Woods Funeral Home

Loren Reiher age 82 passed away Saturday May 8, 2021 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was born March 3, 1939 in Allison the son of John and Lydia (Trepp) Reiher. Loren attended and graduated from the Allison Community School. After high school Loren proudly served in the United States Army from 1962-1963. He married Kathy Herman on December 10, 1967 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Klinger. Loren was as an owner-operator with Warren Transport from 1965-1968. Loren and Kathy farmed from 1968-1977 in both Missouri and Iowa. Loren then returned to Warren Transport working in the recruitment and safety department from 1977-2000 when he then retired. Loren is survived by his wife; Kathy, two sons; Lon Reiher (Chris Wescott) of Fairbank and Patrick (Nicole) Reiher of rural Tripoli, five grandchildren; Hailey Reiher (Dillon Delong) Jessi Reiher (Tyler Hanson) Justin Reiher, Dylan Reiher (Dylyn Powell) and Courtney Dinsdale (Levi Stockdale) and 2 great-grandchildren; Bennett and Ledger, his mother-in-law; Mildred Herman, one sister; Marilyn Cole, three brothers-in-law; Laverne (Terri) Herman, James (Celia) Herman and Karl Herman, one sister-in-law; Margaret (Roger) Kistler, he was preceded in death by his parents, one son; John, three sisters and their husbands; Phyllis (Lyle) Hansen, Ruth (Lavern)Brocka, Carol (Darwin) Buhman and one brother-in-law; Dean Cole.

During his retirement Loren and Kathy spent their winters where it was warm, first Florida and most recently Arizona. The rest of the year they spent in Prairie du Chien where Loren loved to fish and spend time with friends and relatives. His greatest joy without a doubt was the time spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation/Celebration of Life: 3:00-6:00 pm Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic face coverings are suggested along with social distancing.

Military Rites Conducted by: Amvets Post 88 of Allison

Interment: Allison Cemetery

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

James L. Kaufman Sr. passed away on April 27, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society Care Facility in West Union, IA. He was born on September 22nd, 1932, in Brandon, IA, the son of Fred and Marie (Steils) Kaufman.Jim grew up in the Eagle Center Area.  He married Doris (Waligorski) on June 2nd, 1958, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. After losing Doris in 1996, He married Glenda (Busey) on September 17th, 2006 at the Fairbank United Methodist Church. As an adult he resided in Fairbank, Iowa for many many years until his move in November 2020 to the Good Samaritan Home in West Union. Jim held many positions in his lifetime.  He worked at Don’s Auto, John Deere as well as serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.  Later he went to Barber College and after graduating he owned and operated Jim’s Barber Shop in Fairbank for many years.  His main passion came later, resulting in him starting his own excavation business, which he loved more than anything, it was never just work to him, it was his livelihood.  He had an exceptional knowledge of how things should be done, and was known for being “One of the Best”, in the field. Jim is survived by his wife Glenda of West Union, his children James “Jimmy” of Des Moines, Jane (Kurt) Domeyer of Fairbank, four stepdaughters: Kim, Kris, Del Jean and Erika, two grandchildren; Sean (Ashley Murphy) Wortman and David Wortman both of Fairbank and a special great grandson Austin Wortman of Oelwein, two brothers; Jack Kaufman and Tim (Shar) Kaufman, three sisters; Connie Broell, Susan Thompson and Mary Kay (Gloria) Kaufman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, 2 brothers; Wally and Jerry Kaufman, brothers in law; Jim (Doc) Broell, Arnold Geske, Dale Waligorski, sisters in law; Milly Kaufman, Wanda Kaufman, Nancy Kaufman, Lucile Geske and Arlene Waligorski and one step daughter Linda Brule. 

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Friday April 30, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home

Funeral Mass 11:00 am Saturday May 1, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic face coverings will be required for those in attendance.

Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Interment; Immaculate Conception Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation

Jo Anne Bantz passed away peacefully at her home in rural Fairbank April 16, 2021. She was born April 28, 1933 in Independence the daughter of Emil and Inez (Reiter) Schwake. Jo Anne attended and graduated from Independence High School in 1951. In 1952 she married Dallas Bantz in Maynard Iowa. She worked many jobs through out her journey in life with the longest being for Lehmkuhl Oil in Fairbank and the Harmony House in Waterloo. Jo Anne loved to crochet and made many afghans for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her hands were rarely still. She also shared her love with food, especially brownies with peanut butter frosting and ice cream. Jo Anne’s busy life style included bowling, dancing, card clubs, Bible Study, Fairbank American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Women’s Health Initiative Research for 8 years at the University of Iowa. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events and occasional trips to the casino. Jo Anne enjoyed traveling, some long trips and some short, Ireland, Florida, Arizona, California, Canadian Rocky Mountains just to mention a few. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons; Wendell and Wayne Bantz, a daughter Jeanie in infancy, three brothers; Paul, Carl and Robert Schwake, one sister; Betty Neeley and a special friend Frank Shaw. Jo Anne is survived by her children Dee (Kevin) of Marion, Wayde (Teresa) of Dunkerton, Wes (Lori) of Fairbank and Jalene (Ken) of Oelwein, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren with one more great-grandchild and a great-great grandchild on the way and her special friend Arnold Schellhorn.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Friday April 23, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday April 22, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic those in attendance will be asked to wear masks and maintain proper social distance

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, St Judes Children Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project or your favorite charity.

Wilma Jane Haberkamp, 90, of Fairbank passed away Sunday, December 20th at Oelwein MercyOne Hospital due to complications of Covid-19. Wilma was born December 11th, 1930 in Fairbank, Iowa. She was the daughter of William and Agnes Haberkamp. She was baptized December 21st, 1930 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. She attended I.C. Catholic High School and graduated there after. She attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught students at Clarksville Elementary for a short time and spent over 30 years teaching at Wilson Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After retiring from a life-long passion of teaching, Wilma returned to Fairbank and enjoyed working with her sister at their business Jo’s Thread and Thimble. Wilma was highly involved in the Fairbank American Legion Auxiliary and the Immaculate Conception Church. She enjoyed quilting, traveling, playing cards, stitching, gardening, cooking, baking, and most of all spending time with her nephew Doug, his wife Janice and her great nephew and nieces Garrett, Emily, and Lydia. Together, they spent time creating 4-H projects, baking, playing countless games, reading, and would spend the summers helping the kids sell sweet corn. Wilma truly had a one of a kind personality. She was very smart and always had a story to tell or a strong opinion to offer. She loved her family dearly, and will be missed by those who knew her. Wilma is survived by her nephew Doug (Janice) Martins of Fairbank, and their children Garrett, Emily, and Lydia as well as many cousins and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Agnes Haberkamp, sisters Josephine Haberkmp and Mary Martins and brother in law Donald Martins.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Visitation: 9:00- 10:00 am Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

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

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

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