Obituaries

Colleen D. Ditolla passed away unexpectantly after a short battle with heart failure on Thursday, September 22, 2022, while surrounded by loved ones. Colleen was born on July 20, 1946 in Vinton, Iowa. From the time of her birth, until the time she went to the Lord, Colleen was full of energy and loved to be in the presence of friends and family.

Alvin Beryl Close, 68, of Conway, AR, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 25, 2022. He was born February 11, 1954, in Urbana, Iowa to the late Martin Miniffee Close and Lucy Georgiana (Sellers) Close. Alvin was also preceded in death by his wife, Denise Lori (Goodall) Close and sister, Ruth Elaine Close.Alvin is survived by his 6 brothers, Mike, Frank, Ben, Tony (Kathy), Chris (Amy), and Tim Close and 4 sisters, Pat Bumgarner, Diana Van Hagen (David), Sharon Kimmerle (Gary), and Rachel Webster (Kevin).

Sally Ann Benson-Hackett, age 62, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton with Rev. Phil Borleske officiating.  Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Vinton.

Donald Fred Richard Andresen, 84, of Spirit Lake, IA, formerly of Keystone, IA, was called to heaven on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from Keelson's Harbour Assisted Living where he and wife, Norma, reside.   Memorial Services will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone with Rev.

Merlin Lee Lassen was born on June 23, 1932, on the family farm near Dysart, the son of Severt and Margaret (Gill) Lassen. He graduated from Dysart High School and then served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On April 12, 1955, Merlin was united in marriage to Gerene Chizek at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo.

John Henry Kotouc, 73 of Cedar Rapids died Sunday, September 25, 2022 at West Ridge Care Center. Services 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 30, 2022 at Faith Bible Church at 1800 46th St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday after 9:30 a.m.John is survived by his wife Ida Kotouc of Cedar Rapids; daughter Jamie Robinson of Cedar Rapids; son George (Jen) Robinson Jr.

Edward Paul Nielsen, 102,  passed away  peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the Vinton Lutheran Home with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 30, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church in Center Point, with Rev. Thomas C. Van Hemert officiating.  Interment with military rites will be held at the Walker Cemetery.

Patricia E. (Coberly) Hinds, 76, passed away at the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.A visitation will be held from 4 to6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A private family service will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.Patricia Hinds was born on Feb.

Patrick Hugh Shaw, 67, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids.Pat was born January 14, 1955, in Creston, Iowa, the son of Marion and Dolores (Fish) Shaw.

Luetta Mae (Steckel) Sedlacek, born Aug. 23, 1928, widow of David (1929-1994), passed gently into God’s loving arms on Sept. 16, 2022. She left behind a legacy of unconditional love and a small village.She leaves behind:Nine children, Sharon, Patty, Sue (Larry), Tom (Trilby), Jim (Lona), Mike (Nancy), Joe (Lori), Jennifer (John) and Jeff.23 grandchildren, Kelly, Brenton (Laura), Cy (Suzanne), Jo Dee (Tim), Josh (Tracee), Jason (Kim), Melissa (Chad), Zach, Tori (Damien), Sarah (Cullen), Amanda, Lindsay (Brad), Jenna (Will), Alex (Alex), Jade (Stephen), Emilia (Justin), Ella, Michael, Cat (Josh), Christina (Mark), Emily (Kelby), Noah and Nick.