Dorlin Moeller

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Dorlin James “DJ” Moeller age 87 of Fairbank passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Dorlin was born January 14, 1937 in rural Bremer county the son of Herman and Lydia (Matthias) Moeller. He grew up on the family farm in rural Fairbank, he attended and graduated from the Oran School. After high school he received his Bachelors Degree in Education at Wartburg College in Waverly. Dorlin began his teaching career in the Allison-Bristow School district and then the Wapsie Valley Community School district, retiring in 1997, altogether he taught mathematics for a total of 38 years. He was greatly appreciated for his many years of teaching and was known for his patient but firm method of instruction. After retirement Dorlin did a little farming because he always enjoyed life on the farm. He enjoyed watching sports on television, he was an avid Pittsburg Pirates fan as well as the Iowa Hawkeyes and of course the Wartburg Knights. He loved the game of Cribbage and used it as a teaching tool, as a matter of fact it was pretty much a requirement for his many nieces and nephews to learn to play it. Dorlin spent a number of years living at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein and considered the staff and many of the other residents as part of his family, he truly enjoyed living there. He is survived by his brother, Ron (Dianna) Moeller and his sister, Lois (Jerry) Heineman, a sister-in-law, Marlene Moeller along with 32 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Verla Kane and Darlene Tiedt, two brothers; Leon and Kenneth Moeller, two brothers-in-law; Ralph Kane and Earl Tiedt, one sister-in-law, Betty Moeller, one niece, Tracy Heineman and one nephew, Greg Moeller.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Saturday, July 13, 2024 with visitation from 9:00-10:30 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the Wapsie Valley Education Foundation.

A lunch will be served following the service in the church fellowship hall.

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Mary Lou Weepie

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Mary Lou Weepie, 87 of Fairbank passed away Thursday June 13th at Lexington Estates in Independence. She was born August 20, 1936 in Independence, the daughter of Frank and Irene (Carson) Sweeney. She was a graduate of St John’s Catholic School and was the Valedictorian of her class. As a teen she showed cattle at Waterloo Cattle Congress and won numerous awards.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to William A Weepie on September 18, 1954 at St John’s Catholic Church, Independence, Iowa. The couple raised their family and farmed south of Fairbank.

She kept herself busy with many groups; Red Hat Ladies, 4-H Leader of the Atom Bombers, Tourist Club, Election Board and other various volunteer opportunities. She had a strong Catholic faith and was involved with many areas of Immaculate Conception Church; Choir member for 50 years, accompanist, Ladies Guild, Rosary Society and CCD Teacher. Her love of the nature prompted her to be a Master Gardner. She enjoyed volunteering to spruce up gardens around the community as well as her own. Mary Lou enjoyed visiting with family and friends, going for drives, playing the piano and rescuing cats. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She could be found teaching piano lessons, reading books, going for nature walks and making sure there were cookies in the jar just in case.

Mary Lou is survived by her children Will (Sherry), Mike (Michelle), Jean (Cal) Kuker, Dorothy (Brian) Ott, Pat (Sally), Jim (Glenda), Steve, Mark (Donna), Brian (Beth), Carol (Randy) Klever 26 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. One sister, Karen (Roxie) Mulnix and one brother John (Becky) Sweeney she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William and a brother Jim Sweeney.

Rosary at 3:00 PM Visitation: 3:30-7:00 PM Sunday, June 16th at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Monday, June 17th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following the service.

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

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Dick Klenzman

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Ferdinand Richard (Dick) Klenzman age 86 of Fairbank passed away, Wednesday June 5th, 2024 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital as a result of a sudden heart attack with his family by his side.

He was born February 5th, 1938 in Waterloo the son of Ferdinand Alfred (Ferdy) and Agnes Dorthea (Muller) Klenzman.  
Dick graduated from Tripoli High School in 1956. Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, known as the Navy Seabees.

After the completion of his military service, Dick was United in marriage with Patty (Wittenburg) on Feb. 1, 1959. Klinger, IA They built their home outside of Fairbank, and to this union, 4 children were born.

In civilian life, Dick put the construction and engineering skills he had learned in the Navy to work. His discipline, along with his skilled work, took him to John Deere, where he worked for 45 years at the Product Engineering Center in Cedar Falls, as a Master Pattern Maker.

His love for the work and John Deere stayed with him in his retirement years, where he found great pride and joy in being a tour guide for John Deere Engine Works in Waterloo.

In his personal life, Dick was a hard-working family man, who cherished his blessings, leaned on his faith, and respected his family roots. Family came first for Dick. In his dignified and unassuming way, he was a loving husband to his wife, a role model for his children and a doting grandpa to his grandkids. He loved attending his children and his grandchildren’s school events.

Dick was humble but had plenty of wisdom to share with friends and family. He was as gifted with words as he was skilled with his hands.  He was a natural storyteller, and everyone enjoyed listening to his stories. Some of his memorable gems have served as guideposts for those willing to listen. He often quipped: “You don’t have to tell everything you know and sometimes, the best thing is to keep your opinion and thoughts to yourself.” Another worthy piece of advice, which brought smiles to all who had heard it, goes like this: “Amaze them with your knowledge and baffle them with your bullshit.”

That’s how he went through life, living it to the fullest, making the most of every day, amazing the world with his knowledge. 

He was proud of his German heritage and the Klenzman generational name, Ferdinand. He enjoyed Polka music which he referred to as “happy music.” An avid Hawkeye fan, he loved working on his 40-acre hobby farm. He was everyone’s fishing buddy and a master woodcraftsman.

Above all, Dick was a man of substance, gifted with many talents. He was the captain of his own ship.

Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years: Patricia ( Wittenburg) Klenzman; one son, Ferdinand (Mike) Klenzman; and three daughters, Michelle (Mike) Weepie, Melaine (Tom) Buzynski, and Melissa Klenzman, all of Fairbank. Sister Elaine (Ken) Jacobsen of Gold Canyon, Arizona.

His memory will be cherished also by his grandchildren

Christoper Weepie, Trisha (Chad) Brown, Jennifer (Shawn ) Davis, Nick( Chelsey) Weepie,

Cortney (Lucas) Matthias, Brock (Courtney) Buzynski,

Tyler (Meg) Klenzman, and MeKyley Klenzman. He was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karlyn Armstrong.

Funeral Service: 4:00 pm Monday June 10th at Woods Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Dick’s life at the Fairbank Legion Hall from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Memorials to be directed to the family for later designation. 

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Jodi Fischels

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Jodi Sue Fischels age 58 of Fairbank passed away, Thursday May 16th, 2024. She was born March 4th, 1966 in Independence, Iowa the daughter of John and Beverly (Strempke) Wroten. She lost her mom at the age of six but was fortunate enough to gain another one when her dad married Kathie Oberheu. Unfortunately, she was taken too soon as well in 2006. Jodi grew up in Fairbank, attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools in 1984. After high school she went on to Hawkeye Community College for nursing. She worked as a home healthcare nurse/ LPN until 2008 when her battle with Lupus forced her to retire. Jodi had her first child in April of 1990, Allyssa Nourse. Soon after that she met Troy Fischels. They were married on August 28th, 1993. In December of 1995 they added a son, Layne Fischels. Despite her ongoing struggles with Lupus since she was a teenager and many other complications, Jodi lived her life to the fullest. She went on many trips with her husband and family no matter how she was feeling and never complained. Jodi was able to see the birth of her first grandchild, Gage Fischels in 2010 and see both of her children grow and go on and marry amazing people that she knows will take care of them in her absence. She was and will always be a loving wife, amazing mother, doting grandmother and best friend anyone could ever have. Her family and friends were everything to her and she will be forever missed.

Jodi is survived by her husband, Troy, one daughter, Allyssa (Daryl) Nourse and one son, Layne (Olivia) Fischels, one grandson, Gage Fischels, her father, John Wroten, one brother, Nick (Leah) Wroten, one sister, Justina Wroten (Brett), her father and mother-in-law, Pete and Nancy Fischels along with numerous nieces and nephews as well as her dog Nevaeh and her cat Sergio. Jodi was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly and her step-mother, Kathie Wroten.

A Celebration of Jodi’s life will be held on June 2nd 2024 at the Fairbank American Legion from 12:00-3:00 pm. In her memory we ask that you wear something purple to support Jodi and others who are battling life with Lupus.

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David G. Moore

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David Graham Moore age 77 passed away Monday May 13, 2024 at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo. He was born in Waterloo on December 27th, 1946 the son of Ellis and Irene (Probert) Moore. Dave attended and graduated from West High School in Waterloo. After high school he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. During the majority of his his time in the Navy he was on the Aircraft Carrier USS Bonhomme Richard based out of San Diego, California. Dave spent most of his life working in construction, his specialty was building furniture. He is survived by his daughter Danielle and her three boys Justin, Jeremy and Joshua and Justin’s son, Charlie. He is also survived by his son Darrin and his wife Tiffany and their three children; Camrin, Mara and Nic.

There will be a private gathering at a later date.

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Karen Betts

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Karen Betts age 79 of Palo and formerly from Fairbank passed away Friday, May 10, 2024. She was born August 31, 1944 the daughter of Kenneth and Myrtle (Cummings) Betts. Karen grew up in Fairbank where she attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools. She continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College graduating with an Associates Degree focusing on Social Work. Karen worked for a number of years at Goodwill helping others with mental challenges. She also worked at Parkview Assisted Living in Fairbank while her mother was a resident there. Karen loved to travel so she took to the open road as an over the road truck driver for a number of years. She tried retiring for a short time and decided that just wasn’t for her so she went back to work at Full Circle in Independence doing just what she went to college for helping others. Karen was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved reading old westerns and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her son Kory (Kim) Betts, four grandchildren; Joshua (Krystal) Betts, Ryan (Megan) Loe, Austin Betts and Nicholas Betts, eight great-grandchildren and one brother, Howard Betts. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Glen Larson.

Visitation: 10:00 am-12:00 pm Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Woods Funeral Home with an 11:00 am Memorial Service.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery at a later date.

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

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Peter J. Curtis

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Pete Curtis age 74 of Evansdale passed away Thursday, May 9th at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was born April 25th, 1950 in Waterloo, the son of Jack and Verna (Wierck) Curtis. Pete attended and graduated from Waterloo East High School. After high school he enlisted into the United States Navy. Pete retired from John Deere Waterloo Works after 30 years of service. After retiring from Deere’s he worked part time for Magee Construction. Pete married Luci Kobliska on November 25th, 1977 in Evansdale. Pete was a true handyman he could fix almost anything or at least try to. He enjoyed helping others with all kinds of different construction projects, he was never content just sitting around. He was a member of the UAW Local 838 as well the Masonic Lodge No. 105 in Waterloo. Pete had many hobbies, he loved the outdoors, hunting, trapping and fishing. He was also an excellent trapshooter entering and winning many competitions over the years. During the summer months Luci and Pete spent most of their time at the campground in Prairie du Chien where they enjoyed boating, fishing or just spending time with their friends at the campground. Pete is survived by his wife Luci, his daughter Sunshine (Mark) Huisman, two granddaughters, Kylie and Madison, two sisters; Susan (Larry) Oberheu and Meladee (Sheldon) Rokusek, one brother, Christopher (Jenni) Curtis along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael.

Visitation: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Tuesday, May 14th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Masonic Ceremony: 12:45 PM Tuesday, May 14th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Service: 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 14th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Interment: Tuesday May 14th following service at Fairbank City Cemetery.

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

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Dennis Ott

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Dennis Dwayne Ott, 65 of Fairbank, entered into rest Saturday, March 30th at home surrounded by family. Dennis was born on December 9th,1958 in Germany to Dwayne and Geraldine (Fisk) Ott. Dennis was raised on the family farm near Fairbank. He attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the Class of 1977. On March 18th,1989 Dennis was united in marriage to Roxanne Nystrom at St. John’s Lutheran Church and together they raised two daughters, Darcy and Amy, on the Ott Century Farm. Dennis was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank, a dairy farmer and worked for Oran creamery. Dennis was a hardworking, honest, simple man. He was dedicated to the dairy farm, helping his father since he was a kid, and eventually taking over operations in 2003. He passed on a passion for agriculture and a love for animals, especially his “hairy cows”. It was often joked that he “never left the farm” as he was very punctual about getting back in time for milking or checking on the cows. Undoubtedly though, Dennis’s favorite hobby was snowmobiling, even owning multiple snowmobiles at one time. He could hardly wait for winters arrival and hoped for enough snowfall to ride around the farm, the local trails, and the Volga River recreation area. Dennis loved winter, the snow and cold, and was always telling those he was parting with to “think snow”. Dennis excelled at every title he was given: son, brother, farmer, husband, father, and grandpa. His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and he would do anything to fill their requests and make them smile.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Roxanne Ott, two daughters, Darcy (Christian) Kroemer of Kalona, and Amy Scott of Fairbank, four grandchildren; Charles Scott, Melanie Scott, Bristol Kroemer and Conroy Kroemer and a sister, Donna (Randy) Brown of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dwayne and Geraldine Ott, a step-mother Laura Heilmann-Ott, along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Thursday, April 4th at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday, April 4th at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Oran Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

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Mary Lou Fink

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Mary Lou Fink age 87 of Fairbank passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Harmony Nursing Home in Waterloo. She was born September 30, 1936 in Cresco, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Ferrie) Joerger. Mary Lou attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Fairbank. On September 17, 1955 she married Darwin Fink at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Mary Lou and Darwin made their home and raised their children in Fairbank. Besides being a homemaker Mary Lou was a bookkeeper for several businesses during her working career, including the family business, D & D Texaco and for the City of Fairbank. Mary Lou was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Church where she was also was a member of the choir. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxillary. Mary Lou enjoyed crocheting, playing Solitaire on the ipad and had a love for owls and enjoyed collecting anything that had to do with owls. Most of all Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her two children; Kathy (Dave) Byron and Denny (Rachelle) Fink, six grandchildren; Gary (Catelyn) Feldmann, Quincy (Courtney) Sproston, Jessica Feldmann, Nicole Fink, Mitchell (Nikki) Mastin and Mason (Haley) Mastin, six great-grandchildren, one brother, Charlie (Cleo) Joerger, two sisters; Patty Bentley and Betty Sturm along with many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Douglas in infancy, two brothers-in-law; Gordon Bentley and Bill Sturm.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, March 26th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 27th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following the service.

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

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Leona Ann Kleitsch

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Leona Ann Kleitsch age 90, passed away on March 2, 2024, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living. Leona was born July 24, 1933, at Stanley, the daughter of Andrew P. and Mathilda M. (Federspiel) Michels. She graduated from Stanley High School in 1950. She attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana and graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Dubuque with the class of 1954. She worked at People’s Memorial in Independence, Iowa, and Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Iowa, later in life she worked at Grandview Nursing Home in Oelwein. Leona and Edward C. Kleitsch were united in marriage on October 12, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hazleton, Iowa. To this union six children were born, Julie, Michael, Monica, Maria, Mark and Marcia. Leona and Ed farmed together in the Dunkerton-Fairbank area until 1991 when they moved to Hazleton, IA. Leona was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Fairbank and the Fairbank American Legion Auxiliary. She loved her quilting group, flower gardens and bingo. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leona is survived by five children; Michael (Jackie) Kleitsch of Brooklyn, IA; Monica (Steve) Ortner of Harmony, MN; Maria Delagardelle of Independence, Mark (Angie) Kleitsch of Fairbank and Marcia (Doug) Sickles of Cresco,16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and one expected in the spring and one brother, James Michels. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie at birth, her parents, Andrew P. and Mathilda M. Michels, her husband, Edward C. Kleitsch in 2002; a sister, Sister Mary Dianne Michels; a son-in-law, Randy Delagardelle and a granddaughter, Jenifer (Ortner) Dahly.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, March 5th with a 3:00 pm Rosary at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Funeral Mass: will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank on Wednesday, March 6th at 10:30 am with interment in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Fairbank American Legion in Fairbank following the burial.

The family would like to thank Prairie Hills Assisted Living of Independence for caring for Leona along with Cedar Valley Hospice, which aided in her care later.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

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