Steve Story

Steve Bixler Story, 87, of Hawkeye, Iowa died Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at his home. Steve Bixler Story was born December 3, 1932, at Monticello, Iowa, the son of Dillon Wells Story and Clarice Isabelle Bixler Story. He grew up on the family farm in Jones County, Iowa, graduating from Olin, Iowa High School in 1950.

Steve married Donna Ketchum June 7, 1953 in the Methodist Church, Olin, Iowa. Four children were born to this marriage: Steven Paul, Karen Diane (Mike Doscher), Janet Kay (David Schlapkohl), and Linda Jeane (Nolan Gunderson).

Gerald McEnaney

Gerald (Jerry) McEnaney, age 84 of Decorah, IA passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.  

Due to Covid-19 there will be a service held one year from his death on July 10, 2021 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah.  

Gerald was born February 5, 1936 in Waucoma, Fayette County, IA to Roy and Alma (Schissel) McEnaney.  He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Waucoma High School.  He entered the US Army and served most of his time in Okinawa.  He was honorably discharged at Oakland, CA.  After the Army he attended St. Thomas College, St. Paul, MN and then returned home to work on the family farm in Waucoma, IA.  Jerry was a loyal and dedicated member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and AmVets.

Clarence Ruckdashel

Clarence Eugene Ruckdashel, passed away on January 8, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona. He was the third child of four children born to Alfred and Ina Ruckdashel, born on October 13, 1932 in Elgin, Iowa.  

During Clarence’s high school years, he played football.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 2, 1952

Clarence met Beverly Florence Nelson at a high school ball game in 1952 and were united as husband and wife on October 10, 1953.  They moved to Amarillo AFB, Texas where he was stationed in the US Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic General Jet Tech.  He then was transferred to Germany as an Aircraft Mechanic Instructor in May,1956 and Beverly moved back to Clermont, IA.  He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force on December 1, 1956.  They then bought a farm in Clermont, IA where they worked the farm  together until August 1970.  To this union six children were born.  

Mary Ann Schaer

Mary Ann Schaer, 82, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, July 6, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.  Mary Ann was born October 5, 1937 to Fred and Maude (Montgomery) Schaer in Elgin, Iowa. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1955, where she played bass drum in the high school band.

For fifty years, Mary Ann worked as a Bank Teller at Elgin State Bank, retiring in 2005. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she played church organ, was financial secretary, taught Sunday School, and belonged to Tabitha Circle for many years. Mary Ann was active in the Elgin Betterment Club. She enjoyed traveling with her sister, Martha. Music was a big part of her life; she played piano and organ.

Kenneth Jensen

We are regretful to report the untimely passing of Kenneth “Ken” G. Jensen, 83, of Decorah, Iowa, on June 30, 2020.

  Kenneth George Jensen was born on October 8, 1936 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Richard Kenneth and Vivian “Pede” (Tupper) Jensen.
Ken was an educator and life-long learner, starting as a teacher and ending in the Administrative Office, retiring from the Decorah School District as Superintendent. He earned his PHD from the University of Iowa and always pushed himself to continually learn, never being content with status quo.  His educational drive impacted his family and friends who often found their positions politely challenged.  Ken made regular efforts to stay in touch with former students and colleagues from all over the country, communicating with them through conversation or email. 
 

Dean Winkie

Dean Winkie, 81, of Randalia, Iowa died Monday, July 6, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa.  Dean was born August 25, 1938 to Emmett and Clara (Soride) Winkie in Decorah, Iowa. He attended country school outside of Waukon, Iowa and one year at Waukon High School. Dean proudly served in the United States Army.

Dean was united in marriage with Geraldine Franks on June 21, 1974. He worked as a Vacuum Salesman for over twenty years. Dean enjoyed fishing, collecting barbed wire and Campbell memorabilia and growing Indian Corn.

Surviving Dean are his wife, Geraldine Winkie of Randalia, Iowa; son, Jeff Winkie of Randalia, Iowa; two children, Marvin and Tammy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Clara Winkie; brother, Dirk Winkie; and an infant sister.

Private Services will be held at a later date.

Wayne Grimes

Wayne A. Grimes, 87, of Waterloo, formerly of West Union, died Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

He was born December 20, 1932. Son of George and Helen (Johnston) Grimes in West Union, Iowa. He married JoAnne Miller on May 31, 1953 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union.

Wayne graduated from West Union public schools. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. After his service, he became employed by Northwestern Bell telephone company for 34 years, retiring in 1985.  He was a long-time member of the South Waterloo Sertoma Club and a member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Waterloo.