Woods Funeral Home

Irene Audrey (Strempke) Kremer 80, of Fairbank, IA passed away Saturday evening, September 10, 2022, at Oelwein MercyOne Hospital with her husband and her children at her side. Irene was born August 25, 1942, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Hults) Strempke in Brandon IA. They later moved to Independence. Irene married Dorrence Kremer on November 9, 1959 in Lamont. Irene and Dorrence farmed and raised their family in rural Fairbank.

 Irene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters; Chuck, Elaine, Betty Ann, Jayne, Clint, Clair, Clifford, Clyde, Carl Cleo. Irene was also preceded in death a grandson; Jordan Thomas Kremer.

Irene leaves behind her husband, Dorrence, their five children; Guy Kremer, RoxAnn (Todd) Scott, SuzAnn (Dirk) Conner, Patricia (Fredrick) Carson, Jeffrey (Kim) Kremer; eight grandchildren Jessica Marrah, Patrick (Krista) Marrah, Anthony Marrah, Luke (Beth) Conner, Ethan (Hannah Werner) Conner, Audrey Carson, Michael Carson and Alexis Kremer. Two step-grandchildren; Cody Aiello and Gabrielle and six great grandchildren; Maddex Marrah, Kylie Marrah, Reilly Marrah, Mason Marrah, Chelsea Conner and Kailee Conner along with two sisters; Joann and Ruth.

Celebration of Life: 1:00-4:00 PM Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Fairbank American Legion.

Kay (Mersch) Regenold, 82, of Cedar Falls formerly of Fairbank, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at UnityPoint Hospice in Waterloo.

Kay was born on May 29, 1940, the daughter of Lawrence “Dutch“ and Letha (Jardee) Mersch. Kay was baptized, confirmed, and graduated from Immaculate Conception the class of 1958.  She was united in marriage to Ronald J Regenold on December 30, 1958 at Immaculate Conception church in Fairbank. From that union four children were born; Tammy, Joe, Marty and Tim.

Kay is survived by two sons, Joe (Julie) Regenold from Readlyn and Marty (Dawn) Regenold from Denton, TX; nine grandchildren; RJ (Genevieve), Jenny (Todd), Josh (Megan), Mandy (Stuart), Ben (Chelsey), Derek (RaeAnn), Dustin (Heather), Andy, and Whitney (Scott) nine; great grandchildren and one sister Barbara (Bobbie) Cole from Montague, TX.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald Regenold; daughter Tammy; son Tim; two sisters, Pat McGrath, Marylee Kramer.

Private family services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church with burial following at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to  UnityPoint Hospice, Waterloo.

Cards may be sent to Joe Regenold, 608 Westview Drive, Readlyn, Iowa 50668

Mike Harter passed away Monday July 18, 2022 in a tragic automobile accident while doing one of the things he most enjoyed, educating young people.

This isn’t so much an obituary but a letter to those that knew Gregory Michael Harter (G Mike).

On April 27^th, 1951, in a log cabin in Pisgah, IA, Mike was born to Guy and Eloise (Erixon) Harter.

Mike grew up working on the family farm in the Loess Hills of Iowa. Always a teacher at heart, even as a child, Mike loved learning and knew at a young age he wanted to share that passion with others.

Mike met the love his life in 1972 while attending the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in driver’s education and political science. On May 24^th, 1975, Mike and Marla were united in marriage in Olin, IA. The very next day the newlyweds moved to Council Bluffs, IA, and Mike worked at a meat packing plant in Omaha. Three months later they moved to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, SD, where they both began their teaching careers.

In 1978, they welcomed their first son Andy, and in 1979 Mike and his family moved to Orient, IA, to begin teaching high school social studies and coaching baseball, football and basketball for Orient Macksburg.

In 1983, to complete their family, Mike and Marla welcomed their son Ryan.

After earning his master’s degree in Education Administration from Northwest Missouri State in 1985 the family moved to Russell, IA, where he was the high school principal, while still being able to teach a variety of classes.

In 1991, Mike was offered the high school principal job at Wapsie Valley High School which began his love for a town and community that would become his forever home. A community where his sons would graduate high school and, in 2018, was honored to be elected the Mayor of Fairbank.

After eleven years at Wapsie Valley, Mike became the superintendent at East Greene Schools in western Iowa, while also serving on the Iowa Girl’s Athletic Union. Not wanting to uproot his family, but not wanting to pass on a great opportunity, he traveled back and forth, coming home on weekends, to be with his family.

Although, self-admittedly not much of an athlete in high school, Mike loved all sports and coached many teams throughout the years—his true passion was baseball. At a young age his love for the New York Yankees began. He was overjoyed the summer of 1995 when he finally got to experience watching his favorite team play at Yankee Stadium with his family.

Before retiring from education in 2014, Mike was honored to serve one year as the interim superintendent for Wapsie Valley Schools—and although that came to and end, Mike never gave up his passions—teaching Driver’s Education, officiating as many sports as he could and substitute teaching wherever and whenever he was needed.

Mike’s family was his life. Having loved watching his boys excel in their activities throughout high school, his greatest joy was being able to watch his five grandchildren thriving in all of their activities. You could find him cheering on the Warriors on the bottom row of the visitor’s section at Wapsie Valley Varsity Basketball games.

Mike was a man of integrity, passion and love. As a lifelong public servant, in addition to dedicating his life to teaching hundreds of students, he also was passionate about serving and leading the communities he lived in. Holding organ donorship close to his heart, Mike was a proud organ donor though the Iowa Donor Network.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers; Leo and Gary and two sisters-in-law; Nancy and Vicki Harter.

Mike is survived by his beautiful wife Marla Sanborn Harter; children Andy (wife Jeni) and Ryan (partner Jasmin) five grandchildren; Peyton (fiancé Maddie), Carson, Mason, Grace, and Maddux, two brothers, Harlan Harter, Rex (Mary) Harter and one sister, Patti (Mike) Crozier and a sister-in-law, Jayne Harter. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Leaving behind so many amazing memories of all that knew him, Mike will be greatly missed and will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for always being you Mike!

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

A celebration of life will be held at Wapsie Valley High School at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022.  A reception will be held at the American Legion following the celebration of life. All those who knew and loved Mike are encourage to come.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be placed in Mike’s honor. Donations will be used to establish a memorial in his honor.

Marilyn Jean (Baker)Swanson passed away peacefully on Monday June 27^th, 2022 in her home in Dunkerton, Iowa. 

She was born on April 27^th, 1935 in Waterloo, Iowa to Leslie and Ruth (Clouse) Baker.  She spent some of her childhood in Waterloo before moving to Chicago, IL and eventually Thermopolis, WY.  There she grew up enjoying the Wind River Canyon with friends and working at the local hot springs.  She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1953 and moved back to Waterloo, where she worked as a telephone operator.  She would later be introduced to her future husband, Tommy Dean Swanson.  The two were united in marriage on July 20^th, 1955 and had 4 children together; Jack, Jill, Eric and Erin (Katie). 

Marilyn was a character with a strong will and a competitive nature!  As a younger woman and mother, she was part of the community women’s softball league and served as a cub scout den leader.  In her later years, she could often be seen, and especially heard, at her grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities.  She was a distinct member of her community, approachable and entertaining.  For decades, her whistle could be heard throughout town!

She was a member of the Methodist church, active in both youth and adult activities.  She was also a believer in Chinese astrology and soon after you’d meet her, she’d ask you what year you were born and tell you all about your “sign”.

Her greatest character trait was her love for her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy.  The quieter version of Tommy, but always the Matriarch, making sure her family was first. 

She is survived by her brother Dale Baker, son Jack (Janet) Swanson and two Daughters Jill (Larry) Rourke and Katie Smith.  Along with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, 2 brothers,  husband, son Eric Swanson and granddaughter Dyana Leigh Rourke.

As a final contribution to others, Marilyn donated her body to Des Moines University for anatomical and surgical research.  Cards and memorials can be sent to the Family of Marilyn Swanson, 202 W. Williams St. Dunkerton, Iowa 50626.

Roger Westphal of Waldo, Florida formerly of Fairbank passed away June 25, 2022 at Parkside Assisted Living in Starke, Florida. Roger was born February 17, 1946 in Waterloo the son of Clifford and Pauline (Kleinow) Westphal. He grew up on the family farm located in rural Fairbank. Roger attended elementary school in Fairbank and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the class of 1964. After high school Roger enrolled at the DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago where he received his Associates Degree in Applied Science of Electronics Engineering, graduating in 1966. He then moved to California and worked for General Dynamics until 1968. In 1968 Roger enlisted in the United States Navy and served until 1971. During his time in the Navy Roger continued his education focusing on electronics. After his discharge from the Navy he went back to work for General Dynamics and then Lockhheed Aircraft. Roger then settled in Florida and enrolled at the University of Florida where he received his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. While at the University of Florida Roger worked as an Associate Professor for over 4 years. In 1986 Roger went to work for Gainesville Utilities and remained there until his retirement in 2011. Roger was a lifetime learner and was always intrigued by anything involving electricity. Roger enjoyed genealogy, traveling and sightseeing and whenever possible he would return home for family events including reunions or family picnics. He is survived by two brothers; Kenneth (Marie) Westphal of Fairbank and Lyle (Beth) Westphal of Healy, Alaska one sister, Elizabeth Sickinger of Tempe, Arizona along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Nancy Sickinger.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Friday July 1, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank.

Visitation: 9:30-10:30 AM Friday July 1, 2022 at United Methodist Church.

Interment: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa.

Military Rites: American Legion Post 267 of Marquette, Iowa

Lunch will be served immediately following the service at the church social hall.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Tommy Dean Swanson, “Tommy Boy”, of Dunkerton Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday April 9^th, 2022 in his home. 

He was born on June 10^th, 1934 in Waterloo, Iowa to Clarence and Wava (Petrie) Swanson.  He was a graduate of Dunkerton High School.  On July 20^th 1955 he married Marilyn Baker, and the two had 4 children together; Jack, Jill, Eric and Erin (Katie).  Tommy was a retiree of John Deere, where he worked as a machine operator for several years.

Tommy was a jack of all trades with many hobbies.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who trapped, hunted, fished and watched birds.  Pulling a Northern from the Wapsie was the highlight of his day.  He was a craftsmen with skills few could rival.  You name it, he could make it!  His creations included jewelry, knives, furniture, duck calls, fishing lures, and his most recent passion, trout flies.  The list of what he could craft was truly endless.  He was an opinionated man, who wasn’t afraid to share it. Loving with a tough exterior.  Truly one of a kind!

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, a son Jack (Janet) Swanson and two daughters: Jill (Larry) Rourke and Katie Smith.  Along with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Eric Swanson. 

Tommy loved to learn and in the spirit of learning donated his body to Des Moines University for anatomical and surgical study. 

The family will not be having a visitation or funeral services. 

Cards and memorials can be sent to Marilyn Swanson, 202 W. Williams St. Dunkerton, IA 50626.

James “Jim” Paul Kastli, 82, of Fairbank, Iowa passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022.

He was born July 28, 1939 in Oelwein, Iowa, which he joked was 100 years too late and 1,000 miles too far east as he would have been a cowboy. He was the fourth child born to Ernest and Dorothy (Warnke) Kastli.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Boyle on March 23, 1968 in Waterloo. Jim spent his working years with Local 125 as a plumber and pipefitter,  which he retired from in 2009. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, especially his favorite driver, Bill Elliott, and the RFD TV channel. Jim enjoyed hunting trips to Wyoming and Montana and loved the mountains. He was able to take two trips to Wyoming and Colorado with his grandchildren in his later years to experience them again.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; three brothers, Don, Alvin, and Georgie Kastli and two sisters, Ila Phares and Violet Schmitz and his wife Barbara. James is survived by his daughter, Kelly (William) Pond of Waukee, and son, Sean (Jennifer) Kastli of West Des Moines,  and two grandchildren (Addyson and Griffin), and a brother, Tom Kastli of Waterloo.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank, Iowa

Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank, Iowa

Inurnment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery

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

Cards and memorials may be sent to Kelly Pond, 1193 SE Williams Court, Waukee, IA 50263

Dean Ray French age 83 of Dunkerton passed away at his home surrounded by his family on April 3, 2022 after a long courageous battle with C.O.P.D. He was born April 12, 1938 in rural Clayton County the son of LeeRoy and Florence (Baldwin) French. Dean attended and graduated from Elkader High School with the Class of 1956. After high school Dean enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and proudly served his country for three years. On April 20, 1959 he met Karen Corbin and on April 23, 1960 they were married. Dean worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids for a number of years and enrolled at Upper Iowa University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Dean worked at John Deere in Waterloo for over 20 years until he eventually retired in 1993. Dean enjoyed carpenter work, he did a lot of remodeling of older homes. He also made military clocks, shadow boxes and pen sets that he sold worldwide. Dean was especially proud of his military service and the country he served. Most of all Dean loved his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Karen, his daughter; Tammy Ray, his three sons; Tony Dean (Faye), Tracy F.  and Terry Lee (Theresa), as well as nine grandchildren; Nick (Laura) Giberson, Matt (Dessire) French, Mike French, Taylor French, Tyson French, Tia (Justin) Hunter, Jade French, Lindsay French and Brittany (Rayyan) Taufiq and 11 great-grandchildren; Alexa Giberson, Dallas Tisue, Asher Giberson, Aiden French, Emily McNamara, Otto and Deana French, Olive Hunter, Ashton and Oliver Taufiq, one sister, Arlene Lau along with many nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by two daughters, Trixy Elaine and Trudy K. as well as his parents and siblings, Floyd “Bud”, Ralph, Kenny, his twin brother, Dale and one sister Claremae.

Dean’s wishes were for his body to be cremated after a private family visitation. There will be a public funeral held at 1:00 PM on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Fairbank, Iowa with burial in the Elkader Cemetery with full military rites.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Cards and memorials may be sent to Karen French, 9737 N. Canfield Road, Fairbank, Iowa 50629