Obituaries
Bobbi Alpers
Bobbi Alpers, a jurist who became the first female chief judge of a judicial district in Iowa state history, died Thursday, December 24, 2020, of complications of Alzheimer’s at her home in rural Jackson County.Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be neither a visitation nor memorial service. A private burial will take place and in 2021 a celebration of Bobbi’s time on earth will be announced. Ronald Brent Charmichael
Ronald Brent Charmichael, 74, of rural Dysart, died peacefully at his home December 23, 2020. He was born November 24, 1946 to Vernon and Mildred (Holland) Charmichael of Traer. He graduated from Dysart High School in 1965, while living with his foster parents, Don and Janice Lyons. Ron married Reda McNamee December 2, 1967. Robert Putz
Robert Putz died on December 19, 2020 from natural causes. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years Darlyne M. Putz of Litchfield Park, AZ, children Robert Putz Jr and his wife Gail, William Putz and his wife Laura,Timothy Putz, Edward Putz and wife Darlene, Elizabeth Putz, and Mary Hughes and her husband David. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine O’Brien. Craig Allan Schminke Sr.
Craig Allan Schminke Sr, 65, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away December 22, 2020 in his home.Craig was born January 7, 1955 to Glenn and Lita (Albers) Schminke. He married Sherri Swearengin (Kozik) on October 27, 1979 and together, they had two children: Craig Allan Schminke Jr. and Brooke Renee Ivester (Schminke). The couple later divorced, but were dedicated to raising their children together. Ronette Kay Ternus
Ronette Kay Ternus, 65, of Shellsburg, Iowa, passed away on December 22, 2020 following a short illness.Ronette was born in Vinton, Iowa. The youngest daughter of Harold and Edith (Gardner) Fiebelkorn. She was married to Steve Ternus on August 19, 1972 in Shellsburg. She was an amazing mother and grandmother and gave joy to all of her family and the friends she always treated as family. Donald R. Erickson
Donald R. Erickson, 89, died Monday, December 21, 2020, at the Vinton Lutheran Home from natural causes. Private graveside services will be held at Maplewood Cemetery, Vinton.Don was born March 14, 1931 on the family farm near Vinton, the son of Carl J. and Clara Ida Moser Erickson. He attended school in Vinton. Don proudly served in the US Army from 1952-1954. Dewey H. Wheeler
Dewey H. Wheeler passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. He was 79 years of age. Dewey was a retired electrician from Iowa Manufacturing of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dewey was born Sept. 3, 1941, in Bluffton, Ind. Dewey was the loving son of the late Herbert Grayson Wheeler and the late Dorothy Irene Doonan. Charlys Jay “Chuck” Moody
Charlys Jay “Chuck” Moody, 86, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Belle Plaine Specialty Care.Private Graveside Services will be held at the Garrison Cemetery.Charlys was born on August 18, 1934 in Kalona, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Gladys (Troxel) Moody Sr. Following High School, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War. James Leo “Jimbo” Schutzman
James Leo “Jimbo” Schutzman, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at home in Shellsburg, surrounded by loved ones.Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until Noon, on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Oak Grove Christian Church in Shellsburg. A celebration of Life service will be held at Noon at the church with Pastor Matt Magee officiating. Dorothy Jean Becker
Dorothy Jean Becker, 89, of Belle Plaine passed away on Sunday, December 20th, 2020, at Belle Plaine Specialty Care. Dorothy was born on September 14th, 1931, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of Lee and Mae Thompson. Her family later moved to Iowa, where she graduated from Newhall High School. On November 15th, 1950, Dorothy married Wilbert Becker; the couple had eight children and lived on a dairy farm near Watkins, Iowa.