The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 23

Des Moines Sunday Register GC OBITUARIES Sunday, February 27, 2005 Page 7B ESTHER SMALL Des Moines RICHARD PHILLIPS PETERSON Des Moines STEVEN J. KARSTEN Newton Grinnell to begin $44 million project FROM REGISTER NEWS SERVICES Grinnell, la. Grinnell College will upgrade science laboratories and add classroom space when a $44 million renovation project begins this summer on a campus science building. The Grinnell board of trustees approved construction plans for the Robert N. Noyce Science Center earlier this month.

The first phase of the project was completed in 1997. The second phase will include upgrades to the science library and biology greenhouse, as well as new classrooms, offices, labs and storage space. The center is named for Intel Corp. co-founder Robert Noyce, a 1949 Grinnell graduate. His widow, Ann Bowers Noyce, donated $5 million toward the project.

SUSAN MITCHELL KEENAN Des Moines Susan Kay, daughter of Harold and Annamae Barry Mitchell, was born January 9, 1947 at Hawkeye. She received her education in the Hawkeye Schools, graduating from Hawkeye High School in 1965. On September 13, 1972 she was married to Terry Keenan. They later divorced. A resident of the Des Moines area for the past twenty years, she has lived at the Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston for the past year.

Her death occurred there early Friday, February 25, 2005, following a lengthy illness. She was 58 years old and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, She is survived by one son, Darren Keenan of Des Moines; one daughter and grandson, Kimberly Keenan and Keenan Washington of Des Moines; five brothers, Thomas (Phyllis) Mitchell of Hawkeye, Dean (Carol) Mitchell of Waverly, Duane (Lynn) Mitchell of State Center Bruce Mitchell and Brent Mitchell, both of Hawk-eye; two sisters and cousin, Deanna (Bill) Cook of West Des Moines, Betty (Larry) Hainz of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Kathy (Wayne) Busch of Allison; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Hawk-eye.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2005 at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Monday. The will be a scripture service will be held at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. DON R.

MEYER Des Moines JOHN R.BURNS Algona John R. Burns was born on July 6, 1936, to James L. and Gertrude (Molloy) Burns. He grew up on a farm near Emmetsburg and graduated from Emmets-burg Catholic High School in 1954. Upon graduation, he began serving in the United States Army.

He ended his service to his country in May 1957. On February 7, 1959, he married Mary K. Goddard at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. On February 25, 2005, John died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Mary, his five children and Father Paul Eisele.

John enjoyed a successful career in the real estate and insurance business in Algona. In 1973, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter, one of the most prestigious distinctions In the life insurance industry. In 1977, John became co-owner of Stueve Construction Company, and in 2001 he became the sole owner. As Chief Executive Officer, John built the company into a national and international leader in the construction of dry fertilizer storage facilities. Under his guidance, the company employs 150 people, does business in 42 states and carries an international presence.

John is survived by his wife, Mary; and five children, Mary Beth (Steve) Hilbert of Livermore, Jack (Lori) Burns of Algona, Dan (fiance, Aicia Brincks) Burns of Algona, Sheila (Doug) Boelter of Fort Dodge and Amy (Tom) Elsbecker of Algona. He is also survived by five brothers and one sister, brothers, Robert (Therese) Burns of Allen Park, Ml, James (Bea) Burns of Omaha, NE, Thomas (Shirley) Burns of Omaha, NE; sister, Arlene (Leo) Conway of Emmetsburg; Reverend Laurence Burns of Fort Dodge; Joseph (Marilyn) Burns of Milwaukee, Wl; and his aunt, Viola Molloy of Emmetsburg. John is also survived by his most treasured possessions, his ten grandchildren: Stephanie, Melissa, and Megan Hilbert; John, James, and Annie Burns; Zachary and Jenna Boelter; and Blake and Grade Elsbecker. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, niece, Cathy Burns; and sister-in-law Patty Burns. Visitation will be Monday, February 28, from 3 to 8 P.M.

at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1,2005. In Loving Memory Of Tony Riccio Esther Small, 91, passed away February 26, 2005 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Esther was born July 26, 1913 and lived in Des Moines all her life. She and her belated husband, Lou, owned and operated Lou Small's Trading Post, a well known army surplushardware store. She and Lou were married for almost 50 years. Esther's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a remarkable role model for her two daughters, Jeri Dunitz of Newton and Lea Singer of Houston, Texas; and for her three grandchildren, Jeffery Dunitz and Devra and Michael Singer.

They will remember their mother and grandmother for her wisdom, her energy, her values, but most of all they will remember her for her selflessness and loving ways. Esther was a lifelong member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. She also belonged to the Tifereth Women's Club, The Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center Guild and the Des Moines Women's Club. Besides her children and grandchildren Esther is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Bassman and Sarah Farber; two brothers, Isadore Tobis and Harry Tobis. Funeral services at 12 noon today, February 27 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue Chapel.

Burial will be at Jewish Glendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a memorial be made in Esther's name to Tifereth Israel Synagogue or the Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines. Dunn's lies Funeral Homes MAXINE E. YOUMANS Des Moines Maxine Elizabeth You-L mans died peacefully at fT 1 A Heather Manor February -viM 24 after a brief illness. oi one Wdd uum uiiiiaunaa Day 1914 to C.L.

"Dan" and Grace (Belding) Hill. She and her late husband, Phillip co-owned and operated the former Youmans Burial Vault Company which had been located in West Des Moines. Maxine was a member of Chapter P.E.O. She had belonged to the Lioness Club of Urbandale, Colonial Dames, Abigail Adams Chapter of the D.A.R., D.A.C. and several other patriotic organizations and St.

Andrews Episcopal Church. Maxine is survived by her loving daughter, Elizabeth E. Voss and her husband Jerry of Urbandale; three grandchildren, David Voss and his wife Lisa of Okemos, Michigan, Daniel Voss and his wife Kim of Grosse lie, Michigan and Anne Schrock and her husband Ray of Evanston, Illinois. She also has a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Grace Schrock and an expected great-grandson. Funeral service will be 11 a.m.

Tuesday, March 1 at Hamilton's Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

MARIE HARDEMAN Oskaloosa Funeral services for Marie Hardeman, 82, will be held Monday at 1 p.m. in the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. Visitation with the family will be Sunday to 4 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel. Tl Richard Phillips Peter- February 16, 2005 in Burnsville, MN where he had recently moved to Regent Senior Living Community.

Mr. Peterson had been a life long resident of Des Moines where he atteneded North High School. He graduated from the University of Iowa as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and earned a second degree, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Oregon State University while serving in the Army. After passing actuarial exams in his mid-twenties, he began his career at Bankers Life CompanyPrincipal Financial Group. He retired as a Vice President and Actuary after more than thirty-three years of service.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, married 57 years. He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Peter) Curnes, Des Moines; sons Robert (Geor-gianne), Des Moines and James (Kay), Lakeville, MN; a brother Gale, Reno, NS; and a sister, Darlene Henderson, Pasadena, CA; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchidren. His move to Regent was a joyous one where he regained some independence, made many new friends and felt at peace with himself. He loved his family and kept current of their work and interests including the great-granchildren. He previously enjoyed golf, and later reading, bridge and a variety of card games.

Recently, he was introduced to the intricacies and power of the computer. The body was cremated. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 28 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 6th Keo-sauqua.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran. JAMES T. GALLOWAY Adel James T. Galloway, 88, I I passed away on February I I 25, 2005 at Adel Acres.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday rM, at McLaren's Funeral Chapel with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. James was born in Cre- ston, IA to parents George and Azel Galloway. On March 6, 1943 he married Eleanora Lebsack. James was the manager with Railway Express until he retired in 1979.

He served in the United States Army during WWII. James is survived by his wife Eleanora of 61 years; daughters, Pat (Cary) Reily of Huntsville, Alabama, and Pam (Jim) Peters of Adel, Iowa; son, Jim (Nancy) of West Des Moines; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Russell and George. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Raccoon Valley Humane Society. McLaren's Chapel VP'Bajjjy at Resthaven Cemetery PEARL LEONAGEARHART Newton Pearl Leona Gearhart, 94, died Thursday, February 24, 2005. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2005 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home with burial at Union Chapel Cemetery. Pence Reese Funeral Home Newton, Iowa his home.

Funeral Services will be bmomDmem wjm db ine tsianK lies Funeral Homes KF' "51 Don R. Meyer, 70, 1 1 passed away Thursday, -J February 24, 2005 at IF'-! Mercy Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the McLaren Funeral Chapel with burial at Resthaven Cem etery. Don was born in Booneville, Missouri.

He was a member of the musical group, "The Good Olde Guys and a Gal," and P.M. E.C.I. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Meyer; children, Jeffrey D. Meyer of Glasgow, Missouri, Mary Joy Russell of Springfield, Missouri, Michael James Wood of Columbia, Missouri, Jeffrey Lynn Wood of Winterset, Iowa, Art Wood of Pana, Illinois, Melissa Rena Cooper of Des Moines; sisters, Zada Kay Toohey of Phoenix, Arizona, Lorna Floy Brown of Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren, Shannon, JoeDon, Stacey, Brandy, Benjamin, Bridged, Allee, Brandi, Logan; and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by daughter, Jaime Lee Meyer.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: P.M.E.C.I. co Pat Jones, P.O. Box 362 Des Moines, Iowa 50302.

McLaren's Chapel VKUiy at Resthaven Cemetery The Des Moines Register runs obituaries at no charge for the first eight lines. Families who choose to present additional information may do so for a fee. Please consult your funeral director or call 515-284-8021. All obituaries may be viewed online for 120 days at www.DesMoinesRegister.com 35woe TmiTiiiiiiiwS Myron N. Blank 10 AM Tuesday at Temple B'Nai Jeshurun Dunn's Funeral Home 244 dunnsfuneralhome.com Myron 10 a.m.

1 Atf-Viut: i 2 Myron N. Tuesday, Mausoleum Mike Blank into the 21 st. community Steven J. Karsten, 32, of Newton died Friday, February 25, 2005, in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Funeral services will be held 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 1,2005, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home with Chaplain Merle Smith of Skiff Medical Center in Newton officiating. Burial will be in the Palo Alto Cemetery in rural Newton at a later date. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2005 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday. Friends may also call from 9 a.m. Tuesday, until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Hospice of Jasper County and may be left at the funeral home. Steven is survived by his parents, Terry and Debbie Karsten of Newton; brother, David M.

Karsten of Ames; maternal grandfather, Dale Vanderpool of Lander, Wyoming; paternal grandmothers, Rubye Karsten of Mesa, Arizona and Grace Kolling of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jay Karsten and maternal grandmother, Ruth Simbro Steve loved the Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed all sports especially football, hockey and car racing. Steve also liked reading, cooking, fishing, and spending time with his friends and family. He had been a drive up teller at Bank in Newton and prior to that had worked at East Hy-Vee.

Steve was born November 24, 1972 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a graduate of Newton High School in 1991 and from DMACC in 1993 He also attended the University of Northern Iowa and Southwest Missouri State. He was a lifelong resident of Newton. Wallace Family Funeral Home Newton, Iowa HANNAH M. DRECKMAN Iowa City Hannah M.

Dreckman, 63, died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at Marengo Hospital after a lengthy illness. Hannah was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Hannah was born October 14, 1941 in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Ambrose J. and Mona (Newkirk) Dreckman. She graduated from Regina High School in 1959.

After graduation she attended Capri Beauty College. For many years she worked as a hairdresser and than later as a Telecommunications Operator for the University of Iowa. Hannah married Francis Hadsell. Hannah had a great love for cats. She was one of the first Maine Coon Cat breeders in the state of Iowa.

She also belonged to the Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. Hannah is survived by her brothers and sisters; Brigit Leeney and her husband Gene of Oxford, Iowa, Daniel Dreckman of Iowa City, Iowa, Monica Louvar and her husband Robert of Belvedere, Illinois, Patrick Dreckman and his wife Mary of Ludlow, Washington and Michael Dreckman of Iowa City, Iowa. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Hannah was preceded in death by her parents and husband Francis In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Johnson County Humane Society, Iowa City, Iowa. THERESA EMMA JEAN NEOFOTIST Grand Junction, CO Theresa E.

J. Neofotist of Grand Junction died Monday, February 21, 2005 at her home. She was 81 years of age. Theresa was born March 24. 1923 at Stanhope, Iowa to Henry and Emma (Peterson) Gabrielson.

She spent her childhood in Stanhope and graduated from high school in Jordan. Theresa graduated from the Iowa Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Maycrest College and University of Iowa where she received degrees in nursing. She received her Education Degree from Drake University. During WWII, she served with the U.

S. Army in the Philippines and was awarded a bronze battle star, Theresa also served as the Dean of Nursing at Mesa State College. She married Chris Gust Neofotist on April 24,1947 in Atchison, KS. Survivors include Chris, her loving husband of 57 years; one daughter, Kris-ten Mary Bogengrief-Laub of Arlington, VA; her brother; Dannie Gabrielson of San Clemente, CA; one granddaughter, Lara; and two great-grandchildren. Her parents and a sister preceded her in death.

Theresa requested that cremation take place and that no service be held. Her cremated remains will be inturned privately at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to Mesa State College, Attn: School of Nursing at 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. MARCELLA B.

SIEGEL Earlville Marcella B. Siegel, 89, died Saturday, February 26, 2005. A Funeral Mass will be 1 1 a.m. Monday, February 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville.

Arrangements are with Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home Cremation Service in Earlville. MARVIN JAMES (JIM) SHAFER Boone Funeral Services for Marvin James (Jim) Shafer, 71, will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Boone. Military Honors will be at the Veterans Memorial and Flag at Linwood Park Cemetery of Boone ROSALEE MERCER Grand River Services for Rosalee Mercer, 76, will be held 2 p.m. Monday, February 28 at Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon.

Visitation will be 12 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, with family present from 6 to 7 p.m. $35 to seM item priced over Soma restrictions apply. CU1 SlS-aM-8141 or MOO-HU8-1SHB Jrp Funeral Si Service Schedule Hamilton's 605 Lyon Street 243-5221 LaVerna Mae Christiansen 1 PM Wednesday at the funeral home Darlene Cook 1 PM Monday at the funeral home Betty L. Ellsworth 1 1 AM Wednesday at the funeral home Norman Gibbs Traviss 2 PM Tuesday at Laurel Hill Cemetery Maxine E.

Youmans 1 1 AM Tuesday at the funeral home Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens 121 NW60thAvenue'289-2442 Roland L.Jensen 11 AM Monday at Luther Memorial Church Ronald D. McGee, Sr. 12 PM Monday at the funeral home Altoona 105 4th Street SW 967-4272 Hugh (Shorty) Erskin 1 PM Tuesday at Grandview Park Baptist Church Information 243-5221 Dona Kim Brown www.haniiltonsfuneralhome.com VISIT OUR SHOWROOM at 63rd and Railroad, DSM jr fTTr 'Mm ml Amflmm Jack Vande Stouwe 1 1 AM Wednesday at Westover Family Greeting 4-8 PM Tuesday Westover Funeral Home 276-4567 westoverfuneralhome.com 2121 N. "Mike" Blank "Mike" Blank died Saturday, February 26, 2005 at March 1,2005 at the Temple nauesnurun. :7, Jaurary 4, 1 922 February 24, 2004 God saw you getting weary, And a cure was not to be.

So He put his arms around you, And whispered, "Come with me," With tearful eyes He watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. LAVERNA MAE CHRISTIANSEN Madrid LaVerna Mae Christiansen, 90, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2005 at the Madrid Home, Funeral services will be 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 02, 2005 at Hamilton's Funeral Home with burial at Rising Sun Cemetery in Rising Sun, Iowa. LaVerna was born on March 1 5, 1 91 4 in Bussey, Iowa. She was a homemaker and a member of Grace Wesleyan Church. LaVerna is survived by her son, Lloyd (Bert) Christiansen; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Madrid Home in loving memory of LaVerna. In Loving Memory Of Howard Kale December 1 5, 1 922 March 2, 2003 Another Spring is getting near, But you, dear one, will not be near, Ever again, as harsh winter ends, To rejoice with us as grass turns green, And the leaves are seen, So we look to the heavens, Where your home is now, And call on precious memories, To see us through somehow, Our hearts still ache in sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to loose you, Only God will know. In Loving Memory, Ruth, Phyllis, Barbara and Jim EVERETTE DEAN SIGLER, SR.

Oskaloosa Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 28, at Garland-Van Arkel -Langkamp Funeral Chapel. Military Honors will follow, performed by the Harry L. Anderson Post 34 of the American Legion and theV.F.W. Post 2237.

RONALD D. MCGEE, SR. Des Moines Services for Ronald McGee, 66, are 12 p.m. Monday, February 28 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, with visitation from 10 a.m. until service time.

Burial will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens of Jewisn wenaaie cemetery. was one of Iowa's most distinguished citizens for most of the 20th Century continuing Leaving us at the age of 93 years young, Mike was a pillar of strength for his family and throughout his entire life, sharing his ideas, energies and philanthropy for the good of us all. Born at Methodist Hospital in 1 91 1 Mike grew up a healthy, strong and active teenager in the 1 920's in Des Moines, participating on the first swimming team of the brand new Roosevelt High School. After going away from home for college at the University of Michigan where he met his wife of 66 years, Jacqueline N.

Blank Mike returned to Des Moines, never to stray far from Central Iowa again. Mike went into the family's business of operating movie theaters throughout Des Moines, the state of Iowa, and the entire Midwest. He was personally responsible for constructing some of Des Moines's favorite neighborhood theaters, including the Hyland and the Uptown. In later years, Mike was one of the largest operators of drive-in movies in the country, including the beloved SE 1 4th Drive-In on the south side. Mike's credo was to put the customer first with first class facilities and top entertainment value.

As a man who loved Iowa and his country, Mike was always ready to step up to help his fellow citizens when he heard the call. Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mike was selected to oversee the collection of surplus materials in Polk County to help the war mobilization effort. Under his direction, children brought vital war materials such as rubber, steel and nylon to the theaters for use in the production of tank treads, guns and parachutes. This under control, Mike joined the U.S. Navy and Lt.

Commander Myron N. Blank served with distinction until he was honorably discharged in 1945. Always a man who loved children, Mike was already devoted to helping the neediest. In 1943 Mike was instrumental in planning and paying for the first hospital exclusively intended for the special needs of sick children. The Raymond Blank Hospital named in memory for his deceased brother soon became the place of hope for the thousands of polio victims in the late 1 940's.

Methodist Hospital's Blank Children's Hospital is today Iowa's foremost institution in restoring the health of its children. Mike was also a great champion for children who wore the Boy Scouts uniform. In 1 949, Mike and his family paid for the construction of the dining hall at Camp Mitigwa and after it was burned to the ground from a lighting strike in 1 951 paid to have it rebuilt. The hall is named after his brother, Raymond, who had the distinction of being the youngest Eagle Scout on record at that time. In liis near century of generous giving and personal involvement, Mike had an immeasurable impact on the lives of Iowa's children; the Blank Park Zoo including the new Discovery Center, the University of Iowa's Belin-Blank Center for gifted and talented students, the Blank Honors Center at the University of Iowa, Des Moines' emergency shelter for youth in need (YESS), the Planned Parenthood Jacqueline N.

Blank Book Works, the IMAX theater at the new Science Center of Iowa and the children's wing at the new downtown library. In addition to all of his business and philanthropic successes, Mike was most proud of his large and growing family. Mike is survived by his daughter, Beverly Perry, eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his daughter's-in-law Judy Blank and Jane Blank, and sister and brother-in-law Sis and Arthur Stein, Jr. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelin and two sons, Alan and Steven Blsnk Mike's passing will also be greatly missed by the staff of Central States Theatre Corp. where he continued to work full time since 1933.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts in Mike's memory to be made to the Blank Children's Hospital, the Blank Park Zoo, or the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. jfe Dunn's.