Woods Funeral Home

Glenda Jean Kaufman age 83 passed away peacefully, Sunday February 4th at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, Iowa. She was born September 16, 1940 in Waterloo the daughter of Leroy and Helen (Place) Gallup. Glenda grew up in rural Fairbank and attended and graduated from Fairbank High School. After high school she went on to get her Cosmetology License and began a career that she loved.

Glenda Jean was a vibrant, compassionate and confident person who loved life, had a gorgeous smile, a contagious laugh that could light up the room! Her heart was light but as big as a mountain that could always make room– especially for family. She loved her daughters and their husbands, kids, grandchildren, cats, dogs, chickens and any other critter that came around her. We witnessed how quickly she made friends with everyone who met her. She loved this country, from the Oregon and Washington forests, mountains and ocean to the Iowa farm life and fishing in Buck Creek to the warm Florida beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Glenda was full of love, life and adventure, she dared to take chances and would laugh when it was a close call! She was a very special lady and will be missed by so many.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Kaufman and a daughter, Linda Brule. She is survived by her four daughters; Deljean (Dan) Winkelman and children, (Matthew, Frank and Shelby) Kimberly (Steve) Schultz and children (Ragina and Corey) Kristine Gomis and her daughter, Sadie, Erika (Kent) Green and children (Sydnie, Lucas, Ivy, Leah and Noah) and their grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Tim Brule and children (Jessica and Jeffery).

Glenda’s family would like thank Hillcrest Living Campus and Community Memorial Hospital their attentive love and care during her stay.

Celebration of Glenda’s Life will be held on April 6, 2024 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm with a 11:30 am memorial service at Woods Funeral Home.

Donald L. Pint, age 81 of Fairbank passed away January 7, 2024 at Mercy One hospital in Waterloo. Don was born December 11, 1942 in Independence as the son of Floyd and Kathryn (Flynn) Pint. He attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. Don proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. He was united in marriage to Karen Frame on June 24th 1972 in Unionville, Missouri. Don was a machinist for most of his working career, working at several different manufacturers, most recently at Blessing Industries in Oelwein where he retired. Don was a member of the Fairbank American Legion for all of 50 years and a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Don loved sports of any kind, he was an avid fan of the Wapsie Valley Warriors, Iowa Hawkeye’s, Kirkwood Eagles, where Darin coaches, Wartburg Knights, Mississippi State or wherever Chris Jans was coaching and the Pittsburg Steelers. He also was a little league baseball coach for many years as well as coaching men’s softball which he also enjoyed playing in his younger years. Don also enjoyed driving around the streets of Fairbank every day in his white pickup decorated with assorted American flags, making the rounds and stopping occasionally just to say hi or give you a hard time, all in fun of course. Don’s greatest enjoyment was time spent with his family, especially all of his grandchildren whether it be going to their school activities or family gatherings he was so proud of all of them. He will be missed by many especially his family whom he adored.

Don is survived by his wife; Karen Pint of Fairbank. His children; Darin (Anna) Pint of Fairfax and Danelle (CJ) Krull of Fairbank. Three grandchildren; Aubrey (Archer), Nadia, and Katia. Don was also blessed with three bonus grandchildren; Erica (Dustin), Olivia (Chase), Casey (Kailey). Six bonus great-grandchildren. One brother; Norm (Pat) Pint. Two sisters; Loretta (Wayne) Stephens, Shirley (Ron) Loveitt. As well as many nieces and nephews. A brother-in-law; Bob (Kay) Frame. Two sisters-in-law; Kay Wagget and Kathy (Michael) Post.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Jean Pint and Helen Vandiver, his father and mother-in-law; Lloyd (Myrtle) Frame and one brother-in-law David Waggett.

Visitation: 2:00-5:00 PM Sunday January 14th at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Monday January 15th at Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbank.

Interment: Will take place at later date.

Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552.

Lunch will be served following the mass at the parish center.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

John Martin Riordan age 79 of rural Westgate passed away December 1, 2023 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Sumner, Iowa with family by his side. John was born March 11, 1944 in Waterloo the son of Edward and Jean (Kloster) Riordan. He attended and graduated from Dunkerton Community Schools. He attended Upper Iowa University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He married Leta Bartholomew on June 16, 1966, she preceded him in death in 2007. John was a “Jack of all Trades” during his working career. The list included, teacher, welder for Hauptly Construction, insurance agent for Prudential and selling modular homes for Coach Light Homes in Cedar Falls. John was a very down to earth man his faith and his family were the most important things in his life. He was a very caring person and will be remembered for his kind gestures to people who were important to him. He is survived by his seven children; Amy (Denny) Killoren of Pella, Meg (Brad) Dolf of Westgate, Bob (Shawna) Riordan of Whittier, North Carolina, Paul (Gwen) Riordan of Fairbank, Tom (Jenny) Riordan of Waterloo, Lois (Zac) Tyler of Westgate and Joan (Dave) Jensson of Holland, 20 grandchildren, three siblings; Mike Riordan of Rudy, Arkansas, Sue (Jim) Hauptly of Dunkerton and Peg (Steve) Watson of Hollister, Missouri, four sisters-in-law; Marcia (Rich) Young of Dubuque, Elaine Clark, Jeanette (Jim) Grady both of Waterloo and Lois Bartholomew of Franksville, Wisconsin, along with many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and two sisters-in-law; Dee Lenz and Peg Riordan.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Monday December 4th at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank. There will not be visitation at the church on Tuesday.

Services: 10:30 AM Tuesday December 5th at First Baptist Church in Dunkerton.

Interment: Fairview Cemetery Dunkerton

Military Rites: Dunkerton American Legion Peter Kress Post 636

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

Ivadel Luloff, age 101, of Fairbank and formerly of Independence passed away October 7, 2023 at her home. She was born March 11, 1922 in Masonville, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Laura (Hearn) Shonka. She was baptized on March 30, 1922 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Masonville. Ivadel attended Middlefield Township School through the 8th grade.  She then attended 9th and 10th grade at Lamont High School.  Ivadel moved to Brandon and did housework for several families. On March 17, 1940, Ivadel was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Jubilee. On March 23, 1940 she was united in marriage to Lyle Luloff at the same church. They farmed in the Brandon area for 29 years. In 1969 they moved to a house in Independence, in 2004 they downsized to an apartment and in 2018 they made their final move to Parkview Assisted Living in Fairbank. Ivadel worked at Micro Switch as a “pot dip” solderer from 1957-1965. The next 21 years she worked at Geater Manufacturing in Independence as a machinist, retiring April 30, 1987.

Her love for family, cooking, gardening, flowers, traveling, and dancing brought her a lot of joy and happiness. After retiring she enjoyed quilting for family and the EWALU Auctions. Ivadel volunteered at the Buchanan County Senior Center and assisted with the Friday night “Hoe Down” dances. Ivadel never missed sending a birthday card and was strong in her faith. 

Ivadel is survived by her daughter, Rosemary (Larry) Bachman, five grandchildren; Brad (Kathy) Bachman, Brenda Sickles, Becky (Keith) Thurm, Barbara (Mike) Lorenz and Brittany (Carlos) Abisambra. 13 great-grandchildren; Abby Bachman (Andrew Mitchell), Adam (Jasmine) Bachman, Ben Bachman, Anna (Chris) Bickers, Jacob Sickles, Krystal (Dan) Rasmussen, Amanda (Tanner) Kelchen, Joshua Thurm, Cody (Alondra Hernandez), Daniel and Claire Lorenz, Emma and Lucas Abisambra, five great-great grandchildren:  Kashton, Aspyn, Charlie, Kaysen and Quincy. She is also survived by her sister, Dottie Cleghorn, and her daughter-in-law, Gail Luloff. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her son, Gary; her parents; one grandson, Brandon Luloff; one grandson-in-law, Randy Sickles; and her brother, Paul Shonka.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday, October 12 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services at the church on Friday.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Friday, October 13 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 512 5th Street NE, Independence.

Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or to the family for later designation.

Dennis Richards age 59 of Fairbank passed away October 6, 2023 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born November 16, 1963 in Sumner the son of Kenneth and Dorothy (Pint) Richards. Dennis married Jenny Rundle on November 21, 1998 in Fairbank at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Dennis grew up on the family farm in rural Fairbank with his parents and seven siblings. This is where his hard work ethic began along with his love for anything to do with farming. Dennis graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1982. He worked the majority of his life starting at Oran Ag Services all the way to what is now Innovative Ag Service which spanned the next 25 years and 8 months. During his time there he was an exceptional chemical and fertilizer applicator. He will be missed by his fellow employees and all the farmers that he applied for over the years. In addition to his job in town he also did custom round baling. Dennis served on the Oran Volunteer Fire Department from 1984-2018. Dennis was a quiet caring man of few words.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, three children; Jessica (Levi) Vogel of Jesup, Abigail (Ryan Snyder) Rundle of Waverly and Matthew Richards of Fairbank, five grandchildren; Alex, Gable, Stella, Isla and Waylon, three sisters; Mary (Ron) Seeley of Roscoe, Illinois, Pam (Sammy) Balakrishnan of Elgin, Illinois and Julie (Scott Blasberg) Happel of Tripoli, two brothers; Bob (Nancy) Richards and Ron (Kelly) Richards both of Fairbank, a sister-in-law, Jean Richards of Fairbank, two brothers-in-law; Dave Happel of Fairbank and Jerry Marlow of Oelwein along with MANY nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jim Richards, a sister, Deb Marlow and a granddaughter, Ava Westphal.

Visitation: 4:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank, Iowa.

Dennis requested to have a private family burial without church services which will take place at a later date in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation

On July 14, 2023, after his yearlong valiant battle with cancer. Warren Ivan Finch embarked on his final check ride flying west with the night. While his adventures took him around the world, made him knowledgeable about history, woodworking, education and finance, Warren’s deep affection for Iowa never waned.

Before embarking on his adventures, in 1960 he graduated from Wapsie Valley High School, Fairbank, Iowa, followed by receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Science from Iowa State University. He married Myra Jane Hayward in 1965. He served in the United States Army in Alaska as a Nike Missile Battery Commander. From 1969-1992 he was an award winning teacher and school administrator in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serving at all levels. After retirement from education he began a career in finance.

In 1997 after 29 years in Alaska, Warren and Myra moved to San Juan Island, Washington State. He loved flying his own planes keeping them meticulously maintained, logging many hours traveling between Alaska, the San Juans and his beloved Iowa. Warren and Myra traveled internationally having seen much of the world and making lifelong friends along the way. Warren flew cancer patients for treatment and educated those who feared flying.

He was an accomplished woodworker and basket maker. He presented his friends with gifts of Maloof-style rocking chairs, Nantucket baskets, a Celtic harp for Avon and intricate cutting boards. He designed and supervised projects for a local Boy Scout Troop. Nearly all of the wood used in his woodworking was harvested and milled on his Iowa farm with the help of his dear friend, Gerard Keniston. Warren took great pride in the family farm, setting aside 50 acres in a conservation easement that remains to this day.

All of this does not begin to describe Warren. He was curious about the world his whole life, was very well read and had deep knowledge of United States and European history. He was devoted to his friends, helpful and supportive, often quietly and anonymously so, without expecting credit.

He was an artist, a craftsman, a teacher, a mentor, could be an imposing presence and a man of impeccable character and infinite kindness. As he aged he became more liberal, less tolerant of bigotry and believed living life well was the best revenge!

He is preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Eleanor, his father, Ivan and his brother, Wendell. He is survived by Myra his wife of 58 years, his son Aaron of Portland, Oregon, his honorary son, Jason Mendes of Tulsa, Oklahoma, his sister-in-law, Loie Hayward of Dysart, Iowa and his woodworking partner and best friend, Katy Doran of Friday Harbor, Washington.

So… on his final check ride, flying west with the night and straight on ’til the morning sun, surely we shall all meet again.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery

Memorials may be made to Stillpoint School P.O. Box 576 Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Oelwein – Roger Lee Kane departed peacefully from this world, Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Oelwein Care Center.

He was born June 4, 1937, in Fayette County Iowa, Oran township the son of Harold & Irma (Gletty) Kane.

He married Beverly Ann Pine on July 2, 1960, in Fairbank, Ia.  They were married 51 years and made their home in Klinger for 46 years until Beverly’s passing in 2012.  They had four children.

 In his youth Roger worked for the Oran locker, as well as unloading and hauling coal and drove the school bus. He joined the Navy serving on the first guided missile destroyer, the USS Gyatt from 1956 to 1960.

He worked as a foreman for Waterloo Steel Company for over 20 years until their closing. He was well known for his ability as a welder.  Ending his career at the age of 70 with Meyerhoff Tiling.  He enjoyed operating the excavator, removing buildings and digging ponds. 

Survived by: One daughter: Trilby (Dan) Waschkat of Waverly.  Two sons: Vic (Jean) Kane of Oelwein; and Dexter Kane of Troy, Illinois. Nine grandchildren: Isaac, Hallie, Sam, Alyssa, Tyler, Ciara, Spencer, Dori and Levi.  Six great grandchildren: Zoey, Lainee, Alexis, Corbin, Sydney and Cameron. A brother Rex (Glenda) Kane, sisters Donna Higgins, Delores (Henry) Schares and Doris Randall.  Brother-In-law Chuck (Kathy) Minor, Sister in Laws Doris Johnson, Mary Graham, and Marilyn White, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death: by his wife Beverly, son Lester, parents Irma and Harold, a sister Dorothy Duffy and a brother Ralph Kane.

Celebration of Life: Sunday, Aug 13 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Fairbank, Luncheon and fellowship available. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

Inurnment: Family will have a private service at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation

Barbara Jean Gipper passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center in Oelwein after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 1, 1949 in Oelwein the daughter of Louie and Betty (Ghere) Maillie. Barb attended and graduated from Oelwein High School. She married John Gipper in 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Barb and John made their home on an acreage just south of the Fairbank city limits. There they raised their two children, Rob and Cindy. They also raised Greyhound dogs for a number of years until John’s health declined. John passed away in 1994. After John’s death Barb remained on the acreage for the rest of her life where she enjoyed being out in the yard with her flowers and her numerous cats. She enjoyed reading and crocheting when she wasn’t working at the Fairbank Locker. Barb loved her family including her close friend Bette Brown who was like a sister to her. Barb is survived by her son, Robert (Chris) Gipper of Fairbank and her daughter, Cindy (Brian) Bunn of Nevada, Iowa, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers; Roy Maillie and Brad Maillie, one sister; Sandy Maillie along with several nieces and nephews and her best friend, Bette Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, step-mother, Shirley Maillie, two sisters; Jane and Candy and two nephews; Shane and Jason.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Friday, June 23, 2023 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery

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

Barb’s family would like thank Cedar Valley Hospice, the 2nd floor staff at MercyOne, the staff at the MercyOne cancer treatment center, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Schwarm and Dr. Nasari for the care they gave to Barb.