Ralph George Hansen wasborn April 11,1930 on the Hansenfamily farm just north of Walnut toGeorge and Ella Hansen. Ralphattended country schools northof Walnut, and graduated fromWalnut high school in 1947. Aftergraduation Ralph worked with hisfather on the farm that has nowbeen in the family for over 125years.On May 15, 1949, Ralph wasunited in marriage to Marjorie AnnMortensen at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa.

Jack Lee McCool, the son of Larry Steven and Juanita Jane (Theulen) McCool, was born on December 3, 1952, in Harlan, Iowa. He attended school in Tennant, Iowa, through the third grade. When the Tennant school consolidated with the Shelby, Iowa, school, becoming Shelby-Tennant Community School, Jack continued his education in Shelby; he graduated with the Class of 1971.After graduation, Jack entered the United States Army.

Jan Lakers (85), of Elk Horn, NE died on Saturday, April, 1, 2023.  She was born August 13, 1937 in Manning, IA the daughter of Arlo & Thelma (Ramsey) Hodne.Jan was married to John (Jack) Lakers on April 6, 1956. Jack and Jan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006 with their family. Jan was a member of St.

Randall Norman Hansen, aka Randy, was born in Harlan, Iowa, on April 15, 1949 to parents, Norman and Hazel. His sister, Dixie, was born three years later. Although he wasn’t thrilled about it, he decided to let her stay.The family lived in Jacksonville, Iowa, and Randy attended Harlan High School, and graduated in 1967. He did a tour of duty in Viet Nam from 1969-1970. (which he called the worst Senior Field Trip ever).

Austa Phelps, 103, Moline, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Aspen Nursing Home, Silvis.Private committal will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island.        Austa was born January 30, 1920 in Denmark, the daughter of Roger and Cena Nielsen.  She married Phillip Phelps, Sr. on October 27, 1944 in Omaha, NE.

Allyn Laverne Bartelson, age 85, son of Ronald and Cecil (McDowell) Bartelson, was born July 5, 1937, at the Harlan Hospital and died Friday, March 10, 2023, at home on the family farm near Irwin, Iowa. He had been in treatment for multiple types of cancer for several years and was under hospice care the last week.Allyn went to Country School Polk Center No. 5 through the 8th grade. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1955.

Virginia Rose Petersen was born on January 29, 1929 in Harlan, Iowa to Hans N and Ellen Hansen.  They lived on a farm south of Jacksonville.  On August 17, 1950 she married Lester Petersen and they made their home in Jacksonville.  They had two sons, Craig born in 1952 and Denny in 1957.Virginia was a lifelong homemaker and took pride in having a beautiful yard and loved all things outdoors.  Les and Virginia enjoyed many years together especi

Roland Eugene Hansen, son of Clifford and Emma E.

Chris Anthony Thraen, 84, of Eldora, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at home. He was born on June 5, 1938 in his parents’ home in Harlan, Iowa. Chris attended Harlan High School and barber school prior to joining the United States Coast Guard. Chris served in the United States Coast Guard from 1956 to 1962. He gave many recruits their arrival haircut. He worked for his uncle Lavern as a barber in Omaha, NE until 1965.

Father Don Bruck was born to Joseph and Orvelyn Bruck on April 27, 1942 at the Behrendt farm north and west of Panama, Iowa. He was the oldest of 3 sons; Marvin and Allen (Punk) and their wives Jan and Bev.He attended country school the first eight years of his education. He then went on to attend St. Mary’s High School for four years with the teaching of Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, Kansas.

 Lonnie Lee Benson, son of Edwin and Connie (Elmquist) Benson was born on October 3, 1962 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed at St.

Al “Sonny” Wede, Jr. was born inCouncil Bluffs, Iowa May 9, 1948 toAlfred Wede, Sr. and Velda (Greer)Wede.

Agnes Retz, age 97, died onFeb 13, 2023, at Santa Marta inOlathe KS. She passed awaypeacefully with family at her side.She was born to William andCatherine Gaul on a farm in Earling,IA, the second youngest oftwelve children.

Mary Patricia Tierney was born toEdward and Mercedes on December10, 1929 in Omaha, NE. Shewas baptized at St.Peter’s CatholicChurch in Omaha and later confirmedat St.Patrick’s Church in Dunlap, IA.She attended Catholic school in Dunlapfrom 1st grade until graduationand worked at Lehan Drug Store duringhigh school.Mary Pat found the love of her lifewhen she met Leonard Tremel. They were united in marriage on February 16,1950 at St.

Margaret Rose Christensen, née Darnell, age 96, was called to be home with her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2023.  Margaret, the daughter of George Calvin and Hester Susan (Hewitt) Darnell, was born on April 23, 1926 in Holt County, Nebraska.