Obituaries
Dean Chandler Schirm
Dean Chandler Schirm, 96, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, due to natural causes. Dean was born on April 4, 1928, in Vinton, Iowa where he was raised and where he graduated from Vinton High School.In 1951, Dean married the love of his life, Helen, whom he met in Vinton before joining the U.S. Army. Their love story continued as Helen accompanied him to Georgia during his service. Jack Duane Decker
Jack Duane Decker, 89 of Morris, Illinois died in his sleep on Friday, September 13, 2024. He was born July 26, 1935, to Harry and Selma (Kota) Decker in Finchford, Iowa, where he will also be buried.Jack worked for his father as a young man putting up telephone lines. He joined the navy in 1953 and served in the Korean war until 1956. He worked for Coca-Cola before becoming employed with John Deere, where he retired after 26 years. Ballard J. “Bop” Smith
Ballard J. “Bop” Smith, Jr., age 70, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 16, 2024.A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Ida County Conservation Center located at 299 Jasper Ave., Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Paul Edward Mittan
Paul Edward Mittan, 80, of Blairstown, IA passed away September 16, 2024 at Keystone Care Center, Keystone, IA. Paul was born September 25, 1943 to Charles Edward and Donna (Usher) Mittan in Cedar Rapids, IA. He attended Roosevelt and Jefferson High Schools in Cedar Rapids. Moving with his family to Blairstown, to enjoy the small-town life, Paul graduated from Blairstown High School. Gavin Rohrbach
It is with great sadness that the family of Gavin Monroe Rohrbach announce his death.Gavin Monroe Rohrbach, 17, of La Porte City, passed away in a car accident on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.Gavin was born on March 15, 2007, to proud parents Victor and Leah (Monroe) Rohrbach in Yokosuka, Japan where his father served in the United States Navy. His mother was blessed to stay at home with him while stationed at multiple Navy bases including in Oklahoma and Virginia before settling in La Porte City in 2014. Jane Ellen (Roths) Harrah
Jane Ellen (Roths) Harrah was born March 31, 1938 in Vinton, Iowa and passed away on September 10, 2024 at the age of 86 after battling for years with declining health. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Jane was born and raised in Vinton. Following graduation, she attended college at the University of Northern Colorado. She became a 3rd grade teacher in several districts including Rochester, Minnesota; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and finally in Denver, Colorado where she met and married Marvin Harrah. Darrlyn James (Jim) Dolan
Darrlyn James (Jim) Dolan, 81 of Urbana, IA, formerly of Clermont, IA, died peacefully at Mercy Hospital on September 8, 2024 surrounded by family. A private family service will be held at a later date.Jim was born in Honolulu, HI. He was a proud Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a successful business owner and will be remembered by many as a coach, mentor, and pioneer in the Southern California softball arena. Andrew “Jake” Michael Brecht
Andrew “Jake” Michael Brecht, 56, of Ankeny, IA passed away September 10, 2024 at EveryStep Kavanagh House, Des Moines, IA following a courageous battle with cancer.Andy was born May 18, 1968 to Dennis and Yvonne (Schulte) Brecht in Ames, IA. He grew up on a farm near Watkins, IA, and graduated from Norway High School, class of 1986. Andy worked in automotive service for 38 years starting in Omaha, NE. Gordon “Gordie” Young
Gordon “Gordie” Young, 83, passed away peacefully, at his home, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, with Pastor Jamie Wolf officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the funeral home. Dana Beth Lane
Dana Beth Lane, 61, of Vinton, Iowa, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown, surrounded by her loved ones. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 11, from 4-7 pm at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home in Vinton. Memorial services will be held Thursday, September 12, at 10:30 am at Blessed Hope Church in Vinton.