Woods Funeral Home

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.

Ruth Ann Matthews, age 74 of Fairbank entered into heaven surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, April 11, 2019. She was born July 17, 1944 in Waterloo the daughter of Robert and Ida Mae (Ohl) Tabor. On November 17, 1964 she married the love of her life, Gary E. Matthews at the Methodist Parsonage in Fairbank. Ruth and Gary were blessed with three children and 54 years of marriage. Ruth Ann enjoyed creative arts, baking and being a fashionaire with all of her different purses that she picked up along the way. But most of all she was a dedicated and loving wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother. Ruth Ann is survived by her husband; Gary, one son; Robert (Patricia) Matthews of Hazleton, two daughters; Lori (Scott) Jergens of Fairbank and Sherrie (Timothy) Trumblee of Dolliver, Iowa, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and another great blessing on the way. she is also survived by two brothers; Robert Tabor Jr. of Cedar Falls and Rex (Patsy) Tabor of Mullbery, AR. She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Michael Trumblee, one great-granddaughter, Kimberly McClaren, two brothers; Larry Tabor and Gary Stern along with a sister, Sally Fintel.

Funeral Services; 10:00 am Monday, April 15, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 pm Sunday April 14, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Lyle Luloff age 101 of Fairbank and formerly of Independence, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

He was born February 10, 1918 in Brandon, Iowa the son of Otto E. and Edna (Wills) Luloff. He married Ivadel J. Shonka on March 23, 1940 at Zion Lutheran Church, Jubilee.

Lyle farmed from 1936 to 1969 and in 1952 he was named the Outstanding Farmer for Buchanan County. He also was a Township Trustee in Brandon for over 20 years. Besides farming he was a crop adjuster for ASCF. After retiring from farming he became an insurance adjuster for First Maxfield Insurance in Denver, retiring in 1986. After retirement he enjoyed hauling the amish for the next 20 years. He also enjoyed tractor-cades, traveling, Independence Senior Center and dancing. Lyle “Smiley” was known for his stories, charm, jokes and for the love of his family. He lived his motto of “Work hard, love much, laugh a lot and trust in the Lord”.

Survived by: his wife of 79 years, Ivadel, one daughter, Rosemary (Larry) Bachman of Fairbank, one son, Gary (Gail) Luloff of Ellijay, GA, five grandchildren; Brad (grandson) & Kathy Bachman and their children; Abby, Adam & Ben. Brenda Sickles (granddaughter) and her children; Anna & Jacob. Becky (granddaughter) & Keith Thurm and their children; Krystal, Amanda & Joshua. Barbara (granddaughter) & Mike Lorenz and their children; Cody, Daniel & Clair. Brittany (granddaughter) & Carlos Alisambra and their child Emma, two great-great grandchildren; Aspyn Bickers and Charlie Rasmussen as well as a sister-in-law; Dottie Cleghorn.

Preceded in death by: his parents, one brother, Elmer, two sisters; Grace Brandt and Beulah McNamara, one grandson, Brandon Luloff and one grandson-in-law, Randy Sickles.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Monday, April 8, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Independence.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Sunday April 7, 2019 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank and for one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the family or to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Dunkerton: Kenneth Richard Kuenstling age 57 passed away Friday, March 15, 2019 at Unity Point Allen Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack at his home. Kenny was born March 3, 1962 in Waterloo the son of Gerhard and Phyllis (Hauptly) Kuenstling. He grew up in the Dunkerton area and graduated from Dunkerton High School with the Class of 1980. After high school Kenny went to Wartburg College in Waverly for a year. On June 19, 1982 he married his lifelong sweetheart, Deanne Averhoff at St. John’s Bennington Lutheran Church. Kenny and Deanne built their home in rural Dunkerton where they raised their four children. He was the owner and operator of Kuenstling Excavating of Dunkerton since 1994. Kenny enjoyed long afternoons watching the history channel, getting together with friends and family for card club, vacations to Minnesota, traveling with family to basketball games, and being actively involved with the community and church. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his grandsons. Kenny was also a man of many words including his passions for weather, politics, technology, and playing in the dirt and snow. He is survived by his wife, Deanne, his four children; Kyle (Whitney) Kuenstling of Cedar Rapids, Keith Kuenstling of Hazleton, Bethany (T.J.) Anderson of Dunkerton and Kory Kuenstling of Des Moines along with three grandsons; Boden Kuenstling, Brantley Kuenstling, Lincoln Anderson, a brother, Kevin Kuenstling of Dunkerton, a brother-in-law, Bob Moulds of Fairbank, a sister-in-law, Doris (Jim) Madden of Waterloo, brother-in-law, Eugene (Sherry) Averhoff of Dorchester, and his father-in-law, Arnold (Karen) Averhoff. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, two half-sisters; Karen Faust and Karla Moulds, a brother-in-law; Wayne Faust, along with his mother-in-law, LaVera Averhoff.

Services: 10:00 am Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at St. John’s Bennington Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Iowa.

Visitation: 4:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, March 19 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank, Iowa and for one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Interment: St. John’s Bennington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Online condolences can be left at www.woodsfuneral home.net

Lester Ira Kane 55 of Klinger, IA left this world Friday, March 1^st, 2019. He was born January 6, 1964 the son of Roger and Beverly (Pine) Kane. 

He graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1982. After graduation he joined the United States Army. He married and later divorced Lorrie Fecht they were blessed with one child Alyssa Kane.  He shared the last 15 years with his life partner Shelbi Hickman and their pets in their home in Klinger.  Les is survived by Shelbi, his daughter Alyssa Kane, Step-Grandchild Eli Farringer Hickman, his father, Roger Kane Fairbank, Siblings Victor (Jean) Kane of Oelwein, Dexter Kane of Troy Illinois and Trilby (Dan) Waschkat of Waverly. Nieces and Nephews Issac, Hallie, Tyler, Ciara, Spencer, Dori and Levi. He was preceded in death by his mother and his maternal and paternal grandparents.   

He was employed at Eagle Tannery for many years until they closed.  Les then furthered his education graduating with honors from Hawkeye Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture Science. Les was one of a kind and loved by all. His passion was working with the soil while tending to his numerous plants to construct his garden paradise. His yard was always masterfully decorated for the holidays especially Halloween.  He deeply enjoyed caring for his pets and the love they returned to him.  Les had a deep compassion for people, showing up when they were in need, willing to help however he could.  Even if only by telling a story to make them laugh.  He enjoyed nothing more then to spend time with family and friends and taking a picture so he could reminisce at a later date.

Come share your stories with family and friends at a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Oran Community Center in Oran, IA.

Memorials can be directed to Shelbi Hickman, 2709 Reed Avenue, Readlyn, Iowa  50668.