Ernie De Jong
May 3, 2026
Ernest Lee “Ernie” De Jong was born November 30, 1929, to Cornelis and Goverdena (Klyn) De Jong in Monroe, Iowa.
On September 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Petersen, in the Methodist Church in Panora, Iowa. He was married to Jeanne for seventy years before her passing on September 4, 2023. To this union they were blessed with...
Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway
May 2, 2026
Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway was born sleeping on May 2, 2026. His name means God Heals & God gives Peace; a prayer and a reminder to us at every mention of his name.
He is survived by his parents, Matt & Hannah Ridgway, siblings Elena, Barrett, and Benjamin Ridgway. Grandparents Jeff & Connie Ridgway and Jeff & Jo Ann Altheide. Aunts and...
Annette Dop
May 2, 2026
Annette Dop was born July 7, 1938, to Henry and Johanna (De Koning) Rooda, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
On December 7, 1956, Annette was united in marriage with Gene Dop. They made their home in Oskaloosa, Iowa for a short time before moving to Hayward, Minnesota, for Gene's banking position. After leaving Hayward, they moved to Pella. Gene and Annette lived...
Rhonda Vandenberg
May 1, 2026
Rhonda Marie (Livingston) Vandenberg, 69, of Leighton, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026.
Rhonda was born on November 28, 1956, to Wilbur Dean and Kay (Sleeth) Livingston. She married Tom Vandenberg on June 7th, 2002.
Rhonda earned her LPN. She began her career working at Dr. Merrick’s office in Ottumwa, where she cared for patients for many...
Glen Miller
Apr 30, 2026
Glen Miller, born on July 30, 1951, passed away on April 30, 2026. His life journey spanned over seven decades, marked by the quiet dignity and steadfast resolve that those who knew him came to admire deeply.
Glen was a man of principle and integrity. Throughout his life, he exhibited a commitment to his values and an unwavering dedication to those...
Curt Hite
Apr 29, 2026
Lester Curtis “Curt” Hite was born January 22, 1944, to William Lester and Helen B. (Piersel) Hite, in the Mahaska County Hospital. He grew up on his family’s century farm near New Sharon.
Curt attended Elm Grove Country School through first grade and was a 1962 graduate of North Mahaska High School.
On February 4, 1963, he started working at Vermeer Manufacturing,...
Henry Schuring
Apr 23, 2026
Henry Nicklos Schuring was born on August 13, 1933, at home in the town of Fifield, Iowa. He was the fifth child out of eight born to Louis and Henrietta (Kelderman) Schuring. He weighed 11 pounds.
He attended country school through 8th grade. He then started working as a hired hand on the farm he eventually would buy and own for...
Priscilla Warner
Apr 20, 2026
Priscilla Leigh Warner was born April 8, 1947, to Colyn and Phyllis (Kussart) Garner in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She passed away at Independence Village in Pella on April 20, 2026.
Priscilla was a graduate of North Mahaska High School. During school she worked at the Iowa State Capitol as a page. Priscilla moved all over the U.S. while working for Bell Telephone...
Owen Ver Meer
Apr 14, 2026
Owen Dean Ver Meer was born December 1, 1942, to Anthony and Jeanette (Vander Wal) Ver Meer, in Mahaska County, Iowa. He lived in the Leighton area his entire life and was a graduate of Pella High School. Owen enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1966.
On June 23, 1965, he married Esther...
Toni Martin
Apr 14, 2026
Toni Jean Martin was born November 10, 1952, to Norman and Maribelle (Lanphier) Riddle in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She grew up in the Pella area, attended Pella Schools, and worked for Pella Corp for 35 years.
On September 1, 1984, she was united in marriage to Eric Martin in Pella. Toni enjoyed camping at Howell Station, cooking, and spending time with her...
Marty Rickard
Apr 5, 2026
Marty Rickard, 88, son of Ralph and Mary Jane (Ellett) Rickard, was born in Grinnell, Iowa on December 26, 1937. Marty was the second of five children and was raised in Grinnell and later Gilbert. He graduated from Gilbert in 1955, and later attended college at William Penn, Iowa State, and Southern Mississippi.
In 1959, he married Janice Newenhouse. They had...
Tammy Emerson Wheeler
Mar 29, 2026
Tammy Jo Emerson Wheeler was born January 29, 1972, to Don and Gwen (Jankord) Emerson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Throughout her career Tammy worked as a nurse.
Tammy is survived by her son Austin Emerson, parents Don and Gwen Emerson, and husband Bradley Wheeler.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Joyce Vandenberg
Mar 15, 2026
On March 15, 2026, Joyce Elaine Vandenberg at age of 83 was welcomed at Heaven’s gate by her friend Jesus. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend and was an inspiration to many. She cherished being a grandma and great grandma and seeing them made her smile even brighter. She adored all children (blessings) she came across...
Ronald Wauters
Mar 13, 2026
Ron was the son of Achiel Wauters and Helen Van Otegham Wauters. He was born on February 12, 1949, in Grinnell, Iowa, and passed away March 13, 2026 at the age of 77. He was a graduate of Victor, Iowa class of 1967 and met his wife, Cherie Cronbaugh, during their high school years. They were married at St James...
Eleanor Groth
Mar 12, 2026
Eleanor was born April 11, 1933 in Shelby, Iowa. Throughout her life, Eleanor, - affectionately known as Ellie – demonstrated a unique combination of creativity, kindness, and dedication that profoundly impacted those around her.
Ellie’s early years were characterized by a playful imagination, exemplified by an endearing companionship with her pet skunk named Sammy. She dressed Sammy in doll clothes and...
Irvin Vink
Mar 10, 2026
Irvin Eugene Vink was born October 28, 1945, to Nicholas and Bertha (Schimmel) Vink.
On September 30, 1982, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Gail Rigg, in Pella, Iowa.
Irvin worked for Vink Construction and the Pella Community School District. Irvin was a loyal husband, loving father and grandfather. Irvin loved living life to the fullest. Irv loved fishing, woodworking, grilling,...
Kathryn Jean Crawford
Mar 6, 2026
Kathryn Jean (Anway) Crawford was born May 21, 1929, to Harold Anway Sr. and Wilma Dennis in Charles City, Iowa.
On September 22, 1951 she was united in marriage to Donald Crawford Sr. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They met at Iowa State University.
Kathryn was self-employed most of her career as an artist, seamstress, and art teacher, She later worked at Boomsma...
Freddie Schmidt
Mar 4, 2026
Freddie Wayne Schmidt was born June 28, 1933, to Francis and Lenora (Kooistra) Schmidt, near Searsboro, Iowa.
He attended school in New Sharon through his freshman year and later graduated from Sully High School, where he was an All-State running back and also played basketball. Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, was a sharpshooter and marksman, and was...
Rebecca Meyer
Mar 4, 2026
Rebecca Ann Meyer was born February 2, 1965, to Melvin and Doris (Neal) Foster, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
On November 3, 1990, she was united in marriage to Craig S. Meyer, in Pella.
Becky worked for Vermeer for over 35 years until 2024, when she focused full time on her newest journey. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, Becky was...
Arland Lamb
Mar 2, 2026
Arland Dale Lamb, born on June 27, 1967, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed peacefully on March 2, 2026. He was the beloved son of Norman and Violet (Schakel) Lamb, who preceded him in death. Arland grew up in What Cheer and Oskaloosa, where he attended schools and later graduated from Pella High School. His early years were marked by perseverance despite...
