Woods Funeral Home

Dale Waligorski age 88 passed away Monday December 7, 2020 at Oelwein Health Care Center. He was born in Fairbank Iowa to parents Paul and Bertha (Braun) Waligorski on November 30, 1932. The youngest of four children, the family lived and farmed just East of Fairbank. Dale graduated from Fairbank High School. After graduation he attended Upper Iowa University and graduated after three years with a degree in Biology.

The Army came a calling and Dale spent the next two years being a clerk. He spent 18 months overseas in Germany. He was honorably discharged from service and began his teaching career teaching Junior and Senior High Science in Geneva. His teaching career would take him to Dunkerton and eventually to the Waco School District, Wayland, Iowa, where he taught until his retirement.

During his teaching career he coached basketball and baseball. One of his fondest memories was beating Waterloo East on one night and then beating Oelwein the next night. A pretty big deal for the little school of Dunkerton. During the summer months, Dale managed the Fairbank Pool for many years.

After retirement he returned to his hometown of Fairbank. In his spare time Dale enjoyed fishing and watching ballgames. He was an avid gardener and also owned rental properties which kept him busy with maintenance and repairs.

Dale moved to assisted living in Fairbank on Labor Day weekend in 2012. He became a resident of Oelwein Care Center on December 8, 2012 and remained there until his passing.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Kaufman on September 30, 1996; sister Arlene Waligorski on January 22, 2004; and sister Lucile Geske on July 13, 2004; brother-in-law Arnold Geske on September 24, 2020. Left to celebrate his life are his nephew’s and niece’s: James Kaufman Jr., Des Moines; Jeffrey (Sharon) Geske, Peoria, IL; Elizabeth (Robert) Arnold, Sherburn, MN; and Jane (Kurt) Domeyer, Fairbank; and brother-in-law James Kaufman, Sr., West Union.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Oelwein Care Center for treating Dale like a member of their family since 2012.

Dale will be laid to rest alongside his parents and sister Arlene in the Fairbank City Cemetery. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials in honor of Dale may be directed to Oelwein Care Center, 600 7^th Street SE, Oelwein, IA 50662

Wanda Kaufman age 80 passed away November 15, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Wanda was born July 19, 1940 in West Union, Iowa the daughter of Lester and Opal (Ruroden) Tope. She attended and graduated from Fayette High School Wanda married Jerome Kaufman on July 18, 1959 in Fayette. Wanda and Jerry have resided in Fairbank for the past 52 years.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Jerome (Jerry), children Julie Bentley (Curt Kelly), Denise (Bob) Crew, Sherry (Tony) Duffy, Todd (Tina) Kaufman, grandchildren Kyle Bentley, Klint Bentley, Kaleb Bentley, Brent Duffy, Candace Ratchford, Rachel Walton, Emily Van Winkle, Kaitlyn Kaufman and Traeton Kaufman, thirteen great grandchildren, and countless other family and friends.

Wanda was a loving wife, devoted mother, and an amazing grandmother. Taking care of her family was her proudest role. Wanda had a love for baking and passed that love on to her family. Wanda was actively involved in the family business, going to automotive auctions, doing the bookkeeping and making lunch most everyday. She most enjoyed the time she spent with her family especially with the grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Opal Tope, father and mother-in-law; Fred and Marie Kaufman, a brother Dennis Tope and a granddaughter Lou Ann Bentley.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 21, 2020 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish Center. Funeral service following at Immaculate Conception Church at 10:30 AM both in Fairbank.

Inurnment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as well as the new restrictions from the governor all in attendance will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance. We also regret that there will not be a luncheon due to the new restrictions.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Wanda’s family would like to express their gratitude for all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Virginia Schellhorn 89 of Oelwein and formerly from Oran passed away Tuesday November 10, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo.

She was born December 21, 1930 in Sumner the daughter of Walter and Gladys (Robertson) Tonn. Virginia married Lorenz Herman Schellhorn on February 18, 1949 in Readlyn. Lorenz preceded her in death on October 13, 2019.

Virginia attended and graduated from Randalia High School. She and Lorenz raised their family in Oran and besides being a loving wife, mother and grandmother she drove school bus for Wapsie Valley Community Schools for an amazing 50 years. Virginia took pride and joy in being a dedicated bus driver, she truly cared about the children that she transported back and forth to school every day and to thousands of activities during her career.

Virginia is survived by her son Donald Schellhorn of Urbana, two daughters; Cathy (Melvin) Gonnerman Sr. of Waverly and Marlys (Roger) Boleyn of Oelwein, five grandchildren; Melvin Gonnerman Jr. Philip Gonnerman, Michael Schellhorn, Mae Lee Nutter and Elizabeth Boleyn, 11 great-grandchildren; Marshall Gonnerman, Madison Gonnerman, Gaston Gonnerman, Megan Gonnerman, Drew Schellhorn, Hudson Nutter, Ellie Schellhorn, Genessa Gonnerman, Payton Nutter, Willow Boleyn and Braxton Boleyn. Siblings; Robert (Lorraine) Tonn of Clinton, Marilyn (Donald) Anderson of Britt, Ruby (Dick) Johnson of Sumner, Marjorie Scharnhorst of Oelwein, Larry (Lorraine) Tonn of Cedar Falls and Shirley (Robert) Bany of Red Rock, Arizona along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lorenz, a son Bryan Ray Schellhorn and a daughter-in-law Debra Schellhorn.

Virginia loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always considered all of the children that she transported during her long bus driving career as her bus family.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic there will be private family graveside services.

Interment: Grove Hill Cemetery, rural Readlyn, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation. Cards may sent in care of Virginia to Marlys Boleyn, 209 7th Avenue SW. Oelwein, IA 50662

Joan Wedemeier of Oran passed away Tuesday November 10, 2020 at Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo at the age of 88.  She was born August 17, 1932 north of Fairbank on her parent’s farm, Ernest and Bertha (Greaning) Fink. She was baptized, confirmed and attended parochial school at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank and graduated in 1950 from Oran High School. On September 13, 1953 she married Vernon Wedemeier they made their home in Oran and were blessed with eight children. Joan was an Avon Sales Representative for over 30 years. She enjoyed crocheting, making baby blankets and quilts giving many away to family and friends. She was a devoted and loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Granny. Joan is survived by five daughters Sandra, Shelley and Sally of College Station, TX, Sharon of Fairbank and Sonya of Oran. Three sons Steve and Stacey of Fairbank and Scott of Amana. Grand children Eric, Ashley, Glenn, Martin and Erica. Great grandchildren Siya, Owen, Drake, Adrianna and Eastyn. Her two brothers Don (Phyllis) Fink of Kent, WA and Richard (Jo) Fink of Independence and many nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, two sisters Rachel (Virgil) Wedemeier and Julia (Ray) Oltrogge, one brother Clair (Gloria) Fink.

The Family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the wonderful staff at Oelwein Healthcare Center, Mom was a resident there since December 2016. Thanks to Mercy One Emergency Department in Oelwein and Mercy One, 2^nd Floor Cardio Nurses, Dr. Slaven and Erin Sinram PA. Also special thanks to Cedar Valley Hospice Home.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Friday November 13, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home

Funeral Services: 11:00 am Friday November 13, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic everyone in attendance will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. If attending dress casual, those not attending and wishing to send a card they may be sent to Scott Wedemeier 309 6^th Avenue, Amana, 52203.

Becky Van Daele passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at her home in Independence at the age of 88.  She was born on May 13,1932 near Littleton Iowa the daughter of Wilmer and Elsie (McGlaughlin)Seamans.  Becky graduated from Jesup High School in 1949.  After graduating she went to work at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo.  On June 15,1953 she married Rene Van Daele at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank.  Rene and Becky lived in rural Fairbank where they raised their three children and farmed the land together until Rene’s passing  on April 5,1978  In 2007 Becky moved to Independence.  In 1993 after volunteering over 7,000 hours at the Mental Health Institute in Independence Becky was hired as their volunteer coordinator, working until she retired in 2008.  Becky was a very active volunteer in both the Fairbank and Independence communities. She was a KCRG 9 Who Care recipient and received the Governor’s Volunteer Award.  She was a 59 year active member of the Fairbank American Legion Auxiliary holding many local and district offices, and longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church.  She also volunteered many hours at the Independence Senior Center, Buchanan County Council on Aging and was a mentor for the Independence Community School District.  

She is survived by her two sons Rick (Linda) of Fairbank, Russ (Kathy) of Hudson  and daughter Brenda (Curt) Patterson of Cedar Falls. Grandchildren: Chad (Amber) Van Daele  of Fairbank, April (Justin) Hicklin  of London, UK, Amy (Michael) Estrada of Nevado,  CA., Ben (Liz) Patterson of Cedar Falls, Alex ( Allie) Patterson of San Clemente CA, Tony (Lisa) Patterson of Cedar Falls, Haley (Mark )Iehl of Cedar Falls, Rene (Brooke) Van Daele of Dunkerton, Reese (Lexie) Van Daele of Parkersburg, Ridge , Rylan, Kateri, Ariana and Kira Van Daele, all of Hudson. 22 Great Grandchildren, Elsie, Ava, Luke, Isla, Rex, Perry Bay, Navy, Claudia, Vera, Miko, Cooba, Sam, Abram, Sloane, Abby, Emma, Jacob, Annie, Ellie, Aubrey, Aria and Beau. Three step great  grandchildren, Jim, Katie & Jack.  A brother Lowell (Kathy) Seamans and sister Ruth Meade.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, siblings, Marcen, Charles, Gordon, Roland, Naomi Boyce,Luella Stoneman, and infant siblings Lucille, Charlotte and Richard.

Becky lived with passion, putting her whole heart in whatever she did, whether it be caring for her family, volunteering, avid Cubs fan, jewelry making, playing Bingo and cards and collections of all sorts. She uniquely  lived out her values of family, hard work and being a great friend to many.

Visitation: 9:00-10:15 am Saturday November 14, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic all people in attendance will be required to wear face coverings and maintain proper social distance.

Memorials: May be directed to the family for later designation.  Those not attending and wishing to send a card,  they may be sent in care of Becky to Brenda Patterson, 1015 Orchard Dr. Cedar Falls, Ia. 50613.

Jim Johnson age 72 of Independence passed away Friday September 25, 2020 at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence from lung cancer. He was born August 22, 1948 in Independence the son of George and Dorothy (Schamp) Johnson. Jim graduated from Independence High School in 1967. He then proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the Army Jim married Sandra Burnett April 29, 1972 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. He was employed in manufacturing his entire working career, first at P&H Harnischfeger for 15 years then Rockwell Goss both in Cedar Rapids and most recently, Terex in Waverly where he retired in 2017. Jim had a passion for cars starting when he was a teenager, whether it be fixing them or rebuilding them. He also enjoyed fishing whenever he got a chance especially with his brother-in-law Steve who was more like a brother to him. Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra, three sons; Bradley (Kari) Johnson of Independence, Brian Johnson of Waterloo and Ryan Johnson of Altoona, four grandchildren; Jayden, Liam, Claire and Logan, one Brother Richard (Connie) Johnson, three sisters; Nancy (Bob) Frerichs, Gloria (Steve) Kroeze and Anna (Bill) Izzo, two sisters-in-law; Susan Johnson and Pam Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Kent, Joel and Ned along with a nephew, Tim Burnett.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic there will be private family graveside services held Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Fairbank Cemetery.

Military Rites to be conducted by the Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Pat Miller, 61, of Fairbank passed away peacefully on September 25 after a long fight with cancer.

He was born January 2, 1959 in Oelwein, the son of Joe and Lo-E (Rastatter) Miller. He married Lynn Pouk on October 17, 1992 in Streator, Illinois. Together Pat and Lynn had two children, Ryan and Brianne.

Pat graduated from Wapsie Valley High School with the Class of 1977. During and after graduating from school he worked at the family business Miller Plumbing and Heating until his death. Pat was a lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a longtime member of the Fairbank Knights of Columbus, and member of the Fairbank Community Club. He loved officiating, coaching and watching sports. He especially enjoyed the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Pat always welcomed anyone that would stop by the store to say “hi”, talk over the latest headlines regarding sports, or what was new in town. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with his family and friends who will all miss him so much. One last parting thought from Pat, “FMV”.

Pat is survived by his wife; his two children; his three brothers, Joe (Jeanne) Miller, Greg (Shelli) Miller and John (Jo) Miller; his two sisters, Jane (Hal) Holder and Barb (Tim) Klopfenstein; his father-in-law, Ron Pouk; his brother-in-law, Brian (Diane) Pouk, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Robbie Pouk.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Due to the recommendations regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic everyone in attendance will be required to wear face coverings, maintain social distance and to please limit their time in the funeral home.

Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

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

Carole Levendusky age 79 of Dubuque, formerly of Fairbank passed away August 21, 2020 at her home. She was born December 25, 1940 in Waterloo the daughter of Joe and Sue (Quinn) Kemp. Carole attended and graduated from I.C. Catholic School in Fairbank. She married Clair Levendusky on November 14, 1959 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Carole and Clair raised their family in Fairbank and were longtime members of I.C. Catholic Church. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Carole is survived by her three daughters; Laura (Barney) Niner, Barb (Mark) Babiak and Jodi (Rich) Brunning, two sons; Charlie (Janell) Levendusky and Jeff (Terri) Levendusky, eight grandchildren; Kayla (Nathan) Scheer, William (Fiona) Niner, Alex (Mallory) Niner, Joshua (Lauren) Levendusky, Brian (Taylor) Levendusky, Troy (Mariah) Levendusky, Jake (Jenna) Levendusky and Jordyn Levendusky, two great-grandchildren; Palmer and Henry Scheer. Five sisters; Mary Jo (Dean) Hartley, Kathy (Don) Corcoran, Pat Kayser, Roberta (Dick) Mason, Annett Kemp (Larry), two brothers; Ed Kemp and Peter Kemp (Jan) and one sister-in-law Lee Ann Kemp and one brother-in-law Lawerence Levendusky as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband a brother; Mike Kemp and a sister; Liz Kemp along with many brothers and sisters in law.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 am Wednesday, August 26, 2020 with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Due to the recommendations concerning the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic those in attendance are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

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