Obituaries

Larry Philip Olson, 77 of Belle Plaine, Iowa entered the gates of heaven on November 14, 2022.Larry was born June 14, 1944 to Philip and Virgie (Plagman) in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Churdan High School, class of 1962. Larry worked for the Iowa DOT as a bridge inspector.Larry is survived by his wife, Cathy of 32 years; sisters, Bonnie Schilling and Patty Oaks; stepchildren, Jerry (Jennifer) Hamilton, Tim (Katie) Hamilton, Joel (Tonya) Hamilton, Lisa (Terry) Williams, Ann (Michael) Yilek and Amy (Douglas) Zerba; children, Tina, Eric, and Aaron; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Evelyn Elsner Claypool, 94 of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy following a short illness. Services: 11 a.m., Saturday at Teahen Funeral Home by Penny Ackerman. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday after 10 a.m. at Teahen Funeral Home.Mary is survived by her children, Renita Herman and Terry Claypool both of Cedar Rapids and Colleen Claypool (Terry) Graveman of Newhall; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister in-law, Laurine DeWitte and many nieces and nephews.

Irma Jean McLaurin, 71, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at the Vinton Lutheran Home. Private family services will be held. Irma was born January 5, 1951, in Florida to Horace and Marion (Neely) Miller. Irma was a caregiver for most of her working career. Irma graduated from Rets Electronic School with a degree in electronics. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, R&B, funk music, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Carol Gene Hootman, 86, died November 14, 2022 at his home in Webster, Iowa. He was born January 24, 1936 to Arthur and Alice Black Hootman near Birmingham, Iowa. He graduated from Vinton High School in 1954. He was employed by Iowa Steel and Iron Works for 20 years. In 1970 Carol and his sister Nancy and brother in law John purchased Timberlane Lodge near Ear Falls, Ontario, Canada.

James Franklin (Jim) Gosnell, of Warrensburg, Mo., formerly of Blairstown, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home. A graveside service will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. atthe Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Iowa. The family will host a celebration of life gathering beginning at noon at the American Legion Hall in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

Rickey (Rick) Paul Stoltzfus was born on May 25, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa to Louise Baade and adopted at 3 months to Ellen and Emmanuel Stoltzfus of Lake Park, Iowa.  Rick passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at home surrounded by loving family. Rick spent his early and school years in Lake Park.  In 1947 they welcomed his adopted sister Cheryl.

Surrounded by his loving family, Leonard Mullnix, 80, passed away peacefully at Virginia Gay Hospital Sunday, November 13, 2022. Private services will be held. Public Celebration of Life will be 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Mt. Auburn American Legion Hall. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.Leonard is survived by his wife, Leslie; sons: Chawn (Julie) Mullnix, Jayson Mullnix, Richard (Jackie) Bear and Chris Bear; daughters: Marlene (Rick) Lassen, Dana (Tom) Hanson, Karen (Virgil) Hootman and Amy (Steve) Van De Walle; 14 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jacob, Morgan, Riley, Kyle, Trina, Andrew, Abby, Alyssa, Alex, Dylan, James, Lucas and Peyton; several great-grandchildren; sister, Alberta Smith; sister-in-law, Ruth Howrey; two nephews; and best friend, Bruce Mehlert.

Cleo L. Gentz, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa.

Patricia J. (nee Smith) Pardun, 97, passed away on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, of natural causes at the ABCM Rehab Center, Independence, Iowa. Mrs. Pardun (Pat) was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Independence, Iowa, to Allen and Myra (Mattice) Smith. She attended the Independence schools along with her younger sister, Kathleen (Smith) Bellwood. She married W.

James Allan Rotter Sr., 82, of Walford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Mercy Hallmar. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, located at 8100 Roncalli Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church. Private family burial will be in St.