Services: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008
10:30 AM at the Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church, 3369 320th St, rural Wellman Pastor Elmer Miller will officate. Burial in the South Gingerich Cemetery, Kalona

Visitation: Monday, Jan 21 from 4:30-8 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIAL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE UPPER DEER CREEK MENNONITE CHURCH OR IOWA CITY HOSPICE

Mildred A. Yoder was born Nov. 27, 1922 in Kalona. She was the daughter of Mose P. and Annie Yoder.

Mildred attended rural schools and was a lifelong member of the Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church. She did housekeeping for a number of families who always appreciated her dedication. Bird watching, crocheting, needle work and reading were hobbies she enjoyed. She had a very artistic talent and had painted many pictures.

Mildred is survived by two sisters, Luella and Vera Yoder, both of Kalona and one brother and his wife, Emil and Minerva Yoder of Glendale, AZ.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Sylvia Brenneman and two brothers, Wesley and Ray Yoder.

Services: Monday,Jan. 21, 2008 2:30 pm at the Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona
Pastor Kirk Statler will officiate, assited by Leslie Miller

Visitation: Sunday, Jan 20 from 3-8 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial fund: Keoto VFW or Collins Methodist Church

Donald Alvin Neale of Kinross, IA, was born June 23, 1924 in Cambridge, IA. He died at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Iowa City, IA. January 18, 2008.
He attended schools in Collins, Iowa and immediately following graduation from high school in June 1942 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. His naval training was at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Chicago, IL. He was then sent to the U.S. Navy Quartermaster School, Newport, Rhode Island, graduating as an S2c. He served aboard the USS Santee, a tanker converted to an aircraft carrier. The Santee was hit by a Japanese kamikaze plane but recovered enough to be sent to the Leyte Gulf area to help protect the west flank of the U. S. invasion forces during the Okinawa Campaign. In mid1944 he was requested by his Commander to become a member of Donovan’s Raiders, which were later designate4d the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), predecessor organization of the CIS. While with Donovan’s Raiders his squadron was assigned to count and report Japanese troop and ship movements up and down the Chinese coast. His contingent was captured by the Japanese and for the next nine months to a year he was a Japanese POW. After the war ended in 1945 the prisoners were located by U. S. troops and taken to military hospitals for recuperation.
Following recuperation he re-enlisted for another term in the Navy and just prior to the declaration of war with Korea. The LST hit a mine and Don was blown into the waters. He was rescued by the Navy and sent to a U.S. military hospital in Japan, then to Trippler General Hospital, Hawaii for recovery from a broken back and other injuries. Later he was sent to the San Diego Naval Hospital and spent months in rehabilitation. He was given a medical discharge from the Navy in September 1952.
He attended St. John’s University, New York, where he received his undergraduate degree. He received his MBA in accounting from Harvard University. He practiced as a CPA with various accounting firms, but during the last 40 years of his life he specialized in income tax work.
He married his present wife, Vesta M. Miller in September 1965.
Survivors included his wife, Vesta, his children from a previous marriage, Susan (Mrs. David Ferguson) of Tucson, AZ, Stephanie (Mrs. Bob Walker) of Mesa, AZ, his son,
Kevin of Desert Hot Springs, CA, a brother Robert Neale of Lewes, Delaware, sisters, Isabel Smith of Nevada, IA, Dorothy Conley of Ames, IA, and Nora Holsinger of Collins, IA.
His parents, a sister and a brother preceded him in death.

Services: Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 10:30 am at Lensing's Oak Hill, Coralville
Pastor John Hershberger officiating

Visitation: Sunday, Jan. 20 3-8 pm at Lensing's Oak Hill, Coralville

Memorial Fund for Iowa City Hospice

Clarence Briskey was born in Granite City, IL on July 18, 1914. He was the son of Henry and Anna Yoder Briskey.
Clarence grew up in Kalona, IA where his father had a buggy shop. His involment with building buggies led him to his lifelong interest in building. He founded the Briskey Cabinet Co. in Coralville. He invented several machines that helped him produce high quality countertops. His son Jerry still owns the company.
Clarence was a community person who served on the Coralville City Council form 1949 till 1953. He was on the Coralville Fire Department for 23 years and served as chief for 10 years. He was a member of the Iowa City Homebuilders and a social member of Walter Johnson Legion Post # 721 since 1967. He was served on the UniBank, Coralville branch, Board of Directors for 10 years.
Clarence had many other interests; fishing, shooting pool, mushroom hunting, playing cards, and spending winters in Texas were some. Time spent visiting with his many friends and family were special.
Clarence and Irma Gingerich were married on July 5, 1938 in Auburn, IN. She preceded him in death Dec. 23, 1989.
Survivors are two children and their spouses; Carol and Terry Potter of Iowa City and Jerry and Lianne Briskey of Coralville. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Kelly Keep, Chris Potter, Alicia Murray, and lilndsey Briskey, four great grandchildren; Brie Ellen, Kyle and Tina Keep and Alexis Potter, seven nieces and nephews and a number of great nieces and nephews.
Preceding Clarence in death were his wife, Irma, a two and half year old twin brother, Thomas Jefferson Briskey and one sister, Lydia Miller.

Memorial Service: Thursday, January 24 at 2:00 PM at the Veteran's Administration Chapel, Iowa City.
Chaplain Hall and Chaplain Fr. Streigel will officiate.
No Visitation
FLOWERS MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE VA CHAPEL ON THURSDAY, JAN. 24.

Nels Page was born November 29, 1942 in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of Don and Mary Thompson Page.
Nels served in the US Marine Corp from 1962 till 1064.
He was a medical photographer at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Iowa City. He passed away in the medical center while at his employment on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Nels and Joann Daly were married in Iowa City on May 18, 1996. The couple lived in West Branch, IA.

Nels was a volunteer photographer for the West Branch Fire Department as well as a photographer for the Iowa National Guard Engineer Company. He also was a member of the West Liberty Gun Club.

Surviving Nels are his wife, Joann Page of West Branch, two children, Jeff Page of Austin, Texas and Jennifer Page of Dallas, Texas.

Nels was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial in his name has been established for the Veteran's Administration Credit Union.

Services: Thursday, Jan 10 2:00 pm at the Fairview Conservative Mennonite Church, rural Kalona
Visitation: ALL AT THE FAIRVIEW CHURCH
Wednesday, noon to 8:00pm Family will be present from noon to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Thursday from 10:00 am till service time

Elmer Clarence Miller was born in rural Kalona in Johnson County, IA, on March 5, 1910. He was 97. He was the son of Harry D. and Lizzie C. Schlabaugh Miller.
Elmer graduated from East Lincoln School. He was united in marriage to Verna Boley on June 28, 1931. Elmer was a farmer until retiring to Kalona. He then was employed Kalona Oil Company and Pleasantview Home in the laundry department.
Elmer was a charter member of Fairview Conservative Mennonite Church. He also was sexton of the cemetery for many years.
Elmer enjoyed visiting with his many friends and especially the men’s coffee club. His birthday celebrations were very special.
Surviving Elmer are his daughter and son-in-law Marjorie and Edwin Hershberger of Kalona, five grandchildren and spouses; Merle and Linda Miller of Washington, Carrie Miller of Kalona, Kenneth Hershberger of Washington, James and Audra Hershberger of Wellman, and Clair and April Miller of Kalona. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Barbara Miller of Kalona, nine great grandchildren , two great-great grandchildren, a brother Omer Miller of Kalona and a grandson-in-law, Cecil Nissley of Washington.
Preceding Elmer in death were his wife, Verna (1-17-1983), his son Henry (10-10-1995) , two granddaughters, Laverna Hershberger and Audrey Nissley and one brother, Chris Miller.
A memorial fund in his memory has been established for Washington County Hospice or the Fairview Church.
Elmer’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness, prayers and expressions of sympathy shown them. God Bless Each Of You.

You are invited to a family gathering to celebrate the life of Marti Ann Sebok on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 5:30 - 7:00pm at Shiloh, 100 Shiloh St., Kalona, IA. Immediately following there will be a celebration service, pastored by Chuck Rogness, for a time of rejoicing in her life. We encourage everyone that was touched by Marti to come and celebrae her next step.

Marti Ann Rich Sebok was born September 6, 1952 in Crawfordsville, IA. She was 55. She was the daughter of Walter and Jean Stout Rich.
She and Bill Sebock were married in Los Angles, CA on Sept 27, 1974.
Marti had been an office manager at Towncrest Dental in Iowa City.
Marti was a member of Shiloh Church and Mid-Prairie Athletic Booster Club.
Family was very important to Marti and she enjoyed neices and nephews.
Marti is survived by her husband Bill Sebok of Kalona, a daughter and her husband, Karissa and Jon Ockander and son John Sebok all of Kalona. Also surviving is a granddaughter Avellia Ockander, her mother Jeane Ellinger of Kalona, four brothers, Ken and Claire Rich of Kalona, Wes and Reilla Rich of Kalona, Steve and Jerlyn Rich of Kalona, Phil and Jacque Rich of Crawfordsville, and a brother-in-law Emery Gingerich of Kalona.
Preceding Marti in death were her father Walter Rich, a sister Jane Gingerich, a neice Lori Rich and her step-father, Russell Ellinger.
A general memorial fund has been established.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, Dec. 27
10:30 at East Union Mennonite Church,
5615 Gable Ave., Kalona

Visitation: Wed. Dec. 26 2-8 PM at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona Family will be present from 2-4 & 6-8 PM

Memorial Fund: Pleasantview Home, East Union Church or Iowa City Hospice

Mildred Marie Zook, age 89, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona.
Mildred was born in Kalona on November 24, 1918, the daughter of Ben G. and Magdelene Knepp. Her mother died when Mildred was very young. She was raised by her father and step mothers Mattie Mayer Gingerich and Nettie Beachy Gingerich.
Mildred and Raymond Zook were united in marriage on October 15, 1939 at the Fairview Mennonite Church. The couple lived and farmed in the area until retiring to Kalona in 1990.
Mildred was always busy with her gardening, cooking and quilting. She served as a volunteer at Pleasantview Home and the Crowded Closet for a number of years.
She will be remembered by her kind, caring personality.
Mildred is survived by three daughters and spouses; Dorothea and Robert Moberly of Wellman, Muriel and Ron Draper, and Gloria Zradicka all the Littleton, CO. Also surviving are two grandchildren; Lisa and husband Greg Schmidt and Douglas and wife Jill Moberly, three great grandchildren, Aimee Moberly, Jacob Moberly and Connor Moberly, and one brother Clifford and wife Mary Gingerich of Rochester, MN.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, step mothers, her husband Raymond (Feb. 27, 2006) a brother, Raymond G. Gingerich,and a half sister, Ella Mae Gingerich.
Mildred's family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown Mildred during her declining years and at this time of their loss. May God Bless Each Of You.

Celebration of Life
Friday,Dec. 28, 2007 10:30 AM
Sharon Center United Methodist Church
2804 520th St. SW, Kalona 52247

Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 27 4-7 PM
Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

Burial: Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona

Memorial Fund: Kalona 1st Responders or Sharon Center United ME Church

Pauline Ruth Gingerich Snider was born
October 24, 1924 in Kalona, Iowa, the daughter of Lewis and Ida Miller Gingerich. She graduated from Kalona High School in 1942. Pauline was employed for several years at the Farmers Savings Bank as a teller. After her marriage to Donald Snider on February 18, 1951 she became involved in the couples dairy production for their farming years.
The couple moved to Kalona in 1991 and had most recently lived in the Pleasanatview Campus.
They enjoyed many activities that included camping and traveling.
Pauline was a member of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church and the Rose of Sharon United Methodist Women.
Pauline is survived by a sister, Luella Mae Linebaugh of Dayton, Ohio and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Yoder of Kalona. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Pauline in death were her parents, her husband Donald ( August 17, 2007) three sisters, Evelyn Baumgartner, Viloa Swartzendruber, and Gerturde Bender, and one brother, Wilson Gingerich.
A memorial fund has been established in Pauline's memory for the Kalona 1st Responders and the Sharon Center United Methodist Church.
Pauline's family extends their grateful thank you for the prayers that have been offered on her behalf during her sudden illness. Your kindness is appreciated.

Celebration of Life: Tuesday, Dec. 18
10:30 AM at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona
Pastor Michael Lynch officiating
Visitation: Monday,Dec. 17 4-7 PM at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona
Burial: St. Vincent's Cemetery, Riverside

Patricia Ann Smith passed away Friday, Dec. 14 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City following a sudden illness.
Patricia was an Iowa City resident.

Patricia was born October 5, 1946 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Calvin and Mary Schillig Smith. She graduated from Regina High School and attended the University of Iowa, Muscatine Community College and San Bernadine Community College.
She was an artist all her life.
Patricia was a gifted lady who enjoyed art, crafts, plants/gardening, and the outdoors. She was a talented musician who played the piano, organ and guitar.
Patricia is survived by three children; Sandi Christofferson of Atalissa, John Christofferson of Lone Tree and Josh Christofferson and wife Melinda, of Conesville. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Jake Christofferson and Patrick Fritz, Cale, Troy, and Ava Christofferson, three siblings, Cal, Jr. and wife Cherie Smith of North English, Don Smith and Dave Smith both of Iowa City.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mancy Hawkins and Mary TenEick.
A general memorial fund has been established in her memory.

Celebration of Life: Sunday, Dec. 9
2:00 PM at Kalona Mennonite Church,Kalona
Visitation: Saturday, Dec. 8 3-8 PM at Peterseim Funeral Home

Omer Ropp passed away Dec. 5 at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL.

OMER W. ROPP
July 4, 1926-December 5, 2007
81 Years 5 Months 1 Day

Celebration of Life
Sunday, December 9, 2007
2:00 PM
Kalona Mennonite Church
Kalona, Iowa

Officiating
Pastor Scott Swartzendruber
Pastor Mick Murray

Musicians
Mahlon Leichty Ed D. Miller
Paul D. Miller Ed Williams
Beth Firodelise Shirley Hochstedler
Mary Groh

Casket Bearers- Nephews
Myron Ropp Warren Ropp
James Gingerich Dwight Gingerich
Lynn Bender Steve Ropp
Interment
Sharon Hill Cemetery
Kalona, Iowa

Omer Wesley Ropp was born near Kalona, the son of Lewis and Magdalena Hershberger Ropp. He attended Pleasant Hill rural school.
On September 11, 1949, Omer and Pearl Hochstetler were united in marriage at the East Union Mennonite Church. The couple lived all their married life in the Kalona community except for the past three years in Sarasota, Florida. They had spent many winters in Sarasota.
Omer was a contractor in the community and had built or remodeled over 200 structures during his career.
Omer is survived by his wife Pearl, three children and their spouses; Robert and wife Mary Ropp of Rome, Georgia, Lonnie and wife Janice Ropp, of Schaumburg, IL, and Connie Waldron of Sarasota, FL, six grandchildren; Ashley Taylor Ropp, daughter of Robert, Kevin Waldron, Eric Waldron, Dylan Waldron, sons of Connie, Ariel Ropp and Chantel Ropp, daughters of Lonnie. Also surviving are seven siblings and spouses; Lydia and Alvin Gingerich of Kalona, Ada and Ivo Gingerich of Colorado Springs, CO, Edith and Paul Helmuth of Kalona, Effie and Harold Baer of North Lima, OH, Martha Bender, Verda and Bill Swartzendruber, Vernon and Mary Elva Ropp all of Kalona. A number of nieces and nephews survive.
Omer was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Jane Ropp, Ella Mae Ropp and Esther Ropp and one brother, Ernest Ropp, a brother-in-law, James Bender and a sister-in-law, Ardith Ropp.
A memorial fund has been established for Kalona Mennonite Church.
Omer’s family wants to take this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation for all the many acts of kindness extended to them during this time of their loss. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.