Jerry Petsche

Jerry L. Petsche, 75, of Hawkeye, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.  His visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard, Iowa from 9 a.m. to noon, a Military Honor Guard Tribute will be held at noon, then a Celebration of Life will follow at the Maynard Community Hall.

Lucille Kruse

Lucille Kruse, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished friend, died peacefully on August 4, 2023, at the Ossian Senior Hospice surrounded by her children. Mass of Christian burial was on Friday, August 11, 2023, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, IA

Lucille (Hackman) Kruse was born on August 17, 1929 to Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman in Festina Iowa.  She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and two years at St. Lucas Catholic High School.  In 1950, she was united in marriage to Arthur Kruse and blessed with eight children.  They made their home on a farm just north of Calmar and grew a progressive and successful farming business together until Art passed away in 1995.  

Sawyer Fink

Sawyer Kenneth Fink, 27 of West Union, Iowa passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023. Sawyer was born November 4, 1995, to Bruce and Donna (Ameling) Fink in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from North Fayette Valley High School in 2014. 

Sawyer was an UPS Driver and absolutely loved his job. He enjoyed interacting with all the people on his route and considered his co-workers as family. He loved life, being outdoors and was adventurous, he was very active biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, cooking and swimming in the river at Harpers Ferry. Sawyer even built a half-pipe in his front yard for skate boarding, that was a passion all through his life. Sawyer also loved rock hunting with his dad especially for agates while kayaking or hunting the rivers rock bars. Sawyer also enjoyed helping and participating with the TAKO events and with the mentoring program. 

Jeffrey Blue

Jeffrey Jay Blue (Jazzy), beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend unexpectedly passed away on July 27, 2023. Jeff was 51 years old at the time of his death. 

Jeff was born in West Union, Iowa, on August 7, 1971, to Gerald and Donna Blue. He grew up in West Union and attended and graduated from North Fayette High School. Throughout his life, Jeff worked in various family businesses including Independence Motor Speedway, Fayette County Speedway, Grant County Speedway, Lilac Lanes Bowling Alley, and the Fayette County Union.  Jeff additionally enjoyed the time he spent traveling and working for Merriam Carnival and more recently working for Boone’s Snow Removal. Jeff was married and later divorced. 

Alvin Vsetecka

Alvin Vsetecka, age 91, of Lawler, IA, died Saturday, July 29, 2023, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory, New Hampton (641-394-4334) helped the family with the arrangements.

Shirley Joan Smith

Shirley Joan Smith, 84, of Fayette, died Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette with Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating. Becker & Son Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting Joan’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Holly Gefaller

Holly J. Gefaller, 75, of rural Hawkeye, died Thursday, August 3, 2023, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of LIfe for Holly and her son, Todd will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 14, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. Ron Roberts officiating. Visitation will precede services at the Church starting at 10:00 a.m.  Becker & Son Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Holly’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Holly was born on December 8, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the third child of Robert and Irene (Garbers) Cranston. Her parents welcomed her into their family and she joined brothers, Terry (Patty) of Overland Park, KS and Tom (Becky) of The Villages, FL. She was a loved little girl, especially to her Dad.

Holly graduated from Norway High School in 1965.

Isaac Wiltgen

Isaac Joseph Wiltgen, age 29, of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away from a short but courageous battle with cancer, on July 23, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Mass was held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jacob Rouse officiating.  Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation was held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Sunday, July 30, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service.  Visitation continued at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lorraine Livingston

Lorraine Evangeline Livingston, 95 of West Union, Iowa passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa. 

Lorraine was born December 13, 1927 to Ernest and Gladys (Bergland) Larson in Elgin, Iowa. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1945 and continued her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. 

Rita Downs

Rita Downs, 92, of Hawkeye, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.