Donald Chevalier

Donald O. Chevalier, 89, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics in West Union. 

He was born on June 21, 1928, at home in Dundee, the son of Freeman and Hattie (Goranson) Chevalier.  Don attended country school near St. Sebald and then graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1946.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country honorably during WWII.

On April 30, 1949, Don was united in marriage to Evelyn Pfrommer in Strawberry Point. The couple began their married life in Strawberry Point. 

Karen Hemesath

Karen Ann Hemesath, 73, of Castalia, Iowa passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Ossian Senior Hospice surrounded by her loving family, after suffering a series of strokes. Karen Ann was born on August 27, 1944 to Philip A. Schmitz and Florence A. Miller in Decorah, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she remained a member her entire life.  Karen attended De Sales Catholic High School and graduated in 1962.  Following her education, she attended the Paris Academy of Cosmetology in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  After receiving her cosmetology license, Karen was employed at Althea’s Beauty Salon in Waukon, Iowa and then Brannon’s Beauty Salon in Ossian, Iowa.

Justin "Skip" Baker

Justin “Skip” Duane Baker, 79, of Clermont, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

Skip was born on May 18, 1938, to Joe and Alvira (Amundson) Baker in the Postville hospital. 

He was confirmed at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa. 

In the late 1950s, he served in the Army National Guard for three years.

Skip was united in marriage with Beverly Bennett on Feb. 17, 1957, at West Clermont Lutheran Church.

He was very active in community ventures. He served on many community boards and committees. He was a member of the Clermont Development Corporation, A&J Retrieval Service, Clermont City Council (12 years), Community Club (president), Pleasant Valley Golf Course (president), Marion Cemetery Board (treasurer), Marion Church Council (treasurer), and Marion Sunday School (superintendent).

Ronald Bengford

Ronald “Grog” Virgil Bengfort age 62 of Postville, IA, formerly of St. Lucas, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at his home of natural causes.

A Funeral Mass was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas with Rev. Kyle Digmann celebrating the Mass. Inurnment was held following the Mass at the church cemetery.  

Online condolences for Ronnie's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Ronald “Grog” Virgil Bengfort was born Jan. 5, 1955 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Virgil and Linda (Wichman) Bengfort. 

He attended Turkey Valley Schools and was a 1973 graduate from Turkey Valley High School. It was in high school that Ronnie’s love for sports began. He was a remarkable athlete and excelled in football and basketball during his high school years. 

Bryce Biederman

Bryce J. Biedermann, age 32, of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado with his fiancée Joy, at his side. 

Memorial Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, IA with Pastor Nancy Solomonson officiating. 

Honorary Casket Bearers were Karin Martin-Hiner, Andrew Rowland, Claire Thompson, Seth Rowland, Bridget Berns, Kirstin Lerch, Nathan Rowland, and Chad Nelson.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family.

  Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.

  Bryce James Biedermann was born in Decorah, Iowa to James and Laurie (Nelson) Biedermann on Nov. 24, 1984.  

Roger Chensvold

Roger Allen Chensvold, 67, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Evans Memorial Home for the Aged in Cresco, Iowa. 

Roger Allen was born Jan. 5, 1950 to Curtis and Delores (Cowles) Chensvold in West Union, Iowa. 

He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. 

Roger graduated from North High School in 1968 and earned his electrician degree from NICC.

Roger was united in marriage with Vicki Mannion on Nov. 11, 1972. Three children were born to this union. 

Roger worked as a parts manager for NAPA Auto Parts for 43 years, retiring in 2015.

He was a member of the Mayflower Society, and enjoyed restoring pedal-cars, going to Arizona with his brother, Don, gambling in Marquette and Arizona, riding in his Corvette and grilling out for his family. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

David Tope

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of David Loyd Tope: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather.

A service will be held on Sept. 1, 2017 at 11 am at St. Cecilia Church in Ames, IA.  

There will be a brief visitation preceding the service and a luncheon following.

  Dave was born to Loyd and Thelma Tope on July 5, 1932 in West Union, Fayette County, Iowa. 

Dave attended West Union Public Schools and then West Union High School as a teenager, gradating in 1950.  

In 1952, he joined the United States Air Force and went on to train at Parks Air Force Base outside of Oakland, Calif., and later served his country in the Korean War.

Dave was honorably discharged in 1956 and moved back home to West Union where he got a job with Hansen Engineering as a draftsman.  

Virgil Meinert

Virgil John Meinert, 78, of St. Lucas, Iowa died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

Virgil was born June 11, 1939 to John and Cathryn (Dietzenbach) Meinert in Decorah, Iowa. 

He attended St. Luke Catholic School through the eighth grade. 

Virgil was united in marriage with Elizabeth “Betty” Riehle on Sept. 21, 1968 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Spillville, Iowa. 

Virgil farmed his entire life near St. Lucas, Iowa. 

He enjoyed playing softball on the Bushwacher Team, riding his four-wheeler and motorcycle. Virgil was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He loved spending time with his family.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Meinert of St. Lucas, Iowa; his god-child, Deborah (Jon) Cleveland; one brother-in-law, Robert (Bev) Riehle and a sister-in-law, Patricia (Charles) Humpal.

John Svendsen

John E. Svendsen, 85, of Castalia, Iowa died Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.  John Edward, the son of Johannes “John” and Anna (Mikkelson) Svendsen, was born September 25, 1931 at his home in Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was baptized at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia, Iowa.  He went to school at Bloomfield Township School #8 and graduated from Postville High School in 1949.  While in high school he lettered in track and instrumental music.  John helped his dad with the family farm and worked for Kneeskern’s Mink Farm after graduation.  He entered the United States Navy in March of 1956 and was honorably discharged in October of 1957. He then worked for Anundsen Publishing Company in Decorah, Iowa from 1958 until his retirement in the early 2000’s.