Please email the Executive Director to share other member obituaries.

Ruth Elaine (Harris) Fastenau, 87, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 4, 2017, after a brief hospitalization. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Monday until service time at the church.

Elaine was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on March 26, 1930, to Paul and Doris (Petersen) Harris. She grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1948. Elaine attended the University of Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in speech therapy. She taught and provided therapy for several years in Faribault, Minnesota, Del Rio, Texas, and in central Iowa. She always enjoyed helping children overcome their speech challenges.

Elaine married Richard Fastenau on June 27, 1954, in Clarinda. They eventually made their home in central Iowa where they raised their family. Elaine was an avid antique collector, with a special interest in stoneware and pottery produced by various old manufacturers. She was active in various collector associations, and was a founding member of the Red Wing Collectors Society, as Red Wing stoneware was among her favorites. Elaine and Richard enjoyed traveling across Iowa and the Midwest in search of great finds at auctions and antique stores. After her children grew older, Elaine also enjoyed volunteer work in the greater Des Moines area, including at women’s clinics, historical society, and church. They were long-time members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and service to the faith was important to them.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Richard; parents; and her brother, Paul. She is survived by her son, David (Michelle), daughter, Marci (Mike) Wilson, and son, Joel (Jean); seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to West Des Moines Historical Society or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

McLarens Resthaven Chapel and Mortuary and Resthaven Cemetery

Fred R. Bailey Jr., 93, of Jacksonville, IL passed away Monday, February 27, 2017, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Jacksonville.

He was born November 22, 1923 in Springfield, IL, the son of Fred R. Sr. and Mary Rexroat Bailey.  He married Jean Wilding on June 30, 1951 in Jacksonville and they celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to her death on December 1, 2016.

He is survived by three children, Linda Moran (husband, Carl) of Jacksonville, Cynthia Benton (husband, Reg) of Jacksonville, and Richard Bailey (wife, Mary Carolyn) of Little Rock, AR; five grandchildren, Allison Guidish (husband, Nick) of Jacksonville, Lindsey Benton (husband, Freddy Bigney) of Denver, CO, Natalie Garver (husband, Luke) of Jacksonville, Christina Moran (fiancé, Micah Mussatto) of Jacksonville, and Samuel Bailey of Little Rock, AR; four great grandchildren, Emma, Elizabeth, and Charlie Guidish and Henry Garver, all of Jacksonville; his sister-in-law, Virginia Burton (husband, Frank) of Lisle; and two nieces.

Fred moved to Jacksonville from Virginia, IL in 1928.  He was a graduate of Jacksonville High School and Illinois College.  He then served his country for three years during WW II as a corporal and weather observer with the US Army Air Corps.  After his discharge, Fred continued his education at Hardin-Brown Business College in Jacksonville.

During the 1950’s, Fred served as the office manager for Cornish Chandler Lincoln-Mercury,  David Hill Appliance & TV, and Gillham Funeral Home, where he worked with his father.  During the 1960’s, he owned and operated the Dog ‘N Suds Drive In franchise on West Walnut.  Since 1969, he was a licensed real estate broker who enjoyed a long career in real estate and property management.  He developed and served as president of Northland Plaza, Inc., a 10 unit office and retail center on West Walnut, along with retail property on West Morton, South Main, and Hardin Avenue.  He operated the Bailey-Kleinschmidt realty firm with Walter Kleinschmidt for several years which later became the Bailey Real Estate Agency, from where he retired in 1988. In his spare time, he enjoyed managing his stock market portfolio.

Fred was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a 60 year member of Harmony Lodge #3 AF & AM, American Legion Post #279, and the National Rifle Association.  An avid collector, Fred and his wife enjoyed collecting antiques for over 40 years.  He was a charter member of the Red Wing Collectors Society and a member of many other organizations devoted to preserving historical artifacts.

Funeral services will be held 5:30 pm, Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with the Rev. Jonathan Warren officiating.  The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 4:30 pm Thursday until the time of services.  Private family burial rites will be held later at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville.  Memorial gifts are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville.  Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.

Robert “Bob” George Zibble, 78, of Red Wing, died Friday, February 24, 2017, at Mayo Health System in Red Wing. He was born on May 22, 1938, in Santa Monica, California to Clifford and Hazel (Carlson) Zibble. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1957 and later attended Northwest TV and Electronics in Minneapolis. On June 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Aveline Hanson. He served in the Navel Air Reserves for 6 years – 2 of those years he was stationed at the Pax River Navel Air Station, Patuxent River, MD. He worked at Boeing Minute Man Missile sights and Control Data before joining his father at Zibble Insurance in 1966. He retired in 2001. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, lifetime member of the BPOE Red Wing Elks #845, served as a volunteer fireman, hook and ladder crew in Red Wing, and was secretary of the Red Wing Wildlife League for 35 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman both local and throughout the U.S. including Alaska and Ontario. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, hosting many events at the family cabin, and spending the springtime at “Sap Camp”. He also enjoyed his morning coffee group. His greatest joy was the hours he spent teaching his children and grandchildren the love and respect of the outdoors..

He is survived by his wife, Aveline of 57 years, one son Kirk (Kim) Zibble and one daughter, Kara (Ron) Friesen all of Welch; four grandchildren, Michael and Rabecca Friesen and Drake and Emma Zibble; two brothers, Jerry (Gretchen) Zibble of Neenah, Wis., and Tom (Joyce Chitty) Zibble of Red Wing; several nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Edi Zibble of Vasa and brother and sister- in- law, Jan and Dan Schaller of Red Wing. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wayne, one son, Kreg and one nephew, Marc Zibble.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Arte Sharot officiating. Burial will be in the Burnside Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, February 27, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to Red Wing Wildlife League or the Environmental Learning Center. Online condolences may be sent to www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Lee Poole, age 82, of Winnebago died October 7, 2016 of cancer. He was born to Roger and Marjorie (Ritter) Poole on June 15, 1934. He graduated from Winnebago High in 1953. United in marriage to Jane Nilson on October 22, 1955. Spent 4 years in the Air Force, serving in Germany, France, and Tripoli. 30 year employee of City of Winnebago as Water Superintendent. 24 years with Winnebago Fire Department, serving as both captain and chief. Ambulance crew for 8 years. National Weather Service volunteer for 13 years. Member of Winnebago Baptist Church since 1944. Member of Redwing Pottery Collector’s Society and Studebaker Driver’s Club. Active volunteer with Winnebago Museum, Riverside Cemetery board, and delivering Meals-on-Wheels. He enjoyed singing barbershop, singing with The Brothers, playing cards, camping, flea markets, hunting for agate rocks, Indian artifacts, and deer, Friday supper at Huntley café, Tuesday chicken at Double Play, Sunday night popcorn, ice cream, watching the Vikings and spending time with family.

He will deeply missed by his loving family: wife of almost 61 years Jane, mother Marjorie, son Kevin (Kim) of Winnebago, daughter Ranae (Steven) Schutt of Winnebago, son Michael (Elaine) of Shakopee, daughter Susan (Dale) Folen of Golden Valley, 10 grandchildren Jeremy (Diane), Desiree, Sierrah, Jeremiah (Heidi), Amanda (Thomas), Michelle, Phillip, Ben, Rita, and Kirk. 6 great-grandchildren, brother Ron (Etta) of Mankato, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Nilson of Iowa, many nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in death by Dad Roger, sister-in-law Dorothy (Don) Swanson, brother-in-law Chuck (Cheryl) Nilson, brother-in-law Gene Nilson, special aunts, uncles and cousins, and dog Cindy.

Visitation on Friday, October 21 from 4-7 PM at Spencer Owen Funeral Home, Winnebago. Funeral at First Baptist Church, Winnebago on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:30 AM with visitation 1 hour prior.

Memorials preferred to Winnebago Museum or First Baptist Church, Winnebago.

Many thanks to our wonderful community for the outpouring of love and support. ALWAYS LOVED, FOREVER MISSED, THANK YOU FOR BLESSING OUR LIVES!

Spencer – Owen Funeral Home

Jolene B. McKoon, 66, of Moline, Illinois, died at Unity Point-Trinity Hospital of Moline, on August 12, 2016. Per her request, her body will be cremated. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday at the Van Hoe Funeral Home & Crematory, East Moline, where a time of sharing will begin at 6:30 pm. She was born on November 7, 1949 in Moline, the daughter of Genevieve and Joseph Wayne Small, Sr. of East Moline. She married Arthur Joseph “Jody” McKoon on June 13, 1970 in East Moline, Jolene worked for 35 years for Trinity Medical Center and its predecessor organizations Moline Public Hospital and United Medical Center. She was a graduate of United Township High School Class of 1967, where she was a member of her class reunion committee, and a graduate of Black Hawk College. Jolene was a devoted member of the Red Wing Collector Society (RWCS), and served as national Vice President of that organization. Collecting pottery and stoneware was a passion of Jolene’s. She gave numerous educational programs on art pottery history, performing as Belle Kogan, the first prominent female industrial designer in the United States. Jolene also was a member of the Iowa Chapter of the RWCS, the Trails West Chapter of the RWCS (Kansas and Missouri), a Charter Member of the Badger Chapter of the RWCS (Wisconsin), the Iowa Art Pottery Association (where she served a s Vice President and President) and the American Art Pottery Association. She was a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and served as the President, Treasurer and Recording Secretary of the Rock River Chapter. As “Josie Posie”, Jolene clowned at various charity events and as “Snowball”, was a member of the Quad Cities Distinguished Clown Corps, performing for many years in the Festival of Trees parade. Survivors include her son, Douglas McKoon(Kathie), Port Byron, IL; grandaughters Hannah and Haylie McKoon (who were the light of her life), Port Byron; sister, Sharon (Michael) Bell, Hampton, IL; brother, Joseph Wayne “Butch” Small, Jr.(Karen); Ball Ground, GA; and her best friends Kim Kochuyt, Moline, Susan Roggendorf, Bettendorf, IA, and Carol Ahlstedt, Moline. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Somewhere, Jolene is making someone smile. Memorials can be made to the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation, Red Wing, Minn On line condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

Van Hoe Funeral Home

Julie Ann Huebner, age 68, of Bushnell, died Friday, July 15, 2016, in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the Brookings United Church of Christ. Burial will be in Union Cemetery at Flandreau, SD.   Visitations will be from 9:00 –11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.   Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Julie was born on February 19, 1948, in Meckling, SD to Rolland G. and Emily Ann (Julian) Jones.   Her father moved the family to Flandreau, SD to open a law office in 1954. Julie worked for father as a Legal Secretary. She graduated from Flandreau High School in 1967 and married David E. Huebner after starting her college career at SDSU.

In 1968, Dave entered the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a Second Lieutenant. Julie and Dave lived in DC, and later Hawaii from 1968-1971, while Dave was serving his country. During that time, Julie attended Leeward Community College in Hawaii. In 1971, the couple moved back to Brookings. Julie began working for the concrete plant and Dave resumed his career in the sign business. Dave also started his pottery business with the help of Julie as the bookkeeper.

Julie helped start the Brookings Summer Arts Festival in 1972. Julie and Dave adopted their daughter, Myrna, in 1977.   Together, they purchased an abandoned store in Bushnell, six miles from Brookings. They restored the building and moved there in 1978. In 1980, the Brookings Renegade Muzzleloaders Club appointed Julie as their Secretary/Treasurer.   In 1984, Julie served as the President of the Church Council and Centennial Committee at Pioneer Lutheran Church near White, SD. She was also the chairman of the Summer Arts Festival, a position she held many times.

Julie continued her studies at SDSU graduating with her Bachelor of Arts and later her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.   In 1987, her kidneys failed, which forced her to start dialysis.   She received a kidney transplant in 1990. That same year, she lost one of her legs. Four years later, she lost her other leg, causing her to be confined to a wheelchair.

Julie was a member of the DAR, VFW Auxiliary, Brookings Summer Arts Festival, and the Brookings United Church of Christ. Julie served as a Moderator of the Church Council and was involved with the Church’s Empty Bowls Soup Supper, a benefit for the hungry.   She was also a member of Bushnell City Council, where she helped pave the streets and set up the 911 address. Julie loved cats and dogs. She is survived by her beloved pets; Mama Cat, Felix, and Little Willie.

Those left to carry on her memory are her husband, Dave; daughter, Myrna Lee Huebner; and her grandchildren; Linnae Emily Ann Lee and Grace Hansen.

Eidsness Funeral Home
Brookings, SD

Arthur “Con” Short
July 22, 1937 – July 18, 2016

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived

Con (infamously known as Buz) Short was born in Killdeer, ND, on July 22nd, 1937, the son of Don and Edith (Whittemore) Short. He claimed to be the smartest of the four siblings – Anne, Connie and Suzi – but that was never proven. He was raised on a cattle ranch on the Little Missouri River north of Medora, ND.  The Short Ranch was his first love – Con took great pride in being a real cowboy.

He graduated with the class of 1955 from Beach High School before attending Iowa State University in Ames, IA. He cherished the lifelong friendships made at the Phi Kappa Psi house and thought the movie Animal House was written about his fraternity. At ISU, he met the true love of his life, Sandra Taylor, and they married on July 2nd, 1960.

Con and Sandy moved to the Short Ranch and made it their home, raising their three children – Don, Dave and Sarah. Their home in Beach, ND, and the Short Ranch were always open to other family and friends, many of them becoming part of the family, including Doug Northrop, Clint Cook and Mike Houle.  After 45 years of ranching, Con and Sandy moved to Marshalltown, IA, to run Taylor’s Maid-Rite.

Con served in the ND Air National Guard, was a member of the ND Stockmen’s Association, and served on the Medora Grazing Association and ND Brand Boards.  He was instrumental in starting the Beach ambulance service, and in later years, he

faithfully supported the local Beach coffee shops and Taylor’s Maid-Rite.

Con and Sandy loved collecting North Dakota and Red Wing Pottery. Con was the second president of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society and was a 38-year member of the Red Wing Collectors Society. He and his son Dave gave many seminars about Red Wing stoneware – which Con considered to be the hottest ticket at the annual conventions –

and their entertaining banter and enthusiasm for Saltglaze would fill the room.  He and Sandy always sat in the front row of the auctions, hands held high. They have acquired a second family of NDPCS and Red Wing members whose friendships are truly priceless.

Con’s love of life was infectious, and he took great pride in his family and their accomplishments. He considered his greatest achievement his children, grandchildren, and many friendships. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone, whether they wanted to chat or not.  Con had a gift for making everyone around him feel special. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandy, and their three children – Don (Julie), Des Moines, IA; Dave (Tani), Mesa, AZ; Sarah (Steve) Sarbacker, Sioux Falls, SD; and Doug Northrup, Des Moines, IA. Grandchildren – Zac and Lexi Short, Isaac and Lydia Sarbacker, and Avery Short.

Sisters – Anne (Ken) Johnson, Larimore, ND; Connie (Paul) McDonald, Bedford, TX; Suzi (Dan Dinkle) Williams, Bismarck, ND; Sister-In-Law – Marlene Taylor, Marshalltown, IA. And numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

In death, he will join parents Don and Edith Short and in-laws Don and Polly Taylor, and brother-in-law Ken Johnson.

Family visitation will be held Friday, July 22, from 12:30-2:00PM, with a memorial service to follow, both at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown.

Con always hoped to make the world a better place by simply being kind and generous to others.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Marshalltown Salvation Army or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home

Robert John Bremer, 83 of Red Wing, died Sunday, June 5, 2016 at his residence. He was born May 4, 1933 in Red Wing to Harry and Syvilla (VonBargen) Bremer. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School. He married Marion Redding June 29, 1955 in Goodhue. Bob spent four years in the U. S. navy. Then worked for Milwaukee Railroad until 1964 when they moved to Red Wing and began working at the SB Foot Tannery. He later worked for the City of Red Wing where he retired from in 1996. After retiring he worked at Haughton’s Auction Service. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Bob was also an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying over 40 years on Clearwater Lake. He also enjoyed coaching and watching Red Wing Amateur Hockey.

Joseph Boyd Midgarden was born December 14, 1943; the son of the late Alfred and Beulah (Lykken) Midgarden at Deaconess Hospital in Grafton, ND. He joined the ranks of Heaven on February 16, 2016 at the age of 72.

Joseph was raised on the family farm in rural Hoople. He attended Glenwood Township 13 School and graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River. Following his education he joined his family in farming. Joseph married Karen Newman on June 19, 1971 at the Cando Lutheran Church, Cando, North Dakota. He was an active member of the community, serving on the boards at: Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery, Walsh County Farm Bureau, Nash Grain and Trading Company. He was a member of the Potato Growers Association and Hoople Potato Products. He was a champion curler, avid golfer and frequent water skier.

He will be remembered for his distinctive laugh, his zeal for life, and never missing an opportunity to live in the moment.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, children: Leah, Jessica (Rick Edwards), Katie (Jeremiah Belgarde), and Erik Midgarden (Taylor Nelson), grandchildren: Jacob, Lorena, Maya, Marcos, Javier, and Rosalyn, his sister, Alice (Glenn) Moe. He is deeply loved by his many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers: Russel and Paul Midgarden.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hoople. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church. Friends may call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hoople in the spring.

Funeral Home Website

Dale Garrison Morris, 77, of Claremont, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend to many, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Madison, Wis., while visiting family in Waunakee.

Dale was born Sept. 3, 1938, to Garrol and Grace (Evans) Morris at the Hefron Farm in Danesville, located in the rural Byron area. He graduated from Claremont High School in 1956 and later served in the Army Reserves from 1957-1963. He married his wife of 55 years, Karen Hondl, on Oct. 1, 1960.

Dale and Karen were blessed with five children: Sue, Steve, Lynne, Kevin “Butch” and Jeff. Dale worked at Deml’s Garage and Bixby Creamery, and also enjoyed being the owner of his own business, Dale’s Dairy Supply, where he proudly sold and serviced DeLaval products. Dale was also a lifelong dairy farmer (if only at heart), farming on the family farm just north of Claremont. Even after Dale and Karen sold the farm and moved into Claremont, Dale continued his love of farming by collecting antique farming memorabilia, especially John Deere and DeLaval items. He enjoyed showing off his tractors at area parades and events. Dale later worked as a bus driver for the Triton School District, retiring at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. In addition to collecting antique farming memorabilia, Dale was a collector of so much more, including pottery, Western memorabilia, and especially items from Claremont. Walking into Dale and Karen’s home is like walking into the Claremont Museum, and Dale was always ready and willing to be your tour guide.

Dale’s passion for local history led him to be active in organizations such as the Dodge County Historical Society and the Rice Lake Church Restoration Group. Dale’s service in the Reserves also created a passion for preserving military and veterans history, and he was active in the Claremont American Legion Post 422 and in the creation of the Wasioja Civil War Memorial. Additionally, Dale loved taking care of his lawns, and lovingly tended the nearby St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery and Hillside Cemetery for many years where he served on the board. Dale was also involved in many other organizations, including the Masonic Lodge No. 11, the Dodge County Fair Board, the Lions Club, the Red Wing Collectors Society, and the Watt Collectors Association, among others. Dale was the Claremont Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1995.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; five children, Sue (Roy) Edge of Stewartville, Steve (special friend Mary Rudlong) Morris of Kasson; Lynne (Rob) Quesnel of Waunakee, Wis.; Kevin “Butch” (Peggy) Morris of Byron; and Jeff (Melissa) Morris of Byron; six grandchildren, Robyne (Taylor) Muscatel of Renton, Wash., Daniel “Boone” (Brooke) Quesnel of Kirkland, Wash., Ashley Catlin Morris of Byron, Sam Edge of Stewartville, Gracie Morris of Byron, and Autumn Morris of Kasson; great-granddaughter, Sara Nelson; three brothers, Carrol (Ellen) Morris of Rochester, David (Barbara) Morris of Portland, Ore., and Richard Morris of Kasson; two sisters, Barbara (Harry) Smith of Belvidere, Ill., and Sandra McDonald of Neillsville, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrol and Grace Morris; and brothers, Donald and James Morris.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at St. Frances DeSales Catholic Church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held Nov. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Frances DeSales Catholic Church, with Father Thein Nguyen officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis De Sales Catholic Cemetery in Claremont.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Rice Lake Church Restoration Group, St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, or Dodge County Historical Society. All of these causes were dear to Dale’s heart.

Rachael Morris, 94, of Red Wing, passed away at her home at Deer Crest in Red Wing on Tuesday morning, Feb. 2.

Anita Renee Miller-Mulhall, 54, of Yorba Linda, CA, (formerly of rural Goodhue), died Thursday, December 3, at home with her husband by her side. She was born March 11, 1961 in Red Wing, Minn. to Willard (Bill) and Carol (Dodes) Miller.