Woods Funeral Home

John Hartsell Wroten, 80, of Fairbank, passed away August 12, 2026, with family by his side.  John was born October 12, 1945, in Jesup, Iowa, to Leslie and Martha (Hartsell) Wroten.  He married Beverly Strempke on October 24, 1964.  They had two children, Jodi and Nick.  Bev died on December 17, 1971.  He married Kathleen Oberheu on February 22, 1975.  They had one child, Justina.  Kathie died on September 25, 2006.

John grew up in Jesup, graduating in 1964 from Jesup High School.  He worked at Hinson and then John Deere, retiring from John Deere in 2003 with 31 years of service.

John enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, shopping at Goodwill, and spending time in his shop making anything from cedar chests to cutting boards to jewelry boxes for family and friends. 

John is survived by his son Nick (Leah) and daughter Justina (Brett); son-in-law Troy Fischels; three grandchildren, Allyssa (Daryl) Nourse, Layne (Olivia) Fischels, and Moriah Matthias; one great grandchild, Gage; sister Amaryllis (Terry) Bachman; brother Roger Wroten; and stepsister Teri (Jeffrey) Okrutny.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bev; his second wife, Kathie; daughter Jodi; parents Les and Martha; stepmom Carol; and sister Carolyn Clendenen.

A private Celebration of Life has been planned.

Janice Theresa Dzuris (Miller), lovingly known as Jan to her closest friends and family, went to be with God on September 2, 2026, at the age of 87.

Jan was born on March 31, 1939, in Fairbank, Iowa, where she grew up and graduated from Immaculate Conception. She devoted much of her working life to ServiceMaster and later managed and maintained the school grounds in Brighton, Michigan, before retiring.

Jan found joy in the simple things in life. She loved spending time with her beloved dog, Khloee, watching football, gardening, crocheting, and knitting. She will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, the warmth she shared with those around her, and the many wonderful memories she created throughout her life.

Jan’s memory will forever be cherished by her children, Kelly Brickman, Dodie Euans, Darcy Ott, and Brent Brickman; her grandchildren, Linsey Sauerbrei, Lacey Sauerbrei, Justin Luther, Cory Dewald, Cara Dewald, Cody Euans, and Seth Ott; her eleven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Barb Miller, Sandy Miller, and Mary Beth Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburd and Beatrice Miller, and her brother, Byron.

Jan leaves behind a beautiful family and a lifetime of memories that will continue to live on through the generations. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

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.