Merorial Services: Tuesday, March 24
3:30 PM
Peterseim Funeral Home
Kalona, IA
201 B Ave.

Memorial Fund for Family

Raymond Bell age 76, died Saturday at Mercy Hospital,Iowa City following a short illness.
Raymond was born October 1, 1934 in Iowa City, IA, the son of Lloyd and Martha Kline Bell.
He was married to Esther Bender on September 30, 1967 at the Kalona Methodist Church. The couple later seperated.

Raymond had been employed in road construction and had also worked in maintance at a golf course.

He is survived by five children, Melvin Bell, Lloyd Bell, Donald Bell, John Bell and Nancy Korarek all of Kalona. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Other survivors include four sisters and spouses, Betty and Bill Gamber of Greensport, IN, Linda and Gary Smejkal of Cedar Rapids, Jackie Gordon of Hiawatha,IA, and Jancie Websters of Dallas North Carolina.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Martin and two sisters, Marjorie Bean and Alice Slaymaker.

Celebration of Life Service:
Monday, March 23, 2009 10:00 AM
Sunnyside Conservative Mennonite Church, Kalona
Burial: Fairview Cemetery, rural Kalona
Visitation: Sunday 2-8 PM Family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8 at the SUNNYSIDE CONSERVATIVE MENNONITE CHURCH, Hwy 22 East, Kalona, Iowa
Memorail Fund: Pleasantview Home

Celebration of Life
Monday, March 23, 2009
10:00 AM
Sunnyside Conservative Mennonite Church

Words of Comfort
Pastor John King
Pastor Floyd Helmuth
Pastor Floyd Yutzy

Mixed Octet
Anna Fern King
Norman Bontrager
Rhoda Beachy Richard Beachy
Grace Miller Paul D. Miller
Norma Nisly Harley Nisly
Casket Bearers
Josh Miller Carl Miller
Andy Swartzentruber
Mark Shores
Nathan Swartzentruber
Dwayne Patterson

Interment
Fairview Cemetery
Rural Kalona, Iowa

Eli A. Swartzentruber was born in Fredericksburg (Holmes Co.) Ohio, the son of Andrew “Andy” S. and Amanda (Wengerd) Swartzentruber. He attended rural school and grew up in the Holmes County Amish community. On July 3, 1949 he was united in marriage to Katie Ann Schrock Yoder at the Fairview Mennonite Church near Kalona.
Eli was a self-employed “finish carpenter” by trade and enjoyed many other interesting hobbies. He was a musician, inventor, woodworker, and rug weaver and also enjoyed fishing. He played mandolin in the Route 1 Bluegrass group, which included two of his sons, Laban and Joe, as well as two other gentlemen. He and Katie welcomed many Kalona Historical Society tour groups into their home for rug weaving demonstrations and sold her crocheted doilies and his wooden creations as E & K Crafts. They had a floral shop in Kalona called Katie’s Flowers and maintained beautiful gardens at their home. Earlier they owned and operated a health food store called Stone Mill Foods, also in Kalona. He was a member of the Sunnyside Conservative Mennonite Church, Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce and the couple had managed the Kalona Chamber booth at the Iowa State Fair for a number of years.
Eli is survived by his wife Katie of Kalona, five children and spouses: Verton and Pat Yoder of Mishawaka, IN, Barb and John D. Miller of Kalona, Laban and Kathy Swartzentruber of Junction City, KS, Joe and Deb Swartzentruber and Jim and Sherry Swartzentruber, all of Kalona. 15 grandchildren, one step grandchild, 21 great grandchildren, and 4 step great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Ammon and wife Erdine Swartzentruber of Storm Lake, IA, Joe Swartzentruber of Wooster, OH, and one sister, Mary and husband Atlee Barkman of Millersburg, OH.
Preceding Eli in death were his parents, one sister Nettie Christner and one granddaughter, Barbara Miller.
A memorial fund for Pleasantview Home has been established in Eli’s honor.

Services: Saturday, Feb. 28, 1:30 PM
Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona
Visitation: Friday 4-7 PM at funeral home
Burial: Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona with Military honors by Richmond AMVET Post # 107
Memorial Fund:Richmond AMVETS or Iowa City Hospice

Milton was born in Kalona, the son of Milton B and Alverda (Small) Ehrenfelt. He graduated from Kalona High School in 1944 and later enrolled in bricklaying school in Pennsylvania. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in February of 1945 and served a year during the occupation of China, returning home in October 1946.
He and Betty Jackson were married November 25, 1949 in Iowa City.
He was a 50-year member of the International Bricklayers Union. During his working years he and his family traveled to many states for Union jobs.
Milt loved the outdoors and trips to Canada for walleye fishing and to Florida for fishing with his son.
Survivors include three children: Diana Cunningham of Kirksville, MO, Karen (Tom) Waters of Kalona and Richard (Kathy) Ehrenfelt of Panama City, FL
Milton was widowed in 1982 and has spent the last 25 years with Sylvia Miller at his side. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Heather (Tim) Murphy of Kirksville, MO, Mitchell Ehrenfelt and friend Jessica Mitchelltree of Richland, Lindsey Ehrenfelt of Prole, IA Lisa Waters of Washington, Jared and wife Christina Waters of Ainsworth. Also surviving are seven great grandchildren, Cheyanne Bush, Savannah and Sierra Stout, MaKenna Murphy, Bryce, Katelyn and Jenna Waters. His stepchildren are Denise Lingenfelter of Ft. Madison and Ryan and Coralie Miller of Wellman. The step grandchildren are Colin and Clinton Lingenfelter and Hannah and Amanda Miller.
Milt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, four brothers, Russell, Ray, Kermit and K. Ward Ehrenfelt and one sister, Veda Niffenegger.
A memorial fund in his memory has been established for the Richmond AMVET Post #107 or Iowa City Hospice.
The family is most grateful for all the family and friends who have been so helpful to them during Milt’s decline and at this time of loss. You will be remembered with love.

Services: Friday, Feb. 27 10:30 AM
Kalona United Methodist Church
Pastor Lynn Patrick
Burial-Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Joetown
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 26 3-7 Peterseim Funeral Home
MEMORIAL FUND: Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Elizabeth Kauffman Yoder was born in Plain City, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Fannie Miller Kauffman. She attended rural schools. On February 18, 1940 Elizabeth and Wayne Yoder were married in rural Kalona.
Elizabeth was a homemaker who enjoyed her home and worked for a short period in a fabric center in Kalona. Quilting, knitting and needlepoint were her hobbies. She was a member of the Kalona United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Washington Township Farm Bureau.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, Jim and Rose Yoder of Baxter, TN, Jerome and Linda Yoder of Stevensville, MT, Hal and Susan Yoder of Wellman, four grandchildren; Todd and Karen Yoder of Clarksville, MD, Tia Yoder and husband Dan Iwerks of Eagan, MN, Trent and Tammy Yoder of Kalona, Adam and Gayle Cole of Wellman, seven great grandchildren, Garrett and Pauline Elizabeth Iwerks, Charlotte and Susan Yoder, Samuel and Henry Yoder and Alexandria Cole. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Claretta Yoder of Wellman and Marlene (Marion) Leichty of Wayland and a brother-in-law, Rollin Gingerich of Kalona, sister-in-law, Lynn Miller of Hutchinson, KS, and step siblings; Katie Crow of Hutchinson, KS, and Christy Miller of Hutchinson, KS.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne (2004) a son Jay Stuart Yoder, a grandson, Robert Wayne Yoder, siblings, Anna Miller, Kathryn Gingerich, Abe Kauffman, Harley Miller, Bill Miller, step siblings, Harley Miller, Harvey Miller, Lizzie Troyer.
Elizabeth’s family appreciates all the many acts of kindness that have been extended to Elizabeth during her declining years and to them during this time of their loss.

Keith LeRoy Stout
(December 19, 1933 - February 14, 2009)

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Keith LeRoy Stout, 75, died Saturday, February 14, 2009 at his home in Riverside, Iowa following a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 10:30AM at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington. Burial will follow in the Sandy Hook Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 17 from 4-7PM at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington. A general memorial fund has been established.

Keith L. Stout was born December 19, 1933 in Brighton, Iowa the son of Ira Andrew and Mildred Leora (Hilsabeck) Stout. He was married to Lidvil Fritz, the couple divorced and Keith later married Rita Edwards.

He worked at Cargill for 24 years and as a snow plow operator for the state of Iowa for 26 years.

Keith was a member of the 1st Christian Church in Washington and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, spending winters in Raymonville, TX and laughing and reminiscing with friends.

Survivors include four children, Eva Kuykendall of Kalona, Susan Finley of Kalona, Jeanette Marsh of Kalona, John Stout of Danville, CA. Six step children, Mark Edwards of Davenport, IA., Jim Edwards of Washington, Donna, Donnie and Dave Edwards all of Riverside, Tim Edwards of Wapello, two brothers, Bruce and Rex Stout, two sisters Hazel West and Linda O’Connor, a number of grandchildren, 15 step grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.

Preceding Keith in death were his parents and one sister Genevieve Stout.

Services: Wed. Feb. 11 11:00 am
Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N. Johnson St., Iowa City, IA 52245
Burial prior to service at 9:30 am in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery

Visitation: Tues., Feb. 10 3-7 pm
Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

Memorial: Zion Lutheran Church or Kalona Historical Society, PO Box 292, Kalona,IA 52247


Fred Schmidt , 89, of Iowa City, recently of Kalona, died Sunday February 8, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at Lantern Park Care Center in Iowa City from leukemia.
Memorial Service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Wednesday, February 11 at 11am. Visitation will be from 3 to7pm on Tuesday, at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. Burial will take place at St. John’s cemetery at 9:30 am in rural Sharon Center prior to the memorial service.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Donna (Ayers) Schmidt, his sister Ada Crow of Oxford, daughter Sarah Fritz (Ted) of Newton, MA, sons David Schmidt (Susan) and John Schmidt (Allison York) of Iowa City, grand-children Kimberly Fritz of Kirkland, WA and Deborah Fritz of Santa Fe, NM, Alexander (Genevieve Anglin) and Benjamin Schmidt (Elsa) of Iowa City and Gregory Fritz (Stephanie) of Clinton, MA, and five great-grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by his sister Edna Orr of Cedar Rapids and his parents, Emil and Anna Conrad Schmidt
Fred was born January 6, 1920. He graduated from University High School in Iowa City. With his father’s illness, Fred assumed operation of the family farm during his teenage years and continued to farm until his retirement. Fred also worked for University of Iowa Security for twenty years while continuing to farm with his son, David. A proud moment for the family was when their Johnson County farm was officially designated a Century Farm. This farm is still operated by Fred’s son and grandson .
Fred has been active in Zion Lutheran Church for many years and a member of the Optimists club. Earlier in his retirement Fred volunteered for many years at Iowa City’s Mercy Hospital and also worked as a guide at the Kalona Historical Museum An avid reader, Fred and Donna, were also members of the Kalona Library book club. Fred maintained many lifelong friendships through his interest in bridge, travel and Hawkeye sports.
Memorial may be directed to the Kalona Historical Museum, PO 292 Box, Kalona, IA 52247 or the Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N Johnson St, Iowa City, IA 52245.

Celebration of Life
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:00 AM
Kalona United Methodist Church, Kalona
Burial: Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona

Visitation: Wednesday, Feb. 11 4-7 PM
Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

In Lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Kalona United Methodist Church, Kalona 1st Responders, Pleasantview Home or Iowa City Hospice

Velma G. Gingerich Spicher was born October 4, 1912. She passed away at the age of 96 on February 7 at Pleasantview Home.

Velma was the daughter of Aaron Burr and Susie Brenneman Gingerich. She grew up in the community and attended Lincoln #6 rural school.
Velma was married to George Spicher in 1932. The couple later divorced.

Velma was a member of the Kalona United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Rebekah Lodge #84 of Kalona, Past Noble Grand of the Lodge, served on the Rebekah Assembly of Iowa, Senior Citizen Washington County Task Force and for 10 years on the Mini-Bus Board.

Velma was owner/operator of the Kalona Coffe Shop from 1949-1952 and was a Stanley Home Products representative for 54 years.

Surviving Velma are her children and spouses,: Raymond and Diane Spicher of Kalona, Willard Dean and Elisabeth Spicher of North Charleston, So. Carolina, Lee and Judi Spicher of The Villages, Florida, Ronald and Eileen Spicher of Kalona, Joyce Craig of Iowa City, eighteen grand children, 32 great grandchildren, one and another expected great greatgrandchildren
Velma was preceded in death by her former husband, George, a brother, Willard Gingerich, three sisters, Irma Gingerich, Katie Kinsinger and Vertie Yoder and an infant brother and sister.

Velma's family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness bestowed on Velma during her time of declining health and now at the time of their loss. Your rememberances will always be cherished.

Celebration of Life Mass: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:30 AM
Holy Trinity Church, Richmond, IA
Rev. Fr. Rich Adam will officate.
Burial Holy Trinity Cemetery, Richmond
Visitation and Rosary: Tuesday, Jan. 27
4-7 PM Rosary at 7:00 at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

Memorial fund: Holy Trinity Church or Richmond AMVET Post #107

Military Service by Richmond AMVET Post #107.

Robert Francis Chapek was born in Richmond, the son of William and Anna (Bopp) Chapek. He graduated from Kalona High School and St. Ambrose College. He served in WWII where he sustained a leg injury and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After his return from the serve he owned and operated Chapek's Store in Richmond from 1958 to 1985. Bob was a Charter member of the Richmond AMVET Post #107, a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Catholic Order of Forester's, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and served as chairman of the Washington County Trustees of Cemeteries.
Bob is survived by one sister, Sister, Maryla Chapek of St. Rose Convent, LaCrosse, WI, one nehpew, Bill and wife Denise Chapek of Washington, one niece Corine and husband Mike Welte of Kalona, one great nephew Robert and wife Angie Chapek of Kalona and one great-great niece, Leah Chapek.

Bob was preceded by his parents, a sister, Loretta Frazier, two brothers, Paul and Clement Chapek.

Bob's family wishes to thank everyone who has shown Bob and the family the love and sympathy during this time of their sudden loss.

Services : Monday, Jan. 26 at 11:00 AM
Burial prior to services in the West Union Cemetery, rural Parnell at 9:30 AM
Visitation: Sunday 3-7 PM at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona
Memorial fund for Kalona Mennonite Church or Pleasantview Home

Rose Mary Yoder Schrock Bender was born October 16, 1916 in Wolford, N. D.
She was the daughter of Mose F. and Hannah (Graber) Yoder.

She was united in marriage to Cleland Schrock on August 5, 1937. After his death she was married to Gerald Bender on July 1, 1972.

Rose loved to visit with her many friends and family. She enjoyed going to coffee and dining with people. She was a member of the Kalona Mennonite Church, Farm Bureau and Kalona Lioness Club.

Survivors are her children and spouses,Marlene and Paul Ropp of Sarasota, FL, Ruby and Ezra Miller of Hutchinson, KS, Dale and special friend Jane of Parnell, Delbert and Linda of Bristol, IN, Elwood and Sally of Williamsburg, Cliffor and Phyllis of Wellman, step sons: Gene and Phyllis Bender of Wellman, Deon and Kathy Bender of Parnell and step-daugher, Roselie Luedtke of Iowa City. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Kathryn Yoder of Lone Tree and Wilma Yoder of Wellman, 24 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Rose in death were her husband Cleland(1968) and Gerald (1985) an infant son, four brothers, Albert, Sylvan, Peter and Henry Yoder and two sisters,Fannie Mast and Katie Troyer, step-son, Ronald Bender, step-grandson, Bryan Bender, and one great grandson.

Rose's family is deeply grateful for the many kindnesses shown Rose during her declining days and at this time of their loss. You will all be remembered with love.

Services: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 10:30 AM- United Christian and Baptist Church, Hwy 22 and 4th St., Kalona, IA
Visitation: Wednesday, Jan 14, 3-7 pm at Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

Memorial Fund for United Christian and Baptist Church, Kalona Historical Society or Iowa City Hospice.

Burial-Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona
Casket Bearers: Bryan Fry, David Fry, Don Hartzler, Chris Hartzler, Duane Mast, Keith Troyer.
Honorary Casket Bearers: Steve Reif, Don O. Miller, Earl Fry, Arlo Fry, Chuck Houdesheldt, Tracy Anderson, Dean Miller.

Elda G Bigelow Way was born north of Wellman in Iowa County on August 5, 1916. She passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the age of 92 years.
She was the daughter of Harry and Gertrude (Fry) Bigelow.
Elda graduated from Kalona High School with honors, in 1934. Elda and Eugene Way were married on October 5, 1934, in Des Moines.

Elda was a very active member of the Kalona community. She was a member of the United Christian and Baptist Church, Kalona Alpha Study Club, ABC Club, over 60 year member of Rebekah Lodge, member of Kalona Historical Society from it's formation, and had served on the Kalona City Council(1974-1976) and as Mayor for one year.

Elda had many interests: she and Eugene organized and served as coordinators of the Kalona Food Pantry, she enjoyed fishing in Lake McBride, loved to cook, playing bridge, attended home Iowa Women's Basketball, accompanied many Bell
Choir trips and helping people.

Elda was manager of the Eclipse Lumber Yard, correspondent for Kalona News, Gazette, Iowa City Press Citizen, Washington Journal, KCII and KXIC, and retired after 40 years with the Kalona Savings Bank (now Hills Bank & Trust) as assistant Vice-President.

Surviving her are her sister-in-law, Rose Bigelow of Kamas UT, three nephews and one niece, Ron Bigelow of Kansas City, MO, James Bigelow of Murray, UT, Kip Bigelow of Kamas, UT, and Jana Bills of Kamas, UT. Also surviving are 18 great newphews and nieces, a number of great-great newphews and nieces and a special couple, Judy and Chuck Houdsheldt of Blue Grass and a cousin and wife Earl and Norma Fry, faithfull caregivers.

Preceding Elda in death were her parents, her husband Eugene(June 16, 2006) her brother, John Bigelow (1991) and two nephews.

Elda's family extends their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown Elda during her illness and at this time of their loss. God bless each of you.