Woods Funeral Home

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.

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