Woods Funeral Home

Gary Dean Brandt age 77 of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin passed away August 5th, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was born July 11, 1949 in Oelwein, Iowa the son of Wilbert and Doretta (Bartels) Brandt. Gary grew up in Fairbank, Iowa where he attended and graduated Wapsie Valley Community Schools. After graduation Gary was inducted into service in May of ’69. He served as a Green Beret, Airborne Ranger in the 101st Division of the US Army. After discharge from the Army, Gary served with the Iowa National Guard and served an annual term as a Minuteman for the State of Iowa.

Gary married Lori VandenHull in August, 1980.  His career included manufacturing and sales positions.  He retired as an independent contractor in sales.  Gary’s hobbies included woodworking and boating.

Gary’s family includes: Wife and biggest fan: Lori
Parents: Wilbert and Doretta Brandt
Brothers & Sisters: Don (Glenda); Lauren (Carol, Mary); Betty (Clay); Gene (Patty); Barb (Lee, Don) Keith (Cheryl); Terry (Mindi)
Nieces & Nephews: Mike (Kim); Robyn (Marty); Noel (CJ); Molly (Mike); Greg (Lynette); Gina
(Brad); Tammy (Greg); Jeff (Adela); Heather (Forrest); Sharla (Brett); Lisa (Evan); Cory
(Rhonda); George (Mary); David (Julie); Jeremy (Ellen); Josh (Lori); Jill (Brian); Allison; Kelsey (Matt)
Along with several great nieces and nephews

Parents in-law: Marvin and Marylis VandenHull
Brothers & Sisters: Lyle (Denise); Gary; Shari (Steve); Scott (Kim)
Nieces & Nephews: Melissa (Aaron); Michelle (Adam); Diana (Rick); Kacie (Ian); Jennifer
(Michael); Stephanie (Owen); David (Michelle); Matt; Samuel; Johanna
Along with several great nieces and nephews

Private Family Services will take place on August 15th, 2026

Celebration of Gary’s Life will take place at a later date.

Carolyn Estelle Gill, 92 of Jesup and formerly of Fairbank, passed away at her home on June 1, 2026. She was born on August 29, 1933, in Cedar Rapids the daughter of Millard and Betty (Haley) Keith.

Carolyn graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She went on to dedicate 30 years of her life to education, teaching Amish students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade at Prairie Grove, a one-room schoolhouse. Her commitment to her students left a lasting mark on the community.

She was united in marriage to Jack Gill in La Porte City, Iowa. They were married for 36 years and together they built a life and family that would grow for generations.

In her later years, Carolyn enjoyed diamond art and embroidering quilts for her grandchildren. She loved visiting casinos and trying her luck at the slots, and looked forward to luncheons with her beloved Red Hat Lady friends. An avid sports fan, she cheered passionately for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Kansas City Chiefs, and loved watching all of their games.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Steve (Linda) Gill of Denver, IA; Lynn Plaster of Fairbank, IA; Mike (Kim) Gill of La Porte City, IA; Dan (Martha) Gill of Storm Lake, IA; Patrick Gill of Jesup, IA; John (Barbara) Gill of Marshalltown, IA; and Joe (Mollie) Gill of Janesville, WI.

She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Brittany Fuller, Breanna Geweke, Betsy Wierck, Jessica Jeanes, Jarred Plaster, Hollie Bunz, Chad Gill, Miranda Montgomery, Christopher Gill, Kyle Gill, Alyssa Gill, Emily Gill, Zachary Gill, Samantha Schulte, Alec Gill, Grant Gill, and Gavin Gill; 32 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jo (Bob) Lucas.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; an infant son, Christopher; her mother and father; her daughter-in-law, Carol Gill; her granddaughter, Brenda Gill; and her son-in-law, Jerry Plaster.

Prayer Service: 4:00 PM Friday June 5th at Woods Funeral Home.

Visitation: 4:30-7:00 PM Friday June 5th at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” J. Curley, who died on April 25, 2026, at the age of 72. Mike was born on March 13, 1954, in Oelwein, Iowa to James (Jim) and Patricia (Meier) Curley.

Mike graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1972.  While there, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball.  After high school, he attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio. Mike worked for his father Jim, at Curley’s Jack and Jill grocery store and at Curley’s Locker. He eventually purchased Curley’s Locker and proudly operated the family business for several years. He later continued his career in the food processing industry working at Iowa Ham in Independence and Kerry Foods in Fredericksburg.

On December 1^st, 1973 Mike married Trish Meier. Together they raised four children and were later divorced.

Mike was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbank. He proudly served the Fairbank community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Fairbank Fire Department, eventually retiring after 23 years of service.

Mike enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and deer hunting.  He was a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan.  Mike loved weekend social events including waterball, state firefighter conventions, softball tournaments, camping, and canoeing. Mike, AKA “Sugarfoot”, played slow pitch softball for several area teams and in several different leagues throughout the years, often playing more than 100 games in a season.  His biggest fans included his family who rarely missed a game.  His love of sports continued after his playing years were done.  Mike was a dedicated fantasy sports manager- often balancing numerous online teams in every sport imaginable.

Even with his development of Alzheimer’s disease, Mike never forgot how to treat others with kindness and was known for sharing a smile, a quick joke, and a laugh.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Pat Curley.  He is survived by his children: Jamie (Melanie) Curley, Nick (Jo) Curley, Tiffany (Chris) Madsen, and Tony (Megan) Curley; nine grandchildren: Jenna (Colin Schrader), Kaylie, Anna, Tanner (Corina Gray), Peyton, Hunter, Mason, Braxton, and Brynlee; and his brothers Tim (Martha) Curley, Russ (Judy) Curley, and Keith (Tammy) Curley along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday April 29th, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Thursday April 30th at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Lonnie Ross age 81 of Fairbank passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Grandview Care Center in Oelwein. He was born March 16, 1945 in Waverly the son of Willis “Bud” and Marcellis (Klemp) Ross. Lonnie attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the Class of 1963. Lonnie proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1965-1968. During his time in the Navy he did two tours in Vietnam, his second tour he did as a favor to a friend who had a wife and family back in the states. On June 21st 1969 he married Laura Aneweer in Waterloo, Iowa. Lonnie and Laura made their home in Fairbank where they raised three daughters. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo where he retired after 33 years of service. After he retired from John Deere he worked part-time for Hauptly Construction in Dunkerton for several years.

Lonnie had so many different interests in life. In his younger years he was an avid Slow Pitch Softball Pitcher, he enjoyed the league play each summer. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. Lonnie loved playing Euchre and helped with many tournaments held at the Fairbank American Legion. He enjoyed throwing Horseshoes, especially with his Dad and helped organize a league in Fairbank. Lonnie was a huge part of the Fairbank American Legion, serving as Commander many different times. He spent countless hours volunteering his time whether it be calling Bingo on Monday nights or organizing and helping with the many Casino Nights and Fish Fry’s that were held over the years. Lonnie was the go to guy for the Fairbank Legion for so many years, whether it be to rent the hall or to call up the troops to offer Military Rites at the grave of a deceased veteran. Lonnie’s voice was the one everyone heard on Memorial Day in Fairbank, reading off all of those names of the service men and women that we have lost.

Lonnie was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank, serving in many different capacities. He was dedicated to his family, his country and to the town he so loved.

Survived by: his wife of 56 years, Laura, three daughters, Angela Ross, Stephanie Ross and Natalie Ross, five grandchildren, Avery Ross, Haley Ross, Jordan Ross, Brandon Ross and Faith Schulze, three sisters, Peggy (Steve) Niemann, Diana Albertson, Phyllis (David) Parton, one brother, Timothy (Carolyn) Albertson and one brother-in-law, Tracy Gruetzmacher.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Willis “Bud” and Lenora Ross, Phil and Marcellis Albertson, two brothers, David Ross and Mark Albertson, one sister, Barb Gruetzmacher and one sister-in-law, Kyong Ross.

Visitation: 4:30-7:00 PM Friday March 27 at Woods Funeral Home and from 9:30-10:30 AM Saturday March 28 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fairbank.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Saturday March 28 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

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

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

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

Patricia Ann Bentley age 90, formerly of Fairbank passed away March 5, 2026 at Gulfside Hospice in Zepher Hill Florida. She was born on March 12, 1935 in Cresco the daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Ferrie) Joerger. Patty grew up in Fairbank, she attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School. Patty married Gordon Bentley on October 13,1955 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Together they owned and operated Bentley Chevrolet until 1986. Patty and Gordon made it a ritual of spending two weeks in Florida every winter just to unwind and go to the Daytona. Many of those years it was a trip for the entire family. After 1986 they made Florida their permanent home. In 2019 Gordon, her husband of 63 years passed away. Patty loved Florida and continued to live there until her health declined, she then moved in with her daughter Mary and her husband Joe. Patty was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Fairbank American Legion Ladies Auxillary. She enjoyed making quilts, playing cards and was known to be a bit of a practical joker. Patty loved spending time with family and friends, especially the grandchildren.

Survived by one son, Duane Bentley, one daughter Mary (Joe) College, eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one sister, Betty Sturm and one brother, Charlie (Cleo) Joerger

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son David Bentley, one granddaughter, Lou Ann Bentley, one son-in-law, Ron Little, one sister, Mary Lou Fink, two brothers-in-law: Darwin Fink and Bill Sturm

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, March11, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank

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

Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following mass.

Evelyn “Evie” Amelia Brickman, 92 of Oelwein passed away Saturday January 24, 2026 at Grandview Care Center in Oelwein. Evie was born December 5, 1933 in rural Buchanan County the daughter of Charles Walter and Leta Bell (Wroten) Ohl. She attended Dunkerton Community School and graduated with the class of 1952.

Evie married Francis Earl Zuck in 1954 to this union four children were born, they later divorced. Evie remarried on August 6, 1972 to Owen K. Brickman. Evie and Owen made their home in rural Oelwein, they also had a second home in Harpers Ferry. Evie worked her entire life, most notably at John Deere as a warehouse worker and at Oster Communications where she was a top salesperson. She worked at Oster until she made the decision to retire. After retirement they decided to move to Harpers Ferry permanently since that is where they spent most of their free time fishing and enjoying the peace and quiet on the Mississippi River.

Evie is survived by her four children; Linda Trumblee of Independence, Beverly (Lonnie) Lehs of Randalia, Jim (Terri) Zuck of Oelwein and Tim Brickman of Harpers Ferry, along with Owen’s four children, Kelly Brickman of Cedar Rapids, Dodie Brickman of Cedar Falls, Darcy Ott of Marion and Brent Brickman of Anchorage Alaska. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Bernice (George) Wikstrom.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, her husband, Owen in 2017, four sisters; Wyona (Marshall) Rankin, Velma Ohl, Ida Mae (Robert) Blanchard and Virginia (Richard) Steen, seven brothers; Donald Ohl, Martin (Marlene) Ohl, Arthur Ohl, Floyd “Mike” Ohl, Ralph Ohl, Alfred Ohl and Leonard (Mary) Ohl.

Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday January 31, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday January 31, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa

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

Lunch will be served after the service at the Fairbank American Legion.

Dave Bentley, age 69, passed away on January 8, 2026 in Cedar Valley Hospice Care within the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa. He was born July 14, 1956, at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, IA, the son of Gordon and Patty (Joerger) Bentley. Dave attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley High School class of 1974. After graduation Dave started working full time in the family car business where he worked in sales at his family owned Bentley Chevrolet of Fairbank. Dave entered in to marriage in October of 1979 with Julie Kaufman and later divorced in 2018. When the family dealership closed in 1986, he continued his career long journey of automobile sales. Dave spent many years working in a variety of General Motors dealerships within the Cedar Valley, most notably Dunlap Motors of Independence, and Community GMC/Buick of Waterloo where he finished out his sales career. His love for automobiles did not stop there, his deep roots in stockcar racing was always his biggest passion. Once an avid dirt track racer himself of the famed #35, ranging from ¼ midgets and modifieds to late models all over the state. After his racing career was over, he stayed involved in the sport by being a local race track official for numerous years, until two of his three sons ventured into their own racing adventures, which ultimately took his full attention and guidance along the way. Dave enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it be celebrating a special occasion or just sitting around watching a NASCAR race on television. Dave loved his family and was a proud parent and grandparent.

Dave is survived by his three sons, Kyle and Klint (Keri) Bentley of Fairbank, Kaleb (Kyla) Bentley of Jesup, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his mother Patty of Earlham, a brother Duane ofFairbank, a sister Mary (Joe) College of Earlham, along with 5 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Gordon, a daughter Lou Ann Bentley, and brother-in-law Ron
Little.

Visitation: 4:30-7:00 PM Thursday January 15, 2026 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank

Graveside Services: 10:30 AM Friday January 16, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank

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

Lunch will be served at the Fairbank American Legion following the service at the cemetery

Linda L. Letson, a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her family, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15th, 2025. She was a strong and steadfast woman whose life was defined by her deep love for her family and her quiet resilience.

Those closest to Linda knew her as a woman who loved deeply and protected fiercely. She found her greatest joy in her family and treasured time spent together, whether through everyday moments or special milestones. Her presence was a constant source of comfort, guidance, and strength. She also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and especially loved spending time golfing and being at the beach.

Linda dedicated many years of her life to a long and meaningful career in the medical and healthcare field. Her work was more than a profession; it was a calling. She brought compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to those she served. In addition to her professional life, Linda gave generously of her time as a volunteer within her community, driven by a deep desire to give back and to support the growth and development of young adults. Through both her career and volunteer work, she touched countless lives.

Linda is survived by her loving family, including five sons, three daughters, nineteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Letson.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, no services will be held. Her family will honor her life privately and carry forward the love, strength, and devotion she instilled in them. Linda’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Memorials: “With sincere appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and generosity shown to the family, the family invites those who wish to honor Linda’s memory to consider a donation to the Fairbank Public Library, where she worked and generously donated her time. Contributions will be used to purchase new books in her memory, continuing her love of learning and service to the community. Donations may be made in person or mailed to Fairbank Public Library, 212 East Main Street, Fairbank, Iowa 50629, Attn: Angela. Contributors are also welcome to call the library at 319-635-2487.   With Heartfelt Gratitude, Linda’s Family.”

Robert “Bob” Byersdorfer, age 74 of Fairbank, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. He was born December 27, 1950 in Oelwein the son of Richard and Lucille (Schomer) Byersdorfer. Bob grew up on the family farm south of Fairbank and attended Triumph Rural School through eighth grade before graduating from Jesup Community Schools in 1968.

After high school, Bob was drafted into the United States Army, where he spent most of his service in Alaska. Upon returning home, he worked for Gulf States Plastic in Oelwein before later retiring from John Deere after 19 years of service.

On June 9, 1979, Bob married Pam Pitlik of Mount Vernon and together they made their home south of Fairbank, raising their three sons. Bob enjoyed working and playing on the farm and spending time with his family, especially in the timber along the river. He also loved mowing the lawn and tinkering with anything outdoors. Bob was a member of the Fairbank American Legion and a longtime member of the Fairbank Knights of Columbus. He served on the Wapsie Valley Board of Education and was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the choir.

Above all, Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his family and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Survived by: his wife; Pam, three sons; Adam (Amanda), Benjamin and Caleb (Rosanna) seven grandchildren; Evan, Braden, Jacob, Ilse, Anna Lena, Edgar and Freddie, one brother; Richard (Donna) Byersdorfer Jr. one brother-in-law; Greg (Joyce) Pitlik, one sister-in-law; Andi Covington (Wayne) along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by: his parents, father and mother-in-law; Merrill and Harriet Pitlik
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Monday December 29th at Woods Funeral Home with a 7:00 PM Knights of Columbus Rosary.
Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Tuesday December 30th at Woods Funeral Home.
Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552
Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery
Memorials: to the family for later designation
Lunch will be served at the Fairbank American Legion following the service.