Obituaries

Cynthia Louise (Benson) Blackburn was born on September 5, 1955, in Waukon, Iowa. She was the first of 6 children born to William and Lois (Hertrampf) Benson. The family moved to Vinton in the early 60's where Cindy grew up, attended school, and graduated in 1974. She traveled to Minnesota to further her education as a Veterinarian's Assistant, a trade she loved and worked in for years after returning to Vinton.

Darrell Gene Covington, age 55, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at his home in Vinton  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 21, 2022 at Blessed Hope Community Church in Vinton, with Pastor David Condry officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until service time, Monday, also at the church. Darrell was born on August 1, 1967, in Bakersfield, California, the son of Burl and Vivian (Crow) Covington.

Scott Dye, 60, passed away on November 10, 2022. Scott was born in Wayzata, Minnesota. He graduated high school from Vinton, Iowa. Scott attended Hibbing Community College where he made lifelong friends playing football and completed his Business Associates Degree. He then continued on to Concordia College to further pursue his football career.

Larry Philip Olson, 77 of Belle Plaine, Iowa entered the gates of heaven on November 14, 2022.Larry was born June 14, 1944 to Philip and Virgie (Plagman) in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Churdan High School, class of 1962. Larry worked for the Iowa DOT as a bridge inspector.Larry is survived by his wife, Cathy of 32 years; sisters, Bonnie Schilling and Patty Oaks; stepchildren, Jerry (Jennifer) Hamilton, Tim (Katie) Hamilton, Joel (Tonya) Hamilton, Lisa (Terry) Williams, Ann (Michael) Yilek and Amy (Douglas) Zerba; children, Tina, Eric, and Aaron; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Evelyn Elsner Claypool, 94 of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy following a short illness. Services: 11 a.m., Saturday at Teahen Funeral Home by Penny Ackerman. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday after 10 a.m. at Teahen Funeral Home.Mary is survived by her children, Renita Herman and Terry Claypool both of Cedar Rapids and Colleen Claypool (Terry) Graveman of Newhall; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister in-law, Laurine DeWitte and many nieces and nephews.

Irma Jean McLaurin, 71, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at the Vinton Lutheran Home. Private family services will be held. Irma was born January 5, 1951, in Florida to Horace and Marion (Neely) Miller. Irma was a caregiver for most of her working career. Irma graduated from Rets Electronic School with a degree in electronics. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, R&B, funk music, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Carol Gene Hootman, 86, died November 14, 2022 at his home in Webster, Iowa. He was born January 24, 1936 to Arthur and Alice Black Hootman near Birmingham, Iowa. He graduated from Vinton High School in 1954. He was employed by Iowa Steel and Iron Works for 20 years. In 1970 Carol and his sister Nancy and brother in law John purchased Timberlane Lodge near Ear Falls, Ontario, Canada.

James Franklin (Jim) Gosnell, of Warrensburg, Mo., formerly of Blairstown, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home. A graveside service will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. atthe Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Iowa. The family will host a celebration of life gathering beginning at noon at the American Legion Hall in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

Rickey (Rick) Paul Stoltzfus was born on May 25, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa to Louise Baade and adopted at 3 months to Ellen and Emmanuel Stoltzfus of Lake Park, Iowa.  Rick passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at home surrounded by loving family. Rick spent his early and school years in Lake Park.  In 1947 they welcomed his adopted sister Cheryl.

Surrounded by his loving family, Leonard Mullnix, 80, passed away peacefully at Virginia Gay Hospital Sunday, November 13, 2022. Private services will be held. Public Celebration of Life will be 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Mt. Auburn American Legion Hall. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.Leonard is survived by his wife, Leslie; sons: Chawn (Julie) Mullnix, Jayson Mullnix, Richard (Jackie) Bear and Chris Bear; daughters: Marlene (Rick) Lassen, Dana (Tom) Hanson, Karen (Virgil) Hootman and Amy (Steve) Van De Walle; 14 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jacob, Morgan, Riley, Kyle, Trina, Andrew, Abby, Alyssa, Alex, Dylan, James, Lucas and Peyton; several great-grandchildren; sister, Alberta Smith; sister-in-law, Ruth Howrey; two nephews; and best friend, Bruce Mehlert.