Woods Funeral Home

Alice Jean Leehey passed away at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo on August 18, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday September 3, 2021 with visitation from 9:30-11:00 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank, Iowa. Inurnment will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery immediately after the service.  There will be a Celebration of her Life after the inurnment, at the Union Station 1736 16^th Ave. SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Alice was born November 7, 1938 to parents Floyd and Dorothy (Clark) Nelson in Perry, Iowa. During her high school years, Alice played in the state girls basketball tournament for Perry High School, later graduating in 1957. She met and married Ray (Ike) Cook on October 4, 1958. They became parents to five rambunctious boys: Douglas, Donald, Dennis, Tom, and Scott. When asked about raising five boys Alice would quip “I would rather raise five boys then five girls any day.” Ike passed away in 1977.  As a single mom, Alice provided a loving, stable home to her boys. Kids in their SW side neighborhood also lovingly referred to Alice as “Mom.”

Alice played Cedar Rapids women’s softball and bowled on city leagues. In 1981, Alice married Jim Leehey in Arkansas. Together they ran a trucking business; first in Cedar Rapids and later in Oelwein where they moved. She enjoyed going to casinos and was a killer Scrabble player. She had a quick wit yet a soft heart.

Preceding Alice in death were her parents, her brother Lloyd, sisters Doris and Peggy, husbands Ike and Jim, and son Doug.

Surviving to celebrate her life and honor her memory are sons Don (Mona) Cook, Dennis (Melody) Cook, Tom (Hodgie) Cook, Scott Cook, and daughter-in-law Dawn Cook; siblings Harold (Nancy) Nelson, Robert (Karen) Nelson, Sally (Al) Childs, Jack (Cathy) Nelson, and John (Nancy) Nelson. The circle of Alice’s life continues in her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. The family thanks Eva Monaghan for her friendship to the end. The family compliments Ravenwood staff for the care they provided Alice the last five years.

Larry Loraine Bockholt, age 80, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at his home in rural Fairbank. He was born August 20, 1940 on the family farm near Fairbank, the son of Henry Bockholt and Iva (Mishler) Baum. Larry attended and graduated from Oran-Fairbank High School in 1959. Larry proudly served in the United States Army from 1963-1964. He married Marta Sweerin on July 28, 1961 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Larry farmed the family farm and also worked at Deere & Company in Waterloo for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Larry enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors including hunting, fishing and camping. He also enjoyed playing cards and was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, Larry enjoyed the time he spent with his family. He is survived by his wife; Marta “Marty”, and children; Garry (Melody) Bockholt of Norwalk, Luann (Joel) Grandon of Marion, Linda (Tom) Grandon of Olathe, KS, and Mark (Mandy) Bockholt of Fairbank.  As well as 14 grandchildren; Curtis, Erica, Chad (Lauren), Michael, Kyle (Emily), Neal (Ali), Travis, Sam (Alexis), Addy, and Lexi. One great-grandchild, Maggie, and six honorary grandchildren. Also survived by one sister; Ellen Merritt of Arizona, sisters and brothers-in-law; Marlys “Tootie” Murray, Rolene Whitesell, Barb Sweerin, Jimmy (Brenda) Widner, Marlene Smith and Larry O’Brien. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Duane Bockholt, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral Services: 11:00 am Saturday August 21, 2021 at the Open Bible Church, 928 Jefferson Street, Waterloo, Iowa.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 pm Friday August 20, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear Hawkeye apparel if they wish.

Interment: at a later date at Grove Hill Cemetery in Rural Readlyn.

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

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

Orvald Matthias Ott age 92 of Fairbank passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. He was born May 10, 1929 in rural Cresco the son of John and Mary (Junge) Ott. Orvald married Lenora Reysack on September 1, 1956 in Waterloo at St. John’s Catholic Church. Orvald and Lenora first lived in Waterloo. In 1965 they purchased a farm in Bremer county located between Readlyn and Fairbank. Orvald and Lenora lived on the farm until 2017 when they moved to Fairbank. Orvald worked at Rath Packing for 31 years along with operating the family farm. He was a farmer at heart and had a love for the land and anything connected to it. Above all Orvald truly loved and cared about his very large family, enjoying all the family get togethers along with the grandchildren’s activities. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Fairbank Knights of Columbus of which he was a Third Degree member. Orvald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lenora, two sons; Brian (Dorothy) Ott of Fairbank and Wayne (Linda) Ott of Waterloo, six grandchildren; Crystal (Mitch) Thompson, Rachel (Christoph) Trappe, Gary (Monica) Ott, Beth (Jordan) Judas, Erin (Josh) Sinram and Nathan (Molly) Ott, 10 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law; Geraldine Ott along with many nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents and six brothers; Ervin (Lorretta) Ott, Florian (Alice) Ott, Herb (Ruby) Ott, Melvin (Audrey) Ott, John (Rosemary) Ott and Francis Ott, five sisters; Alvera (Ray) Richardson, Irene (Walt) Pittelko, Lucille (Emmett) Borseth, Janice (Frank) Mollenhoff and Joyce (Bob) Ormsby.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Friday August 6, 2021 with a 3:45 parish rosary at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Interment: at a later date in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Memorials: may be directed to the church, American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Cedar Valley Hospice.

Loras John Little age 59 of Fairbank passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after a battle with cancer. Wally was born January 12, 1962 in Oelwein the son of Earl “Tiny” and Lorrain (Davis) Little. He grew up in Fairbank and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the Class of 1980. After high school Wally enrolled at Lincoln Tech. in Des Moines. He then moved back to Fairbank and worked as a diesel mechanic and also drove truck for various companies. Wally worked with his step-father, Jim Foster helping him with his business of hauling milk, after Jim passed away, Wally bought the company and began operating it as Little Loras Little Trucking. He married Denise Green March 8, 1996 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank. Wally loved racing, camping and riding the open road on his bike or his 57 Chevy. He also enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Wally had a very special place in his heart for his twin grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them every chance he got. He is survived by his wife Denise, a daughter; Hallie and a son Tyler (Jenny) Woods, two grandchildren; Mila and Liam, two brothers; Tom (Nancy) Little of Kansas and Ken (Lamar) Little of Fairbank, one sister, Janann (Chris) Rabe of Colorado, four sisters-in-law; Mary (Joe) College of Earlham, Kathy Putzier of Texas, Bev (Bob) Mahler of Cherokee and Jan (Brien) Mohlis of Fairbank and one brother-in-law; Tom Green of Cherokee along with many nieces and nephews. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Ron Little, his step-father; Jim Foster, his father and mother-in-law Loren and Esther Green, one sister-in-law; Joyce Mueller and a brother-in-law; Don Green.

Visitation: 3:00-7:00 pm Thursday July 22, 2021 and for one hour before services at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Services: 2:00 pm Friday July 23, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

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

The family would like to invite everyone to Wally and Denise’s house after the burial to spend time together and enjoy some food along with some cold beverages in honor of Wally.

Fairbank: Ed Sadler age 78 passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the Denver Sunset Home. He was born August 22, 1942 in Waterloo the son of Leonard and Mary (Fettkether) Sadler. Ed married Donna Reiter April 23, 1966 in Waterloo. He grew up in rural Dunkerton and attended Dunkerton Community Schools. Ed first worked at Shirey’s Concrete and from there he worked at John Deere for 27 years until his retirement in 1992. While working at John Deere, he also farmed in rural Fairbank both row crops and livestock. Ed was a lifelong farmer for all of fifty years and truly enjoyed everything to do with farming whether it be putting the crops in or harvesting them as well as taking care of the livestock. He also enjoyed his weekly trips to the Waverly Sale Barn even if he wasn’t buying or selling anything. Over the years, he collected many John Deere two cylinder tractors that he loved restoring and tinkering with in his shop. Ed enjoyed being with family and friends, especially playing cards and marble games. Most of all Ed was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and truly loved the time spent with all of them. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna, his son Steve (Angie) Sadler, two daughters; Sharon (Mike) Buss and Susan Sadler all of Denver, four grandchildren; Bethany Sadler, Breanna Sadler, Hunter Buss and Sydney Buss, three brothers; Harold Sadler, Melvin (Theresa) Sadler, Gerald (Elaine) Sadler, three sisters; Rita (George) Schmitz, Judy Starbeck and Donna Nelson, his-in-laws; Thres Sadler, Lavonne & Kenny Fischer, Ruth & Marvin Taylor, Mary & Paul Speer along with many nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son; Timothy, five brothers; Dean, Raymond, Irving, Garold and Alvin, one sister; Mary Sadler, his in-laws; George Schmitz, Don Nelson, Paul & Linda Reiter and Gene Reiter.

Rosary: 3:45 pm and Visitation from 4:00-7:00 pm Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Monday June 7, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with lunch following at the Parish Center.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Church or to the Oran or Fairbank Fire Department.

Steve Hovey age 64 of Fairbank passed away unexpectedly Monday May 31, 2021 at his home. He was born November 2, 1956 in Independence the son of Harry and Ruth (Beebe) Hovey. He attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the Class of 1975. After high school he began working for World Radio first in Waterloo as a salesperson and then became the store manager his career spanned a total of 15 years serving as manager in various stores. He also worked at Silver Eagle Harley Davidson, Bertch Cabinet, Tyson and PPG all in Waterloo. Steve enjoyed fast cars in his younger years as well as working on gas engines and collecting different kinds of antiques and pop bottles. He is survived by three sisters; Vicki Hovey of Waterloo, Susan (Steve) Shaner of Oelwein and Lisa (Rod) Stoler of Jesup, five nieces and three nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Shawn “Shelly” Carpenter.

Funeral Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, Iowa

Cards maybe sent in care of Steve to Susan Shaner 12-12th Ave. NW Oelwein, IA 50662

Audrey Foster age 89 of Fairbank and formerly of Des Moines passed away Monday May 31, 2021 at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence. She was born April 5, 1932 in Panora Iowa the daughter of John and Gladys (Whitcomb) Shreffler. Audrey attended and graduated from Des Moines North High School. In 1952 she married William Foster at the Grant Park Christian Church in Des Moines. Besides being a devoted wife and mother Audrey worked for Bell telephone for many years until her retirement. Audrey and Bill loved to travel and that is what they did during their retirement. Their travels not only included every state in the United States they also traveled to every continent in the world with the exception of two. Besides traveling she loved spending time with family and friends and was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes as well as the Wapsie Valley Warriors. She is survived by her son Tony (Carol) Foster of Fairbank, two grandsons; Matt (Holly) Foster and Duane (Heidi) Foster, five great-grandchildren; Kennedy, Riley, Mackenzie, Kambrii and Karlie along with several nieces and nephews as well as her beloved dog Snowflake. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son; Tom Foster and her sister; Evelyn Stevens.

Visitation: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday June 5, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

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

Cards may be sent in care of Audrey to Tony Foster 104 Halpin Street, Fairbank, Iowa 50629

Loren Reiher age 82 passed away Saturday May 8, 2021 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was born March 3, 1939 in Allison the son of John and Lydia (Trepp) Reiher. Loren attended and graduated from the Allison Community School. After high school Loren proudly served in the United States Army from 1962-1963. He married Kathy Herman on December 10, 1967 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Klinger. Loren was as an owner-operator with Warren Transport from 1965-1968. Loren and Kathy farmed from 1968-1977 in both Missouri and Iowa. Loren then returned to Warren Transport working in the recruitment and safety department from 1977-2000 when he then retired. Loren is survived by his wife; Kathy, two sons; Lon Reiher (Chris Wescott) of Fairbank and Patrick (Nicole) Reiher of rural Tripoli, five grandchildren; Hailey Reiher (Dillon Delong) Jessi Reiher (Tyler Hanson) Justin Reiher, Dylan Reiher (Dylyn Powell) and Courtney Dinsdale (Levi Stockdale) and 2 great-grandchildren; Bennett and Ledger, his mother-in-law; Mildred Herman, one sister; Marilyn Cole, three brothers-in-law; Laverne (Terri) Herman, James (Celia) Herman and Karl Herman, one sister-in-law; Margaret (Roger) Kistler, he was preceded in death by his parents, one son; John, three sisters and their husbands; Phyllis (Lyle) Hansen, Ruth (Lavern)Brocka, Carol (Darwin) Buhman and one brother-in-law; Dean Cole.

During his retirement Loren and Kathy spent their winters where it was warm, first Florida and most recently Arizona. The rest of the year they spent in Prairie du Chien where Loren loved to fish and spend time with friends and relatives. His greatest joy without a doubt was the time spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation/Celebration of Life: 3:00-6:00 pm Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic face coverings are suggested along with social distancing.

Military Rites Conducted by: Amvets Post 88 of Allison

Interment: Allison Cemetery

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

James L. Kaufman Sr. passed away on April 27, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society Care Facility in West Union, IA. He was born on September 22nd, 1932, in Brandon, IA, the son of Fred and Marie (Steils) Kaufman.Jim grew up in the Eagle Center Area.  He married Doris (Waligorski) on June 2nd, 1958, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. After losing Doris in 1996, He married Glenda (Busey) on September 17th, 2006 at the Fairbank United Methodist Church. As an adult he resided in Fairbank, Iowa for many many years until his move in November 2020 to the Good Samaritan Home in West Union. Jim held many positions in his lifetime.  He worked at Don’s Auto, John Deere as well as serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.  Later he went to Barber College and after graduating he owned and operated Jim’s Barber Shop in Fairbank for many years.  His main passion came later, resulting in him starting his own excavation business, which he loved more than anything, it was never just work to him, it was his livelihood.  He had an exceptional knowledge of how things should be done, and was known for being “One of the Best”, in the field. Jim is survived by his wife Glenda of West Union, his children James “Jimmy” of Des Moines, Jane (Kurt) Domeyer of Fairbank, four stepdaughters: Kim, Kris, Del Jean and Erika, two grandchildren; Sean (Ashley Murphy) Wortman and David Wortman both of Fairbank and a special great grandson Austin Wortman of Oelwein, two brothers; Jack Kaufman and Tim (Shar) Kaufman, three sisters; Connie Broell, Susan Thompson and Mary Kay (Gloria) Kaufman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, 2 brothers; Wally and Jerry Kaufman, brothers in law; Jim (Doc) Broell, Arnold Geske, Dale Waligorski, sisters in law; Milly Kaufman, Wanda Kaufman, Nancy Kaufman, Lucile Geske and Arlene Waligorski and one step daughter Linda Brule. 

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Friday April 30, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home

Funeral Mass 11:00 am Saturday May 1, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic face coverings will be required for those in attendance.

Military Rites: Fairbank American Legion Fortsch-Duffy Post 552

Interment; Immaculate Conception Cemetery

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation