Obituaries
Cornelius "Wilbur" Engelke
Cornelius "Wilbur" Engelkes, or affectionately known as Connie, Whip, Corny, big papa or coach, was born on July 18, 1925, in Parkersburg, Iowa, to his parents Cornelius William & Clara (Smit) Engelkes. Wilbur attended school in Parkersburg, where he graduated high school. He went on to further his education at Nebraska Wesleyan and obtained his master's degree from the University of Wyoming and NE Missouri State University. Shirley Ann (Light) Schmuecker
Shirley Ann Schmuecker, 87, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Ann was born on April 2, 1935, in Newhall, Iowa, to Robert and Anna Becker Light. She graduated from Newhall, Iowa High School and went on to work her way through college, earning a teaching degree from the University of Iowa. She married Tom Schmuecker in 1959 in Iowa. Jerald “Jake” L. Nekola
Jerald “Jake” L. Nekola, 67, of Elberon, IA passed away after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer, February 23, 2023 at the Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, IA.Jerald was born October 12, 1955 to Edward and June (Dolash) Nekola in Marshalltown, IA. He worked for 4 County Co-op/Heartland Co-op.Jake enjoyed helping others mowing, shoveling, he was a hard worker and shared his work ethic with others. Dr. Ted Eugene Runyan
Dr. Ted Eugene Runyan, 93, took his last breath at home on January 16, 2023. He was born in LaPorte City, Iowa, on April 16, 1929, to Louise and Raymond Runyan. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1947. Ted lived a very full and interesting life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University in 1951 and began his professional life as a high school teacher and coach. Erin Mary Worden
Erin Mary Worden, 63, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at her home. Celebration of life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Marion American Legion. Inurnment will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family. Kathryn L. “Katie” Miller
Kathryn L. “Katie” Miller, 88, of Ely, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial: St. John’s Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family. Leonard Rudolph Brezina
Leonard Rudolph Brezina, 89, of Cedar Rapids, entered into glory with the Lord on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 24, 2023, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, where military rites will be conducted. Deanna Lynn Kroemer
Deanna Lynn Kroemer, 70, of Blairstown, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 17, 2023, in her home. Deanna was born on Nov. 4, 1952, to Dale and Arlene Griffith (Lubben) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Deanna graduated from Prairie High School in 1970. In July 1970, Deanna and her high school sweetheart, Ted Anderson, were united in marriage and together had two daughters, Tracy and Debby. Earl Edward Iben
Earl Edward Iben passed away quietly at home on Monday, February 20, 2023. Earl was born in Ryan, Iowa in 1931, to Fred and Margaret (Vifian) Iben. After High School, Earl enlisted in the US Army on November 20, 1951, and served as Private First Class during the Korean War where he received a United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defenses Service Medal, and ROK Presidential Unit Citation. Vernon Leon Hagen
Vernon Leon Hagen, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at Windsor Manor in Vinton.Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., in Vinton with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery in Newhall. Visitation will be held from 9 a.