Category Archives: Obituaries

I moved into the age group of “Geezer” sometime ago. I have now moved past the Geezer group into the I.H.O.L.I.T.G.A.T.O.O.A.B.P. group. That stands for, “I Have One Leg In The Grave And The Other On A Banana Peel.” My family tells me I should put away childish things. They might be right, but it’s hard...

Dennis L. Schnathorst, 75, passed away on Wednesday morning, Oct. 2, 2019, at his home in Newton. A time of remembrance and celebration of life was held Monday, Oct. 7, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who were entrusted with the arrangements.  Burial was in St. John’s Cemetery in rural Newton. In lieu...

Margaret “Peggy” Jean Maston, 87, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Newton Village in Newton. Peggy’s graveside service was at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Newton Union Cemetery conducted by Pastor Jeff Keady of Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Peggy, the daughter of Loyal and Claire Gunn Johnson, was born June 26, 1932,...

Gertrude Van Ryswyk, 98, of Prairie City, passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at MercyOne in Newton. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Prairie City First Reformed Church. Burial will follow at Waveland Cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Friday, Oct. 11, from 2-7 p.m. at the church.  The...

Steve Ziegenmeyer, 64, of Grinnell, died Thurs-day, Oct. 3, 2019, at his daughter Kristin’s home under the care of hospice and with his family by his side. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Grinnell Christian Church with Pastor John Epperson officiating. Interment was in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell....

Merlin Kooistra, 62, of Pella died Sept. 23, 2019. Memorial service was Friday, Sept. 27, at First Baptist Church in Pella. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Pella. Memorials have been designated for Pella Community Foundation for Wonder Spelen. Merlin Dale Kooistra was born Jan. 12, 1957, to David and Pauline (Vander Wilt) Kooistra in Oskaloosa. He grew...

Irene Fisk, 84, of rural Searsboro, passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 29, 2019, at Unity Point Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at New Sharon Assembly of God Church. Burial will be held in the Ivy Hill Cemetery in Malcom. Memorial contributions may be made to...