his family made their home in Callaway where he owned the Sinclair Service Station then worked for the Village of Callaway doing maintenance and repairs. He also spent many years working for the Coop Station (now Country Partners) until his retirement in 2001.

Cecil was greatly involved in his community throughout the years. He was a charter member of the Cozad Elks Club and held many positions in the Lions Club. He was a member of the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years, was a village board member for 14 years, and has been a Grand Generation Manor Board Member since 1974. Although Cecil kept his plate full of work and volunteering, he always had time for friends who needed a ride to medical appointments or to enjoy a cup of coffee. Cecil was a founding and active member at the Callaway Lutheran Church.

During his down time, Cecil enjoyed being outdoors looking for wildlife, long country drives and spending time at the soddy. He often hunted, fished and went camping with his family. He was an avid pool player and enjoyed traveling. He loved to keep his garden meticulous and always had a deep adoration for classic cars. His greatest love was being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who always kept him busy with their activities and sports.

Survivors include his daughters, Jeral (Sam) Tillman of Omaha, and Janel (Rod) Brestel of Callaway; daughter-in-law, Amanda Woodward of Beatrice, Krysti (Steve) Cunningham of Omaha, Scott (Pam) Hergenrader of Cozad; sister, Peggy Holeman of Arcadia; sister-in-law, Jo Woodward of Loveland, Colorado; and brother-in-law, Rich Elliott of Lone Oak, Texas; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; special friend, Jo Keyser of Callaway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides his parents and wife Jean, Cecil was preceded in death by his two sons, Joe and Jon; brothers, Larry (Jo Ann) Woodward and Gail Woodward; sisters, Detta (Jack) Wright and Carolyn Elliott; brother-in-law, Dick Holeman.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Callaway Community Center in Callaway with Joyce Kolbo, P.M.A. And Ken Pitkin, officiating. The service will be live-steamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.

Burial with Military Honors will be held after the service at the Waldheim Cemetery in rural Callaway.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Grand Generation Manor or Callaway Good Life Center.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Velma Jay information with Address

 I received word yesterday that Velma Jay, who had lived on Lime Street and at one time had beat stage 4 lung cancer , has now found that she now has stomach cancer and her lymph nodes are also involved. They have decided not to do more treatment and she has been given less than six months. Her address, if you'd like to send a card, is 4193 W Main Street, Poseyville Indiana 47633

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.