Woods Funeral Home

Donald W. Brandt age 79 of Fairbank passed away Thursday March 9, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Donnie was born December 16, 1943 in Oelwein, the son of Wilbert and Doretta (Bartels) Brandt. He attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the class of 1962. On May 9, 1964 he married Glenda Yeager at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Donnie worked at John Deere in Waterloo and retired after 34 years of dedicated employment. Shortly after that he began his career at Wapsie Valley Community Schools that spanned 21 years, first as the custodian at Fairbank Elementary and then as both a regular bus route driver and a dependable activities bus driver. Donnie also served for more than 27 years on the Fairbank Fire Department serving most of them as chief. He was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and donated countless hours of his time to serve the parish that he loved so much. Donnie was a people person he always enjoyed visiting and helping out wherever needed. First and foremost for Donnie was his family he loved all of them unconditionally and was always there for them, whether it would be watching after grandchildren or helping with a project his family could always count on him to be there. He is survived by his wife, Glenda, his son Mike (Kim) Brandt, three daughters; Robyn (Marty) Kane, Noel Happel (CJ Burford) and Molly (Mike) Rochford, 12 grandchildren; Cameron (Danielle) Brandt, Collin Brandt, Cole Brandt, Conner Brandt (Megan Jones), Austin (Amber) Kane, Tyler Kane, Gavin (Bryanna) Kane, Augusta Ingersoll (Marty Fuentes), Christian Ingersoll, Will Happel, Nolan Rochford and Luke Rochford, 11 great-grandchildren; Colton Brandt, Jade Brandt, Delilah Brandt, Maddox Brandt, Millie Rose Brandt, Hayden Kane, Hudson Kane, Kashton Kane, Braylen Kane, Siya Fuentes and Owen Fuentes. Five brothers; Lauren Brandt (Mary), Gary (Lori) Brandt, Gene (Patty) Brandt, Keith (Cheryl) Brandt and Terry (Mindi) Brandt, two sisters; Betty (Clay) Passick and Barb Wandling, three sisters-in-law; Donna (Dave) Trimble, Dorothy Yeager and Susan Vilmain and one brother-in-law, Gordie Yeager. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in-law, Glen and Wilma Yeager, three sisters-in-law; Carol Brandt, Bea Thompson and Carol Wilson, two brothers-in-law; Lee Matson and Don Wandling and a nephew, Greg Brandt.

Visitation: 3:00-7:00 PM Sunday, March 12 with a parish rosary at 2:45 PM at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Monday, March 13 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Inurnment: at a later date in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Lunch will be served following the mass at the Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Arnold Schellhorn passed away Friday February 17, 2023 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo after a battle with dementia. He was born October 30, 1926, in the rural area near Fredrika, Iowa, the son of Wilhelmina (Warnke) and Henry Schellhorn. He was baptized at the Evangelical & Reformed Church in rural Sumner and was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Bremer County. In his early years, he lived on the family farm near Grove Hill where he attended rural grade school. He walked or rode his bicycle 4.5 miles one way to Readlyn for his freshman year of high school. After that, he worked at home to help with the family farming duties. On November 18, 1947, he married Lorna Sell at St. John Lutheran Church in Buck creek. He and his Bride lived in rural Bremer County and near Oelwein before moving to Oran in 1954 where he would build his family home. Arnold’s work history included working at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo before settling in at Lorber Construction in Oran where he worked for approximately 50 years. For several years in the 1970’s, Arnold would “moonlight” repairing shoes on night a week for Duffy’s Shoe Store in Oelwein. It was also around this time that Arnold and Lorna operated a lunch trailer for approximately 6 years, named the “Tummy Stuffer”, which they pulled to auctions and provided hot food/concessions for the auction attendees. After “retiring”, Arnold still enjoyed staying busy doing small carpentry projects for various people around town upon request. He wanted to be a friend to all he met and desired that all persons he met would also consider him as their friend. To say the least, he was usually pretty quick with a joke to put a smile on other peoples faces.

Arnold and Lorna were known for dancing several nights a week. They enjoyed fishing (but never took much time to do so) and enjoyed playing cards, laughing, and having fun with other couples. they also enjoyed boating/water skiing in the summer and ice skating/sledding in the winter with other families in the Oran area. Arnold enjoyed being a work mentor to his grandsons as well as being with all his grandchildren and attending their activities. Arnold was a life-long and active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Oran. The church was a big part of his life as he served on all council positions in addition to mowing the church lawns and doing church custodial work. He began opening the church for the Sunday services every Sunday beginning in approximately 1958 and continued doing so for more than 55 years. He was an Oran Fire Department member for several years and served as the Assistant Fire Chief for approximately 3 years. He was a district officer for Aid Association for Lutherans and Thrivent for several years and was secretary of the Oran sanitation District for many years.

Arnold is survived by 2 sons, Galen (Elaine) of rural Sumner and Alan of Oran; 3 grandchildren, Aaron (Lindsay) Schellhorn of Melbourne, Florida, Travis (Katie) Schellhorn of Independence, and Anna (Kyle) Lillmars of Englewoods, Colorado; one step grandchild, Kerri (Curtis) VanEe of Waverly; 3 great-grand daughters and 4 step great-grandchildren. Arnold is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lorna; one son, Ronnie John (died in infancy); 2 sisters, Adeline Schellhorn and Ester Niemeyer; 7 brothers, Marvin and Lavern (both lost in infancy), Roland, Willhart, Erwin, Lorenz, and Orlyn.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday February 22, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank, and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services: 10:30am Thursday February 23, 2023 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Oran

Interment: Grove Hill Cemetery

In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation

Lunch will be served following services at St. Peters in Oran.

Dwayne “Buzzy” Ott, 88 of Fairbank, passed away Thursday, February 16^th at the Denver Sunset Home. Dwayne was born on January 27^th, 1935, at home near Fairbank to August and Viola (Reiter) Ott. Dwayne grew up and remained in the rural Fairbank area where he also attended and graduated from Fairbank High School. On April 27^th, 1957, Dwayne was united in marriage to Geraldine (Gerry) Fisk at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and he shared his life with her until her passing in 2003. This union was blessed with two children, Dennis and Donna. Dwayne served time in the US Army from 1957 to 1959 before returning to the family farm. He served on the St. John’s and Lord of the Harvest church boards as well as the Oran creamery.

Dwayne was a lifelong dairy farmer, and there was nothing else he enjoyed more than farming, fixing things, and the mountains. Every summer when the farming had slowed down, Dwayne and Gerry would travel to the Rocky Mountains. Dwayne had a fondness for Estes Park and his trips to the mountains held a special place in his heart. In 2003, Dwayne stepped back from farming for the next generation of family to enjoy it like he had for so long. On April 24, 2004, Dwayne was remarried to Laura Heilmann and together they continued to travel, including trips to his beloved mountains.

Dwayne is survived by his son Dennis (Roxanne) Ott of Fairbank; daughter Donna (Randy) Brown of Mountain Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Joshua (Brittany) Brown, Bethany (Ryan) Clark, Darcy (Christian) Kroemer, Amy (John) Scott, and six great-grandchildren: Jocelyn Brown, Caleb Brown, Charles Scott, Melanie Scott, Bristol Kroemer, and Conroy Kroemer; a brother-in-law John Shields Jr.; and a stepson Rob Heilmann. Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents August and Viola Ott, his sister Edna “Toot” Shields, a stepdaughter Dawn Zaruba, his first wife Gerry and his second wife Laura.

Visitation: 9:00-10:00am Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Funeral Services: 10:00am Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

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

Darrel Francis Cox age 81 of Fairbank passed away, January 23, 2023 at his home. He was born October 14, 1941 in Waterloo the son of Raymond and Helen (Whitney) Cox. Darrel grew up in rural Fairbank and spent the rest of his life in the same area. He was a graduate of the very first class of Wapsie Valley Community Schools in 1960. Darrel was a lifelong farmer while also working at John Deere in Waterloo for 38 years, which he retired from in 1998. He married Carolyn Ann Schutte on August 19, 1961 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank. Carolyn passed away March 11, 1988. Darrel enjoyed driving, making the rounds and visiting as many people as he could in a day. He had a regular schedule he stuck to each week for the different eating establishments in the local area and if he didn’t show, someone was on the phone to one of the boys making sure he was okay. Darrel’s family was his pride and joy. He thrived in attending all of his boys’, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and rarely missed an event. Along with the love of his family and friends, came his strength in faith. Darrel was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Fairbank where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He will be missed by so many, especially his family, whom he loved so much.

Darrel is survived by his four sons; Russ of Readlyn, Brian (Reiko) of Greenwood, Indiana, Dan of Plainfield and Mike of Readlyn. Nine grandchildren; Alicia (Nate) Jones, Rhino (Abby) Cox, Sheila (Dave) Wangsness, Khyle (Shaliah Anderson) Cox, Jerod Cox, Christy Cox, Kevin (Lillie) Cox, Ashlyn Snowden and Branden Cox. Nine great-grandchildren; Jesse, Jamie and Jase Jones, Kiptyn and Kynlee Cox, Hannah, Wade and Wes Wangsness and Bo Cox. One brother, Craig (Wilma) Cox;  one brother-in-law, Elton Schutte; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Schutte. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother, Curtis Cox;  his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rueben and Esther Schutte; a brother-in-law, Orlyn Schutte;  and a sister-in-law, Shirley Schutte and several close friends.

Visitation: 3:00-7:00 PM Sunday, January 29 at Woods Funeral Home and for on hour before services Monday at the church.

Funeral Services: 10:00 AM Monday, January 30 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: May be directed to the United Methodist Church or to the family for later designation.

Lunch will be served following the services at the Fairbank American Legion.

Sherry Duffy, 60 of Fairbank passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at her home. She was born December 3, 1962 the daughter of Jerry and Wanda (Tope) Kaufman. Sherry attended Wapsie Valley Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1981. After high school Sherry enrolled and graduated from Hawkeye Community College. As an infant Sherry was baptized at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank where she became a lifetime member. Sherry was united in Holy Matrimony to her high school sweetheart, Tony, on October 23, 1982 at Immaculate Conception Church. The union was blessed with two children, Brent & Candace. Sherry worked for various businesses during her working career, with the last 16 plus years being an Administrative Assistant for Pete Meehan at Financial Decisions Group. Sherry had a generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so well and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Sherry’s beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband of 40 years, Tony, her children; Brent Duffy of Waverly and Candace (Rob) Ratchford of Independence, her grandchildren “her pride and joy” Madden and Bristol Ratchford, Makinna, Grayson and Adalyn Duffy, two sisters; Julie (Curt) Kelley and Denise (Bob) Crew, one brother, Todd (Tina) Kaufman, sisters-in-law; Clarice (Steve) Levey, Carol Duffy, Nina Duffy, Nancy (Rich) Wallace, Norma (Kevin) Westendorf, brothers-in-law; Mike (Judy) Duffy, Tim (Jeanette) Duffy Ted (Sue) Duffy along with many devoted aunts, uncles nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, paternal grandparents, Fred and Marie (Steils) Kaufman, her maternal grandparents; Lester and Opal (Ruroden) Tope, father and mother-in-law, Jack and Dorothy (Kane) Duffy, brother-in-law, Mark Duffy, niece, Lou Ann Bentley and nephews; Chris Wallace and Josh Menuey.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, January 6th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Saturday, January 7th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Lunch will be served at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Howard Meaney 88 of rural Oelwein passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023 at MercyOne Hospital in Oelwein. He was born October 4, 1934 in Waterloo the son of Martin and Agnes (Shannon) Meaney. Howard attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Fairbank with the Class of 1952. After high school Howard was employed at John Deere in Waterloo until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Army from 1957-1959 and he then returned to work at John Deere, retiring in 1987. Howard was also a lifelong farmer until he retired from farming in 2010. Howard married Janet Bantz on November 11, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Howard was a member of the UAW 838 of Waterloo, the Fairbank Knights of Columbus as well as the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet, his seven children; Susan (Ed) Corcoran of Paullina, Tim (Patty) Meaney of Oelwein, Barbara (Kevin) Salisbury of Cedar Falls, Jacqie (Jim) Mikkola of Cedar Rapids, Daniel (Angel) Meaney of Oelwein, Erin Meaney of Cedar Rapids and Michael (Kristin) Meaney of Somonauk, IL, 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one sister, Dorothy Kriener of Fredricksburg and one sister-in-law, Janice Bantz of Westgate. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Leonard and two brothers-in-law; Ronald and James Bantz.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday, January 5th and from 9:00-10:15 AM Friday at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Parish Rosary: 3:45 PM Thursday, January 5th at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Friday, January 6th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Military Rites: Conducted by the Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

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

Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following graveside service.

Laura I. Heilmann-Ott, 93, of Fairbank, peacefully passed on Friday, December 16th after a brief illness.  

The family will welcome friends for a visitation on Tuesday, December 20 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and for one hour before the services Wednesday, both at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank. Burial will be in the Fairbank Cemetery.  The family would like to invite everyone to a luncheon, at the American Legion, immediately following the committal. 

Laura Irene was born October 14, 1929 to Ross and Pearl (Shaw) Gallup. Laura was a lifelong resident of the Fairbank area. She was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Heilmann on June 18th, 1950. This marriage would result in two children, Dawn (1959) and Rob (1960), and would last until Bob’s untimely death in 1993. Laura was remarried to Dwaye Ott in 2004. Dwayne and Laura spent a great deal of time traveling, including several trips through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Laura worked in retail at several different stores during her life but she was best known as the “Avon Lady” for more than thirty years. 

Laura’s greatest joys in life were her family, her strong faith in Jesus Christ and her love of music. Laura would routinely volunteer time to sing in nursing homes and to other civic organizations. She was a member of the Independence Ladies Musical Society for over 60 years. Laura was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Laura is survived by her husband Dwayne, a son, Rob Heilmann, of Independence and three grandchildren: Jeremy Zaruba (Jessie) of Grimes, Elizabeth Zaruba of Fairbank, and Brock Zaruba of Fairbank. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Lydia, Eliza and Julia. She is also survived by her step-children, Dennis Ott (Roxanne) and Donna Brown (Randy).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Bob; her daughter, Dawn; two sisters, Norma and Arlene; and her brother Frank.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Irene Audrey (Strempke) Kremer 80, of Fairbank, IA passed away Saturday evening, September 10, 2022, at Oelwein MercyOne Hospital with her husband and her children at her side. Irene was born August 25, 1942, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Hults) Strempke in Brandon IA. They later moved to Independence. Irene married Dorrence Kremer on November 9, 1959 in Lamont. Irene and Dorrence farmed and raised their family in rural Fairbank.

 Irene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters; Chuck, Elaine, Betty Ann, Jayne, Clint, Clair, Clifford, Clyde, Carl Cleo. Irene was also preceded in death a grandson; Jordan Thomas Kremer.

Irene leaves behind her husband, Dorrence, their five children; Guy Kremer, RoxAnn (Todd) Scott, SuzAnn (Dirk) Conner, Patricia (Fredrick) Carson, Jeffrey (Kim) Kremer; eight grandchildren Jessica Marrah, Patrick (Krista) Marrah, Anthony Marrah, Luke (Beth) Conner, Ethan (Hannah Werner) Conner, Audrey Carson, Michael Carson and Alexis Kremer. Two step-grandchildren; Cody Aiello and Gabrielle and six great grandchildren; Maddex Marrah, Kylie Marrah, Reilly Marrah, Mason Marrah, Chelsea Conner and Kailee Conner along with two sisters; Joann and Ruth.

Celebration of Life: 1:00-4:00 PM Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Fairbank American Legion.