Obituaries
Virginia Kuester
Virginia Kuester, 85, of Watkins, IA, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, due to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, December 27 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Norway, with Pastor Jacob Dunne officiating. Internment will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church. Raymond Herman Frerick
Raymond Frerick, age 84, passed away on December 18, 2024. While officially listed as natural causes, it was really a broken heart after losing his wife in November. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Karen, during a private graveside service on Friday, December 20 at 1:30 pm at Memorial Services of Iowa. A remembrance will be held in the spring. James “Jim” Stueck
James “Jim” Stueck, 84, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab, Vinton. Private family services will be held. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Jim and his family.Jim was born on June 25, 1940 in Vinton, the son of Gilbert and Virginia (Ervin) Stueck. Jay Elise Feuerbach
Jay Elise Feuerbach, 75, of Keystone, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at her home.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 21st at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, with Pastor Josiah Schultz officiating. Interment will be held at Keystone Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, also on Saturday prior to the funeral service. Robert Roger Close
Robert Roger Close, 89, of Gladbrook, IA, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He was born in his Uncle Paul’s home in rural Brandon, IA on November 23, 1935, to Robert and Edith Close. He married Gloria Jones on January 7, 1961. Roger is survived by one son, Craig (Suzanne) of Pensacola, FL; two grandsons Jason Close of Washington, DC, and Braden Close of Pensacola, FL; two great grand children: Tobias and Simon of Omaha, NE. LaVonne Marie Solberg
LaVonne Marie Solberg, 87, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in Marion, Iowa. She was born on January 13, 1937, to Frank C. and Pearl (Smith) LaTour.LaVonne graduated from Rowley High School in 1954 and married the love of her life, David Lloyd Solberg, on July 18 of that same year in Rowley. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. Helen Louise Bruch Rabe
Helen Louise Bruch Rabe, 96, of Blairstown, went to her heavenly home on December 12, 2024. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, Blairstown, with Pastor Jeffrey Schanbacher officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, at the church. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown. Christine “Chris” Millius
UPDATED:Surrounded by her loving family, Christine “Chris” Millius, 62, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024, at her residence, following a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services will be tomorrow from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with service at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Vinton, with Pastor Anne Williams officiating. Terry Joe Graveman
Terry Joe Graveman, age 66, died on Friday, December 6, 2024, following a traffic accident north of Newhall.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton, with Melea Davis officiating. Interment will be held at Raetz Cemetery near Atkins, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Vinton Country Club from 1:00 until 4:00 PM. Scott Allen Kacena
Scott Allen Kacena, 60, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids.