Woods Funeral Home

Allen “Bugs” Dwight Cushion, 70, of Fairbank, passed away Sunday, October 6th at Mercy One Hospital, in Oelwein, of sudden heart failure. Bugs was born November 15th, 1948 to Howard and Evelyn Cushion of Maynard and was the second eldest of seven children. After graduating in 1966 from West Central (Maynard) he pursued a career in auto mechanics and continued making a living doing what he loved until he retired at the age of 64. Bugs married Teresa Ann Miller March 11th, 1972 at the Fayette Methodist Church, and the two soon made their home in Fairbank having three children, a daughter Traci, and two sons Travis and Eric. He loved anything with a motor, all things racing, and rekindled his passion for farming and tractors after his retirement. Bugs always made time for those he loved and was willing to share his vast knowledge on anything mechanical whenever anyone asked for advice. He
 always had a story or a joke no matter the situation. Bugs will be deeply missed and not forgotten. He is survived by his youngest son Eric (Bean) of La Crosse WI, his brothers, Donnie of Mable MN, Duane of Maynard, Darrell of Fayette, and his sisters, Carol Orr of Fayette, Cathy Heldt of Garnavillo, and Cindy Campbell of Mesa AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Evelyn of Maynard, daughter Traci, wife Teresa, and son Travis.
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Visitation and Celebration of Life: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery.

Elsie Russett, 97, of Fairbank, passed away July 29, 2019 at Mercy One Living Plus in Oelwein, Iowa, surrounded by family.  Elsie was born in Locust Grove, West Virginia, the daughter of Marshall and Euruth (Kelly) Guseman.  After graduating from high school, she attended nurses’ training in Morgantown, WV.   Upon graduation, she worked as a hospital and office nurse in Morgantown.  She joined the U.S. Army as a nurse, achieving the rank of Captain, and spent part of that time in Italy.  While stationed together at Fort Leonard Wood, she met her future husband, Alan Russett.  They were married in 1957 in Morgantown, WV.  They lived in Iowa City, Oelwein, Creston, Anamosa, Iowa Falls, and Fairbank.  Elsie worked in Anamosa as a school nurse.  She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an active member of the Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552, and the United Methodist Church.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend.  She was an artist, seamstress, den mother, quilter, gardener, great cook, and loved to spend time with her friends and her family near and far.

Preceded in death by: her parents; son James; husband Alan; siblings Virginia, Dorothy, Dale, and Betty.

Survivors: Dan (Maureen), son; Linda (Jeff) Fries, daughter-in-law; four grandchildren: Emily, Erica (Sam) Paulsen, Maria, and Timothy.

Services: Sat Aug 10, at 11am at United Methodist Church in Fairbank

Visitation: Fairbank Methodist Church, Sat Aug 10, from 9-11am (two hours prior to services)

Military Rites:  Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Inurnment: West Virginia National Cemetery

Memorials: in lieu of flowers can be directed to the United Methodist Church, Fairbank

Ralph Gipper age 94 of Independence and formerly of Fairbank passed away Monday, July 29, 2019 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. He was born January 13, 1925 in rural Fayette County, Iowa the son of John and Pearl (Beebe) Gipper. Ralph married Edna Gust on January 31, 1946 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Fairbank.

Ralph graduated from Fairbank High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army in 1946. Ralph was a 30 year employee of John Deere in Waterloo retiring in 1982. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank where he was a Trustee on the church council for 20 years and was currently a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.

Ralph loved puttering on things out in his garage or down in the timber. If he didn’t have the tools to complete the job at hand he would make them. He didn’t believe in buying new if you could fix the old. He spent many hours repairing or restoring John Deere Tractors whether they were his or someone else’s. He definitely fit the title “A Jack of all Trades”.

Survived by: two daughters; Mary Ann (Ralph) Blessing of Waterloo and Virginia (Dan) Sweeney of Marysville, WA, one son Ed (Sue) Gipper of Independence, two sisters; Grace Matthews of Charter Oak and Hazel (Lloyd) Hultman of Westgate, one brother, Ivan (Marcella) Gipper of Waterloo, eight grandchildren along with many great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, one son; John Gipper, one sister, Emma Pettit, three brothers; Albert, Leonard and Lloyd and one grandson in infancy.

Memorial Services: 11:00 am Wednesday July 31, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: to the family or Cedar Valley Hospice.

Lisa Howe age 56 of Dunkerton passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City after a short illness. She was born June 16, 1963 in Waterloo the daughter of Beryl and Betty (Hehl) Kauten. Lisa attended and graduated from West High School in Waterloo Class of 1982. She married Jake Howe February 14, 1987 and they later divorced. Lisa worked at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, Bertch Cabinet and most recently at Omega Cabinet until her health forced her to leave the workplace. She is survived by her two children; Karrie and Jacob Howe and her life companion of 14 years, Jim Tucker all of Dunkerton, two sisters; Linda (Don) Hegtvedt of Cedar Falls and Lori (Steve) Isenhower of Hudson along with several nieces and nephews ,she is also survived by her beloved Doberman, Shadow. Lisa was preceded in death by her parents. She loved spending time with her family and friends and she had a special place in her heart for her children including her Doberman’s. Lisa also enjoyed coloring her hair all kinds of different and wild colors which went along well with her personality.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Monday, July 29, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Services: 11:00 am Monday, July 29, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Inurnment: at a later date.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Ruth Marie Kerns, age 94, of Fairbank passed away July 2, 2019 at Mercy One Medical Center of Oelwein. She was born September 16, 1924 on the family farm east of Hazleton, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Weber) Michels. Ruth attended and graduated from the Stanley School. After high school she enrolled at the Waterloo School of Beauty Culture in Waterloo, Iowa. Ruth worked as a beautician at Miller’s Beauty Shop in Oelwein, Eve’s Beauty Shop as well as a beauty shop that was located directly behind the barber shop on Main Street Fairbank where you actually had to walk through the barber shop to get to the beauty shop. Ruth also worked in the kitchen at Oelwein Care Center for a period of time. She married Robert Kerns July 3, 1945 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hazleton. Ruth was a devout Catholic going to church daily when possible otherwise praying the rosary. Ruth loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed celebrating family birthdays and she made sure that they had a decorated cake to make the occasion special. Everyone received a birthday card with a reminder to check their drivers licence expiration date. Ruth was able to keep her beautician skills sharp by giving family members perms and haircuts. She loved her flowers, flower beds and mowing her yard. Ruth also enjoyed playing cards, card club and hosting family gatherings. She was loved and will be missed by her family and friends. Ruth is survived by her two daughters; Sharon (Jim) Menke of Cedar Rapids and Janet (Terry) McGrane of Fairbank, three sons; James (Judy) Kerns of Waterloo, Joseph (Mary Kay) Kerns of Johnston and Jerald (Sue) Kerns of Evansdale, 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers; John Michels and her twin, Robert Michels, three sisters; Christina Brady, Kathryn Miller and Mary Elizabeth Milbach along with their spouses.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Monday July 8, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm, Sunday July 7 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Parish Rosary: 3:45 pm, Sunday July 7 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials: to the family for later designation.

Jim Shekleton of Dunkerton age 71 passed away June 13, 2019 at his home after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. He was born March 1, 1948 in New Hampton the son of James and Veronica (Lansing) Shekleton. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1989. After he retired from the Navy he got his Commercial Drivers License and drove truck for the next 22 years. Jim would still be driving today if his health would have allowed it. He is survived by two sons; James (Brittney) Shekleton of Waldorf, MD and Ken Shekleton of Dunkerton, a daughter Bonnie (Craig) Mason of Sand Point, Idaho, three grandchildren; Debra Shekleton, Jason Shekleton and Sophia (Justin) Harmon, four great-grandchildren; David, Michael, Samantha and Christina Harmon, two brothers; Frank Shekleton of Sun City, FL, Vince (Dorothy) Shekleton of Fairbank, three sisters; Judy O’Connor of Independence, Ann Fairchild of Fertile, IA and Donna (Dan) Larsen of Hayfield, MN along with many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sister-in-law Ken and Donna Shekleton, a sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Bob VanVors and a brother-in-law Jim Fairchild.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Wednesday June 19 and for one hour before services Thursday June 20 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Thursday June 20 at Woods Funeral Home.

Graveside Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy and Fairbank American Legion Fortsch Duffy Post 552.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa.

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

Barb McGrane age 56 of Fairbank passed away June 8, 2019 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 1, 1963 the daughter of Allen and Rita (Kies) Hummel. Barb attended and graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1981. She married Dennis McGrane February 18, 1984 in Jesup at St. Athanasius Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Fairbank where they raised their two sons, Jordan and Troy. Barb stayed very busy with her housecleaning and painting business right up until health issues forced he to slow down. She enjoyed the outdoors whether it be working in the yard or just relaxing with friends and family. Barb was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan and enjoyed going to an occasional game. She was also a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide long before they became the powerhouse they are today. But most of all she loved her family with all of her heart and she will be deeply missed by all of them.

Barb is survived by her husband, Dennis along with her two sons; Jordan of Jesup and Troy of Fairbank. She also leaves behind her mother, Rita Hummel, her two brothers; Bill (Karlene) Hummel and Steve (Dana) Hummel all of Jesup, her father-in-law, Max McGrane of Fairbank, a brother-in-law, Dan (Luan) McGrane of Cedar Falls and a sister-in-law, Barb (Wade) Brennan of Fairbank along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Allen, her mother-in-law, Charlotte McGrane a nephew, Carson McGrane as well as her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Thursday June 13, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Parish Rosary: 4:00 pm Wednesday June 12, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Visitation: 4:15-7:00 pm Wednesday June 12, 2019 and for one hour before services Thursday at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Immaculate Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank.

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

Travis John Cushion 43 of Fairbank, Iowa passed away Monday June 3rd at University of Iowa Hospitals after a short fierce battle with cancer.

Travis was born in the vintage year of ’75 in a small farming community in Northeast Iowa. He was raised in the “Thriving Metropolis” of Fairbank. Travis graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1994. He went on to graduate from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Graphic Design in 1998. After working in his field of specialty for awhile earning multiple awards, Travis started his own company 2BDI Ink. Travis took great pride in his work and his business. Through his work he was influential in the Dirt Racing Community, designing magazines, catalogs, and fliers for many different businesses. It has been stated many times, “If you have seen any publications in dirt racing, you have seen Travis’s work and influence.”

Travis enjoyed all things racing, from RC cars after high school to working his way up in the dirt racing industry. He loved using his gifts to showcase the talent within the sport and help others express their love of racing. He also loved shooting, music, movies, taking “mini vacations”, and fine dining. Travis cherished spending time with friends and family. He loved to travel to meet with clients, and share his wisdom with anyone in need. He was constantly giving of himself to help brighten the day of everyone around him. Whether it be a smart joke, or a conversation over dinner, he always made time for those he loved.

Travis is survived by his father Al (Bugs) Cushion of Fairbank, and Eric (Bean) Cushion of Wisconsin. Travis was preceded in death by his mother Teresa and his sister Traci.

Travis was loved greatly by his friends and family, and in his words “Without passion we are nothing. We just glide about, content and letting the world take us where it wants. Passion, heart, and drive is what gives us place, a focus and end goal.” As always good Sir, The Dude abides.

Visitation and Celebration of Life: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery.

Memorials: May be directed to the family at 213 E. Main Street, Fairbank, Iowa 50629.

Leo Beierschmitt of Fairbank passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Mercy One Living Plus in Oelwein at the age of 87. Leo was born to Walter and Ann (Bohan) Beierschmitt on July 23, 1931 in Waterloo. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Fairbank in 1949. Leo married Barbara J. Koch of Waterloo on November 7, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waterloo. Leo was a fifth generation farmer and lived on the family farm his entire life. He was a lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Leo was a charter member and former Grand Knight of the Fairbank Knights of Columbus.

Leo is survived by one son, Greg (Lori) Beierschmitt of Fairbank, four daughters; Rosanne (Jerry) Kratoska of Waterloo, Linda (Rick) Fergin of Fox River Grove, IL, Molly (Doug) Ely of Lake in the Hills, IL and Lisa Beierschmitt of Ames. Five grandchildren; Ashley (Aaron) Smith of Sumner, Betsey (Brandon) Bush of Spring Valley ,MN, Allyssa Beierschmitt and her fiance’ Shane Pape of Fairbank, Chanceler Beierschmitt (Kendra Vavroch) of Fairbank and Nicholas Ely of Lake in the Hills, IL, one sister-in-law, Linda Beierschmitt and a niece, Karalee Beierschmitt both of Minnetonka, MN. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Barbara and his brother, Paul.

Funeral Services: 11:00 am Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank. 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 7 at the funeral home.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank.

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