Woods Funeral Home

On July 14, 2023, after his yearlong valiant battle with cancer. Warren Ivan Finch embarked on his final check ride flying west with the night. While his adventures took him around the world, made him knowledgeable about history, woodworking, education and finance, Warren’s deep affection for Iowa never waned.

Before embarking on his adventures, in 1960 he graduated from Wapsie Valley High School, Fairbank, Iowa, followed by receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Science from Iowa State University. He married Myra Jane Hayward in 1965. He served in the United States Army in Alaska as a Nike Missile Battery Commander. From 1969-1992 he was an award winning teacher and school administrator in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serving at all levels. After retirement from education he began a career in finance.

In 1997 after 29 years in Alaska, Warren and Myra moved to San Juan Island, Washington State. He loved flying his own planes keeping them meticulously maintained, logging many hours traveling between Alaska, the San Juans and his beloved Iowa. Warren and Myra traveled internationally having seen much of the world and making lifelong friends along the way. Warren flew cancer patients for treatment and educated those who feared flying.

He was an accomplished woodworker and basket maker. He presented his friends with gifts of Maloof-style rocking chairs, Nantucket baskets, a Celtic harp for Avon and intricate cutting boards. He designed and supervised projects for a local Boy Scout Troop. Nearly all of the wood used in his woodworking was harvested and milled on his Iowa farm with the help of his dear friend, Gerard Keniston. Warren took great pride in the family farm, setting aside 50 acres in a conservation easement that remains to this day.

All of this does not begin to describe Warren. He was curious about the world his whole life, was very well read and had deep knowledge of United States and European history. He was devoted to his friends, helpful and supportive, often quietly and anonymously so, without expecting credit.

He was an artist, a craftsman, a teacher, a mentor, could be an imposing presence and a man of impeccable character and infinite kindness. As he aged he became more liberal, less tolerant of bigotry and believed living life well was the best revenge!

He is preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Eleanor, his father, Ivan and his brother, Wendell. He is survived by Myra his wife of 58 years, his son Aaron of Portland, Oregon, his honorary son, Jason Mendes of Tulsa, Oklahoma, his sister-in-law, Loie Hayward of Dysart, Iowa and his woodworking partner and best friend, Katy Doran of Friday Harbor, Washington.

So… on his final check ride, flying west with the night and straight on ’til the morning sun, surely we shall all meet again.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials may be made to Stillpoint School P.O. Box 576 Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Oelwein – Roger Lee Kane departed peacefully from this world, Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Oelwein Care Center.

He was born June 4, 1937, in Fayette County Iowa, Oran township the son of Harold & Irma (Gletty) Kane.

He married Beverly Ann Pine on July 2, 1960, in Fairbank, Ia.  They were married 51 years and made their home in Klinger for 46 years until Beverly’s passing in 2012.  They had four children.

 In his youth Roger worked for the Oran locker, as well as unloading and hauling coal and drove the school bus. He joined the Navy serving on the first guided missile destroyer, the USS Gyatt from 1956 to 1960.

He worked as a foreman for Waterloo Steel Company for over 20 years until their closing. He was well known for his ability as a welder.  Ending his career at the age of 70 with Meyerhoff Tiling.  He enjoyed operating the excavator, removing buildings and digging ponds. 

Survived by: One daughter: Trilby (Dan) Waschkat of Waverly.  Two sons: Vic (Jean) Kane of Oelwein; and Dexter Kane of Troy, Illinois. Nine grandchildren: Isaac, Hallie, Sam, Alyssa, Tyler, Ciara, Spencer, Dori and Levi.  Six great grandchildren: Zoey, Lainee, Alexis, Corbin, Sydney and Cameron. A brother Rex (Glenda) Kane, sisters Donna Higgins, Delores (Henry) Schares and Doris Randall.  Brother-In-law Chuck (Kathy) Minor, Sister in Laws Doris Johnson, Mary Graham, and Marilyn White, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death: by his wife Beverly, son Lester, parents Irma and Harold, a sister Dorothy Duffy and a brother Ralph Kane.

Celebration of Life: Sunday, Aug 13 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Fairbank, Luncheon and fellowship available. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

Inurnment: Family will have a private service at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation

Barbara Jean Gipper passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center in Oelwein after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 1, 1949 in Oelwein the daughter of Louie and Betty (Ghere) Maillie. Barb attended and graduated from Oelwein High School. She married John Gipper in 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Barb and John made their home on an acreage just south of the Fairbank city limits. There they raised their two children, Rob and Cindy. They also raised Greyhound dogs for a number of years until John’s health declined. John passed away in 1994. After John’s death Barb remained on the acreage for the rest of her life where she enjoyed being out in the yard with her flowers and her numerous cats. She enjoyed reading and crocheting when she wasn’t working at the Fairbank Locker. Barb loved her family including her close friend Bette Brown who was like a sister to her. Barb is survived by her son, Robert (Chris) Gipper of Fairbank and her daughter, Cindy (Brian) Bunn of Nevada, Iowa, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers; Roy Maillie and Brad Maillie, one sister; Sandy Maillie along with several nieces and nephews and her best friend, Bette Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, step-mother, Shirley Maillie, two sisters; Jane and Candy and two nephews; Shane and Jason.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Friday, June 23, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Barb’s family would like thank Cedar Valley Hospice, the 2nd floor staff at MercyOne, the staff at the MercyOne cancer treatment center, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Schwarm and Dr. Nasari for the care they gave to Barb.

Marie Arlene (Bickel) Westphal age 82 of rural Fairbank passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. She was born July 20, 1940, in rural Anamosa, daughter of Robert and Martha (LeClere) Bickel. Marie married Kenneth Westphal Nov. 14 1964 at the Methodist Church in Marion.

She attended Country school and graduated from Central City in 1958. Marie worked in the Marion and Cedar Rapids area for five years before she was married.

Marie and Ken had two children while they lived on an acreage near Waterloo for twenty-seven years. They then moved to rural Fairbank. Marie was an active member in the First United Methodist Church in Dunkerton for 52 years.

Marie was particular about her garden and flowers. She made sure that the vegetables were rotated on an annual basis. Nothing went to waste. It was either frozen or canned to be enjoyed during the fall, winter and spring months, or it was given away to family and friends. Of course there was always room for her flowers, especially gladiolas. Marie enjoyed traveling with the family with trips to almost every corner of the United States. There were trips to friends & family along with sight seeing trips. Later in life she enjoyed visiting Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida during the winter months. She loved doing the word scramble in the newspaper and word search puzzles. unfortunately, in the last few years her eye-sight wasn’t as good and she could no longer do them. Marie loved family picnics and get togethers. She enjoyed the annual fall camping trip with the family and loved spending time with grandkids and great-grandkids. Marie didn’t know how to drive a vehicle until after she was married, with time, little perseverance and lots of empty country roads she learned to drive. Marie was always willing to assist with projects, no matter what the project was. This included projects for family and friends.

Marie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ken, a daughter, Sharon (Ken) Spohn of Omaha, a son, Ronald (Brenda) of Earlville IL. Five grandchildren Shelley (Richard) Kruse, Kevin Spohn, Stephanie Westphal, Sarah Westphal and Hannah Westphal.  Two great grandsons Wyatt & Dustin. Three brothers and three sisters; Henry (Annitta) Bickel of Marion, Janet Bickel of Marion. Clifford Bickel of Anamosa, Leonard Bickel of Cedar Rapids, Donna Bickel of Cedar Rapids, Barbara (Dennis) Stevens of Highland,IL. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, one brother, Larry Bickel, two sisters-in-law, Clara Bickel & Judy Bickel. 

Visitation: 9:00-10:30 AM Thursday, April 27, 2023 with funeral services to follow at the United Methodist Church 301 Washington Street, Dunkerton, Iowa 

Interment: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Lunch will be served immediately following the service in the church social hall.                                                       

Marcia Louise Bankus age 71 of Fairbank passed away Friday, April 7, 2023. She was born June 9, 1951 in Des Moines the daughter of Emery and Marion (Henn) Goodenberger. Marcia grew up in Winterset, she attended and graduated from Winterset High School with the class of 1969. After graduation she enrolled at the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines. Marcia worked as a Registered Nurse for her entire working career. She was a school nurse for more the 20 years at various school districts. On May 27, 1972 she married Dale Bankus in Winterset. They first made their home in Sibley and then Chariton where their two children, Julie and Bob were born. Dale’s job kept them moving from town to town until they both retired. Their final destination was Fairbank in 2015. Marcia enjoyed crafts, bird watching, going out to eat at various restaurants and playing cards. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, but most of all she loved her family especially her grandchildren and loved attending their various activities whenever possible. Marcia is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dale, her daughter Julie (Brady) Mann, her son, Bob (Lindsay) Bankus, six grandchildren; Michael Mann, Abby Mann, Lexi Bankus, Gavin Bankus, Everly Bankus and Fallon Bankus, three sisters; Rhonda (Jeff) Wagoner, Sondra (Dale) Smith and Pam Anderson, two brothers; Perry (Terri) Goodenberger and Marty (Stacy) Goodenberger, one sister-in-law, Novella (David) Kemp along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father-in-law, Rosser and Lena Bankus.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, April 12 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Thursday, April, 13 at the First United Methodist Church, 455 6th Street, Jesup, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, Jesup or to the family for later designation.

A lunch will be served immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Duane Paul Janssen age 83 of Fairbank passed away Friday, March 31, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Duane was born March 5, 1940 on the family farm near Hampton, the son of Ben and Grace (DeVries) Janssen. He attended and graduated from the Chapin School District with the class of 1958. Duane married Elaine Zander on June 24, 1960. To this union two daughters were born, Angela and Sherry. Elaine passed away in 1992. After Elaine’s passing Duane met Esther Canfield and they became good friends and eventually lifelong partners for nearly 30 years until Esther passed. Duane was a steelworker for the majority of his working career, first at Waterloo Steel, then at Eastern Iowa Pork and eventually Roberts and Dybdahl where he retired. Duane was a lifelong cowboy he loved everything about the cowboy way, the hat, the boots and most of all the horses. After his retirement he spent countless hours out in the Amish community where he kept his horses. He enjoyed helping the Amish with chores and giving them rides to wherever they needed to go. Duane still kept in contact with many of them right up until the week of his passing. Duane was a friend to many people it seemed that no matter where he went he knew somebody and would always greet them by saying “Hey how ya doing Chief” everyone was chief to him including his grandchildren. Duane’s greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren. He always enjoyed the time he spent with them whether it be just sitting in his recliner visiting with them while they played with his hair or giving them rides in the wagon behind the lawnmower. There are many people that are going to miss seeing that friendly man wearing the white cowboy hat and cowboy boots, especially his loving family. Duane is survived by his daughter Sherry (Rick) Hufford, three granddaughters; Jodi (Mike) Reitmajer, Kristin (Cody) Farr and Nicole (Jose) Nava and one grandson, Travis Hufford, five great-grandchildren; Cruz, Macie, Ella, Clay and Cole, two sisters; Marge (Ralph) Larson and Marilyn (Gene) Heilskov, two sisters-in-law; Mary and Ruth Janssen along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine, his special friend, Esther Canfield, a daughter, Angie, five brothers; Bill, Bud, Ervin, Robert and Ken Janssen, one sister; Dorothy Miller and her husband Melvin and a sister-in-law, Marsha Janssen.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, April 4 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 5 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Oran, Iowa.

Inurnment: St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, rural Oran.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Lunch will be served after the service in the church fellowship hall.

Jacqueline Muriel Burnett age 92 of Oelwein and formerly from Fairbank passed away, Friday, March 17, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Jackie was born January 17, 1931 in Oelwein the daughter of Elmer and Muriel (Grummitt) Fink. She married John Burnett on February 14, 1948 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Jackie and John raised their family of four children in Fairbank where she remained until John’s passing, she then moved to Oelwein in 2003. Jackie began her working career while she was a teenager first at the telephone office in Fairbank. While raising her family she worked at Curley’s Grocery Store and at the Bel-Mar Drive Inn both located in Fairbank. She next worked at Fareway and finally at K-Mart in Oelwein where she eventually retired. Jackie also worked at Jo’s Thread and Thimble in Fairbank surrounding herself with a couple of the things she enjoyed doing, sewing and quilting. Jackie was very proud to have attended the same church from birth, as well as being baptized, confirmed and married all at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and was a fierce competitor when it came to playing cards, especially her favorite game 500. After John’s retirement Jackie and John enjoyed spending their winters in Port Aransas, Texas. The most important thing and the one she loved and enjoyed the most was her family, she loved spending time with them whenever it was possible. Jackie is survived by her four children; Michael of Colorado Springs, CO, Steven of Fairbank, Sandra Johnson of Independence and Sheryl (Steve) Pavelec of New Hartford, 10 grandchildren; Steven (Rachael) Tarrie, Brad (Kari) Brian, Ryan, Travis (Tanya) Tony, Tiffany (Jeremy) Edward (Bridget) and Sarah along with 20 great-grandchildren, she is also survived by two brothers; Gary Fink and Jim (Elly) Fink both of Fairbank. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, a grandson, Timothy Burnett, a sister, Betty Moeller, a son-in-law, Jim Johnson, a brother-in-law, Leon Moeller and a sister-in-law, Zelma Fink.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, March 22 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Thursday, March 23 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: May be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to the family for later designation.

A lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall after the service.

Pamela McNamara age 70 of Dunkerton passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Hospital after a long courageous battle with cancer. Pam was born December 14, 1952 in Cheyenne, Wyoming the daughter of Robert and Valva (Eaton) Nielson. Pam grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Waterloo East High School. She was a longtime mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 32 years of service. Pam married Eugene McNamara on September 13, 1969 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Pam and Gene settled in Dunkerton where they raised their family. Pam enjoyed crafts, puzzles and baking but above all she loved her family and spending as much time as possible with them. She is survived by her husband, Gene, three children; Chad McNamara, Jamie McNamara (Becky) and Tami (Donny) Franck, four grandchildren; Mason McNamara, Emilee McNamara, Ceraphine Franck and Persephanie Franck. Pam was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Debra (Nielson) Gaffney.

Visitation: 4:00-8:00 PM Friday, March 24 and for one hour before the service, Saturday at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Services: 11:00 AM Saturday, March 25 at Woods Funeral Home.

Inurnment: at a later date in Fairview Cemetery, Dunkerton.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

A lunch will be served at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Fairbank following the service.