Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Conway-Markham Obituaries - Eulogy Assistant (2024)

Obituary Preview: Dale Stevenson died on June 24, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born the 2nd of 4 children to Robert and Mildred Stevenson in Maple Leaf, Iowa on Aug 5, 1934. His mother died young, and his dad remarried, giving him 17 more brothers and sisters. Dale was raised by his paternal grandparents in Maple Leaf. He loved to learn and talked fondly of his days in the one room schoolhouse. During high school in Riceville, Iowa he played football, and was active in Future Farmers of America. He earned a trip East to DC one year with FFA and a trip west the next. That must have been when he got the bug to travel because he never wanted to be a farmer after that. He joined the army with his brother Ron, and though he left for a bit and switched to the Navy he made a career out of being in the military. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

His cousin Peggy introduced him to Mildred May Wagner, his first wife and the mother of his two children, Kelly Dale and Karla Mildred. Together they lived in California, Hawaii, Guam, Florida and Washington, retiring in Spokane, Washington. Dale married 2 more times and got engaged a few more than that. Dale loved being in love.

He was retired when his grandson, Justin Dale, was born, so he took turns babysitting along with the other grandparents. Later as Justin got older Dale helped him learn to drive. Together they took many long road trips. He was proud to be Justin’s grandfather.

He learned carpentry and building from his grandpa and was a good electrician, so he always had a project he was doing for himself or someone else. He enjoyed running and spent many years participating in fun runs around the area, making many friends along the way. He never stopped traveling. He and Karla went to Scotland together in 2001. Then he and his good friend Jean Lyle traveled there a few more times. In the end visiting Iowa and Scotland were his two favorite places next to being home in Idaho.

There will be a viewing for Dale at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd in Spokane Valley, WA on June 29th from 1 to 3 pm, and a celebration of his life locally on 8/5/2023, location. A second viewing will be held at Conway Markham Funeral Home, 508 Maple Street in Elma, Iowa on July 8th from Noon to 1 pm, with a graveside service following at Howard Cemetery in Elma. Family and Friends are invited to gather at the BlueBird Tavern in Elma after the service.

Obituary Preview: Resided in : Rochester MN

Debra "Deb" Ries, age 52, of Rochester, MN formerly of Elma, IA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at her home in Rochester.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek and Father Terrill Ball concelebrating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma following the memorial mass.

Obituary Preview: Born in : New Hampton IA Resided in : New Hampton IA

Rita Renee Roberson, age 70, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Linn Haven in New Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Jerico Lutheran Church in Jerico, IA with Pastor Peter Faugstad officiating. There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:30 AM at the church on Saturday prior to the funeral service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Rita was born December 11, 1952, to Oscar & Arlene Vikdal. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from New Hampton High School. She married her high school sweetheart Steven Roberson June 16, 1973, and they continued their love story all the way to the end. Complete opposites, but together they made the perfect team. That perfect team welcomed a son named Derik on March 24, 1988, upon which Rita stopped working at Tri-Mark. She stayed home with Derik until he started elementary school, then decided to volunteer at the elementary school just to see him. She then followed him to the high school where she worked as a part time cook until retiring in 2013. Words cannot describe how amazing of a mother Rita was. A perfect, irreplaceable mother from day 1, the type of mother everyone should be lucky enough to have.

Not only was Rita the perfect mother, but she was also the perfect wife. She was trying to hold on a little longer as the happy couple were set to celebrate 50 years of marriage next month. What an accomplishment! And what a life the two shared. From a farm in Jerico to the last 14 years back in New Hampton, what an adventure every step of the way. Their greatest passion together was traveling, and they made it to 48 of the 50 states excluding Rhode Island and Hawaii. They had fun and made memories on every trip, but their favorite was when they ventured to Alaska. One road in, one road out. What an experience, what beauty! They also enjoyed their 3 trips to Canada, eating clam chowder on the east coast while taking in the changing fall colors and all their trips to Florida to escape the cold Iowa winters. Recently they enjoyed trips to Las Vegas to see their son and the most special trip was in 2019 where on back-to-back nights we saw Lady A followed by Carrie Underwood. Rita was having the time of her life, while the lack of sleep almost killed Steven. He had to take a nap on Sunday while mother and son headed down the strip to find a Blake Shelton machine! Again, words can't express how much Steven will miss his travel partner and the best companion he could ever ask for. Perfect mother, perfect wife, perfect everything.

In high school Rita worked at the A&W and the Main Diner and that led to her lifetime love of cooking. It was her way to decompress and anything she baked could have been served in the finest restaurants around the world. These last few years she was able to cook more often with her son and he will always be grateful for the lessons handed down by his brilliant mother. Her favorite saying was the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.

In her spare time Rita enjoyed reading. Nora Roberts was her favorite author and she loved getting lost in her books. Another passion of hers was putting puzzles together, anything to pass time in the winter! She also enjoyed playing cards and any board game her son managed to bring home. A minute to win it will always be a memory the family will never forget as it was a night full of awkwardness and lots of laughs. Any activity always involved music from the 60's and the 70's. Inside during the winter and outside in the spring when the yard work began. She enjoyed landscaping and trying new creative projects and putting them on display in the yard. Her creativity was unmatched. That creativity trickled into the house as well. After her house was spotless and food was in the fridge, she would find new things to try, make, or bake. Such a talented superwoman gone much too soon.

Survivors include her two favorite men. Her husband Steven and son Derik meant the world to her, and their lives will never be the same without their rock. She also leaves behind 2 sisters, Sharon Townsend of New Hampton, IA and Judy Doyle of Bellingham, WA, both of whom she was close to and a brother, Ron & Nita Vikdal of North Washington, IA who was her hero growing up. Lastly, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a ton of great friends who felt more like family over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar & Arlene Vikdal. Services Visitation: May 27, 2023 10:00 am - 11:30 am Jerico Lutheran Church 2512 120th Street New Hampton, IA 50659 641-394-4331 Service: May 27, 2023 11:30 am Jerico Lutheran Church 2512 120th Street New Hampton, IA 50659

Obituary Preview: Born in : Alta Vista Iowa Resided in : Alta Vista Iowa

Todd Lentz, age 59, of Alta Vista, IA passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Unity Point Hospital in Waterloo, IA with his family by his side.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista, IA with Fr. Jerry Kopacek celebrating. Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Alta Vista IA Resided in : Alta Vista Iowa

Roger J. Meirick, age 62, of Alta Vista, IA passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Elma, IA.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Fr. Jerry Kopacek celebrating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Waterloo IA Resided in : New Hampton IA

Ben E. Ryan, age 94, of New Hampton, Iowa passed away on May 6, 2023, at the New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center as a result of colon cancer.

Ben was the son of Ben E. Ryan, Sr., and Martha L. (Haker) Ryan. He married the love of his life, Mary C. Bockenstedt, in 1952 and they had three children: Ron (Lucy) Ryan of St. Louis, MO, Tom (Nancy) Ryan of New Hampton, IA, and Ann (Jeoff) Block of West Des Moines, IA. He has six grandchildren: Angie (Jason) Gibson of Boone, IA, Jenna (Kris) Feldmann of Washington, MO, Ted Ryan, and Max (Amy) Ryan of St. Louis, MO, Ashley (Sam) Myers of Waukee, IA, and Jacob (Tori) Block of Van Meter, IA. He has six great-grandchildren: Logan and Bryce Gibson, Abby and Audrey Feldmann, and Charlotte and Oscar Ryan. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, his wife, Mary, and his sister, Genevieve.

Ben was born February 22, 1929, in Waterloo, IA, near the beginning of the Great Depression. At age 9, his father became unable to walk, which caused the family to move-in with Grandpa Frank Haker on the farm. A year later, his parents & sister moved-in with Grandparents Harry & Alice Ryan, and Ben moved-in with Uncle Chuck's family on the farm for eight months to complete fifth grade with country school classmates. When Ben was 11, his father was able to obtain a desk job in Greeley, IA, and they finally had a home of their own. At age 16, his mother died from a surgery complication. During his junior & senior years, Ben drove a country school bus for Greeley Consolidated School students.

Following high school, Ben became manager trainee with Farmers Lumber & Supply Co. at Farley, IA, Northwood, IA, Brookings, SD, and was promoted to manager of the Earlville, IA yard. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Special Agent with the Counter Intelligence Corps. After military service, he worked at the Fayette Co. Loan Co. in West Union, IA, which prepared him to launch the Family Loan Service, Inc. in 1953 in New Hampton. He sold the loan business in 1960 and became Secretary-Manager of the Chickasaw Mutual Insurance Association in New Hampton. He later created the Ben Ryan Agency to provide insurance protection that complemented the Association. After 32 years, Ben retired as President of Chickasaw Mutual Insurance Association in 1992, and sold his business to son, Tom.

Ben was a New Hampton ambassador - active in community and business affairs. He served on the boards of the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa, New Hampton Chamber of Commerce, New Hampton Rotary Club, People's Mutual Savings and Loan Association, New Hampton Pleasant Manor Corporation, New Hampton Public Library, and Chickasaw Mutual Insurance Association. He was past president of the New Hampton Chamber of Commerce, and the New Hampton Rotary Club.

There wasn't a parade, fish fry, pancake breakfast, or church supper that Ben would miss. Between Rotary and the New Hampton Chamber of Commerce, he was always buying or selling tickets. One of his proudest accomplishments was in 1978, when he led a successful "Operation Rescue" drive to fund emergency heart respiratory equipment used by the local ambulance service. Highlights also include administering the Rotary Club's student loan program for many years, and renovating Calvary Cemetery after years of neglect. Ben was presented Rotary Club's "Paul Harris Fellow" award (and was a 60-year member) and was named "Boss of the Year" by the Jaycee organization in 1978.

Ben & Mary were members of St. Joseph's Church (now Holy Family) since moving to New Hampton in 1953. Ben enjoyed a wonderful retirement, including golf and euchre with friends. Most of all, he loved and was proud of his family. We miss him greatly.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Alta Vista IA Resided in : Alta Vista IA

Randy "Buford" Boehmer, age 56, of Alta Vista, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 14, 2023 at Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa with Paul Phillips officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Decorah IA Resided in : New Hampton IA

Roger A. Clement, age 76, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Whispering Willow Assisted Living in Fredericksburg, IA.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Acme IA Resided in : Elma IA

Hazel M. Boyle aged 90 years, 8 months and 10 days took the "Highway to Heaven" leaving Colonial Manor of Elma with the biggest send off from the greatest staff and residents singing "Amazing Grace" as she exited the front door on her journey to heaven on April 5, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Fr. Andrew Marr, her nephew concelebrating with Father Jerry Kopacek. If you are unable to attend Hazel's funeral in person, please join the family via Facebook LIVE through the following link www.facebook.com/ConwayMarkham/. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Cresco IA Resided in : Elma IA

Kathryn C. Buckley, age 74, of Elma, IA passed away on April 1, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City, IA with her family by her side.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Elma Iowa Resided in : Elma Iowa

Donald D. Dybevik, age 87, of Elma, IA passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at his home in Elma.

Obituary Preview: Born in : New Hampton IA Resided in : Lawler IA

Linda K. Anderson, age 78, of Lawler, IA passed away on March 8, 2023 at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, IA with her family by her side.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampton, IA with Hugh Macintosh officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Born in : New Hampton Iowa Resided in : Cresco Iowa

Scott J. Grober, age 61, of Cresco, IA passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at his home.

Obituary Preview: Born in : New Hampton Iowa Resided in : New Hampton Iowa

Phyllis L. Willadsen, age 86, of New Hampton, IA passed away Monday, February 27, 2023 at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.

Obituary Preview: Resided in : Waucoma IA

Linda L. Leibold, age 75, of Waucoma, IA passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, surrounded by her family at her daughter's home in Elkader, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Father Nick Radloff celebrating the mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Waucoma.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Waterloo IA Resided in : New Hampton IA

Suzanne "Susie" F. Craft, age 81, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at her home with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, IA with Pastor Dong Shin officiating. Burial will be at New Hampton Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Resided in : New Hampton IA

Donald "Don" Johnson, age 69, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Colonial Manor in Elma.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Red Wing MN Resided in : New Hampton IA

Jeanette Poncelet passed peacefully at the Willows in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Her niece, Gayle Poncelet, and Hospice gently guiding Jeanette to her place in Heaven.

Obituary Preview: Resided in : New Hampton Iowa

Mary Eileen Carlin, age 83, of New Hampton, IA passed away peacefully on Monday, January 30, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center in New Hampton.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Holy Family Parish with Father Jim Goerend celebrating the mass. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Cedar Rapids IA Resided in : Elma IA

Kathleen A. (Ptacek) Anderson, age 85, of Lourdes, IA passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Arbor Gardens Memory Care in Eyota, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, IA with Fr. Tom Heathershaw celebrating the mass. Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Born in : Waverly IA Resided in : New Hampton IA

Adala M. Springmier, age 97, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA.