Obituaries

Loren D. Houts, 71, of Shellsburg, IA, passed away Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at Harmony House in Cedar Rapids, IA. Per Loren's wishes there will be no services planned at this time.Loren was born January 18th, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Orvalle "Dale" and Nelevene (Wilkinson) Houts. He worked in Shellsburg as a carpenter. Loren loved to spend time outdoors on his trips to Alaska.

Robert “Bob” Sand, 85, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Vinton, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 24, 2023.The visitation will be Tuesday, March 28th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton, with Rev.

Joel G. Kowalsky, 76, of La Porte City, died Friday, March 24, 2023, at Mercy One Waterloo Medical Center. He was born November 7, 1946, in Osage, the son of Arnold and Pearl Butters Kowalsky. He was a 1965 graduate of La Porte City High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era.He was a carpenter for John G. Miller Construction, later called Cardinal Construction, Inc.

     Dickie Lynn Covington, 67, died Friday, March 24, 2023 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.     Dickie was born February 18, 1956 in Iowa City to Ruby Covington.  Dickie attended Washington High School in Vinton.   On June 26, 1987 he married Rebecca Bray in Belmont, Iowa. He was a self-employed truck driver and was a passionate stock car fan.

Gary W. Haars, 77, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics following complications of a stroke.  Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton.  Burial: Center Point Cemetery with full military rites. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.

Flora Lorene (Andrews) Leaven, 85, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Newhall, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at her home.Visitation will be held, Friday, March 24, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Newhall.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Paul,, with Rev. Jim Miller as Celebrant.

Dorothy Catherine Brecht, 103, of Blairstown passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 20, 2023. She had had a second stroke and was at her daughter’s home with the support of Hospice of Mercy of Cedar Rapids. The visitation will be Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown. A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Rev.

James Northup, 85, passed away peacefully at Belle Plaine Specialty Care on March 20th, 2023.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Blairstown American Legion Hall.Friends may call from 4-6 PM, Thursday also at the Legion Hall. A private interment will be held at a later date.James was born January 18, 1938 in Sigourney to Jess and Hazel (Fry) Northup.

Marcus W. Greenlee, 72, died Saturday, March 18, 2023, peacefully at home. Marcus was born March 9th, 1951.  He attended Northeast Missouri State University and received a bachelor’s degree.  He worked at Benton County for 47 years as the Environmental Health and Land Use Administrator.  Marc enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed the outdoors.

Frances “Fran” Radcliffe, 92, of Vinton, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 23 at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton, with Pastor Brian Reeves officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home.Fran is survived by her children: Paulette Dulin, Melody (Don Abernathy) Williams and Douglas Dulin all of Vinton; two grandchildren: Charles Williams of North Liberty and Molly Williams of San Diego, CA; and many other numerous family members.