Woods Funeral Home

Jerry Dean Goeller passed away January 28, 2022 at UnityPoint Allen Memorial Hospital. Jerry was born in Oelwein on June 29, 1951, to parents Wendell and Norma (Heidt) Goeller. He attended and graduated from Dunkerton Community Schools in 1969. After graduation Jerry attended Hawkeye School of Technology for Tool and Die. He then went to work for John Deere in Waterloo. Jerry worked there for 31 years, retiring in 2003. He married Vicki Alberts and to this marriage three children were born. They later divorced. To almost everyone, Jerry was known by his nickname “Goofy” and he was just fine with that. For the last 22 years Goofy has spent his life with his life partner, Dawn Johnson. Together they have made many great friends and memories. He enjoyed playing softball and golf in his younger years. He also was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, enjoyed watching movies on Netflix and was always up for an occasional trip to meet friends at his favorite Bar and Grill, Costa’s. He will be missed by so many people just because of how he treated everyone like a friend. Jerry is survived by his life partner, Dawn Johnson, his daughter, Tiffanie (Chris) Michels, two sons; Joshua (Amanda) Goeller and Jesse (Jennifer) Goeller, eleven grandchildren; Rylee, Carter, Mason, Charlie, Donna, Jacob, Josie, Levi, Micah, Madison and Zoey, two sisters; Judy (Mel) Neil and Cindy (Tom) Hagenow along with several nieces and nephews and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Thursday, February 3, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Inurnment: Fairbank Cemetery at a later date.

Lunch will follow the service at the Fairbank American Legion.

Dorothy Elizabeth Duffy age 87 of Fairbank passed away December 1, 2021 at the Buchanan County Health Center surrounded by her family. She was born March 4, 1934 at the family farm in Oran Township the daughter of Harold and Irma (Gletty) Kane. On October 24, 1949 she was united in marriage to Jack Leo Duffy at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Together her and Jack farmed outside of Fairbank, later they moved to town along with raising their nine children. After raising their family, Dorothy enrolled at Hawkeye Institute of Technology and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked in the surgical department at Allen Hospital as well as working for oral surgeons until her retirement. After her retirement she enjoyed volunteering at I.C. Church, Little Island Childcare and Wapsie Valley Schools, where she particularly enjoyed reading to the children. Dorothy always sent cards or a prayer to anyone who was celebrating a special event or was having difficulties. Above all Dorothy loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She is survived by four sons; Michael (Judy) Duffy, Tim (Jeanette) Duffy, Tony (Sherry) Duffy all of Fairbank and Ted (Sue) Duffy of Waverly, four daughters; Clarice (Steve) Levey of Lindstrom, MN, Carol Duffy of Cedar Falls, Nancy (Rich) Wallace of Cedar Rapids and Norma (Kevin) Westendorf of Readlyn and a daughter-in-law, Nina Duffy of Dibble, Oklahoma, 27 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, two brothers; Roger Kane and Rex (Glenda) Kane, three sisters; Donna Higgins, Delores (Henry) Schares and Doris Randall. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 63 years, Jack, a son, Mark, two brothers; Ronald as an infant and Ralph Kane, and two grandsons.

Visitation: 3:00-7:00 pm Friday, December 3, 2021 with a 2:45 pm parish rosary at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

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

Gregory Thomas Brandt was born September 20, 1969. He died suddenly, at the age of 51, from a tragic work accident, on September 15, 2021.

Greg was born to Lauren and Carol (Schares) Brandt in Waterloo, Iowa, lived in Dunkerton the first several years of his life and then moved to Fairbank. He graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1988 and then from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Finance. His career path included various finance roles in the corporate world until his recent big adventure, starting his own sawmill business, Turning Timbers. His new business combined two of his favorite things – working with his hands and helping people.  

Greg married Lynette Hoover on February 6, 1999 in Waterloo and they had two children, Gage and Aliya. Greg enjoyed being outdoors with family and friends – being on the Mississippi, fishing, hunting, and enjoying football (Go Chiefs). Of course, anyone who was around Greg during a football game knew it was only enjoyable if his team was winning.  So much like his mom, you rarely ever saw Greg sitting still for too long. You knew Greg liked you, by the level of shit he would give you.

However, his “grumpy old man” façade never fooled anyone, especially the kids. Kids seemed to gravitate to Greg; we believe it’s because Greg was a kid himself and could speak their language. They all loved him. And he loved them more.  Dog whisperer was another role Greg relished. If there was a dog in site, it was usually glued to Greg.

Greg leaves behind his beloved wife, Lynette and children Gage and Aliya his father; Lauren of Prairie du Chien, a sister; Gina (Brad) Niewoehner of Hawkeye, his in-laws; Ken and Sharon Hoover of Marshalltown, a brother-in-law; Jim (Monica) Hoover of Urbandale, nephew and nieces; Macy, Megan and Molly Niewoehner, Cade and Ava Hoover, many aunts, uncles, cousins in the Brandt and Schares family along with his sweet golden retriever, Harper. Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Carol, his grandparents and his uncle, Ronnie Steggall.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Tuesday September 21, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank.

Visitation: 3:00-7:00 pm Monday, September 20, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fairbank

Please we know how thankful we are for your support during our time of loss. There are days when it all seems unreal and hard to comprehend. It is in times like that when we remember that we are in the hearts and minds of those who know what we are going through. Sincerely, Lynette, Gage & Aliya

Carol Murray, age 85, of Fairbank passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. She was born December 2, 1935 in Oelwein, the daughter of Delbert and Frances (Dresbach) Haberkamp. Carol attended and graduated from Fairbank High School. After graduation she furthered her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette by getting her degree in education. Carol first taught in Waukon, Buffalo Center and the Rake School Districts. Also during that time she went back to Upper Iowa to get her four year degree and graduated with honors. Carol married Charles “Chuck” Murray on October 24, 1964 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank. Carol and Chuck first lived in the Buffalo Center area for eight years and moved to Fairbank in 1972. Carol was active in the church serving as the music leader and board member for many years, she was also a member of the Fairbank American Legion Auxilary. Carol was an avid reader and spent countless hours at the Fairbank Library researching and keeping up on current events. She is survived by three sons; Patrick (Emmanuelle) of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Michael (Janelle) of Buffalo Center and Thomas (Melissa) of Marion, four grandchildren; Victoria Beck, Justin Murray, Rebecca Murray (Leo Kruse) and Tyler Murray, three step-grandchildren; Ben Newman, Kennith Hunt and Maddelynn Hunt two sisters; June (Bob) Swenson and Gail (David) Judisch, two sisters-in-law; Eleanor Murray and Beverly Mathison along with many nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Chuck and a stillborn son, Mark Todd.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Monday September 20, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Fairbank.

Visitation: 3:00-6:00 pm Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank and for one hour before services Monday at the church.

Inurnment: at a later date in the Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center, Iowa.

Memorials: may be directed to the United Methodist Church, Cedar Valley Hospice or the family.

Joyce Hartman age 85 passed away Friday, September 3, 2021 at her home from complications of MDS cancer. She was born in Waterloo, September 6, 1935 the daughter of John and June (Bloom) Campbell. Joyce attended and graduated from Dunkerton Community School. After graduation she attended Iowa State University in Ames. On August 6th, 1955 she married Duane “Chick” Hartman at the Presbyterian Church in Jesup. Joyce and Chick made their home in rural Fairbank where she helped with everything on the family farm. Joyce was a detasseling crew leader for 20 years impacting many young people with her work ethic. She was a fabulous seamstress, making many wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other attire that would pass through her house. 4-H was a passion for Joyce she was a leader for many years, putting her time at ISU to good work. Joyce was a longtime member of the Iowa Paint Horse Association, joining in 1968. She served as secretary of the Iowa Paint Horse Club as well as taking care of many Futurities. Joyce was a member of the Fairbank Tourist Club later known as the Fairbank Women’s Club and the Fairbank American Legion Auxilary. Joyce loved bowling with her purple bowling ball in the Tuesday night women’s bowling league in Oelwein and later the Wednesday morning league. She remained active up to the last two years with her horses and still mowing the yard. Joyce loved when family came over to visit whether it was a drop in visit or a special occasion. She spent many hours at her dining room table making beautiful scrapbooks of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to show off to anyone that would sit down and look at them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her son, Harlan (Deb) Hartman, two daughters; Barb Boevers and Brenda Salisbury, 10 grandchildren; Lisa (Ryan) Peterson, Andy (Shelia) Boevers, Lee (Ann) Hartman, Sarah (Derek) Lounsberry, Jacob, Jenna and Jared Salisbury, Shon (Beth) Grimm, Matt (Lisa) Grimm and Kara (Josh) Burkhart, 21 great-grandchildren, six great-great- grandchildren, her sister Jan (Craig) Hinde and a brother-in-law Loren Hartman along with many nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Duane “Chick” a son; Dean Hartman, a son-in-law Dan Boevers, two grandsons; Baby Boevers and Bryce Grimm and brothers and sisters-in-law; Janola and Melvin Hesse and Lois and Virgil Hesse.

Funeral Services: 10:30 am Wednesday September 8, 2021 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Westgate.

Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday September 7, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank and for one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

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

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.