Marshall L Sohm passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Maple Heights Care Center in Mapleton where he had lived since March 2023.
    Visitation with a vigil service were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
    A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury. Father Andy Sohm officiated with Father Richard Ball as concelebrant. Committal Services followed in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Carlson-Frum Post #336 of the American Legion of Danbury and a final EMS page through Woodbury County Emergency Communications.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Born at home on August 25, 1939, Marshall was the second-born son of Carl J. and Mary Margaret (Harrigan) Sohm of rural Danbury. This Liston Township farm is now the Sohm Century Farm. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danbury.
    He attended country school at Riverside where he was reportedly the Star Kindergartener (the only kindergartener) in 1944. He attended 1st grade at Wayside #8 and then joined his brother, Richard at Danbury Catholic for 2nd through 8th grades. He had a serious illness, nephritis in the 8th grade (1953) and missed 2 months of school. He always credited his teacher, Sister Mary Jerome for noticing his symptoms and told him, "Get to the doctor!" He recovered completely.
    He attended Danbury Catholic High School and graduated in 1957. Following graduation, he worked for farmers and also did construction work. In 1960, he joined the Army National Guard, 2nd Mech 133rd Infantry at Mapleton. Marshall said that it was the best thing to happen to a shy Iowa farm boy. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Jackson, SC. He was honorably discharged after 6 years of service in 1966, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
    In 1960, he was invited to prom by a ‘cute' 16-year-old girl, and they dated until she graduated in 1962. Marshall married Mary Ann Cockayne on September 8, 1962, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danbury.
    They farmed with his parents, Carl and Margaret, and in 1964 they bought their own farm. They raised sheep, cattle, hogs and crops. Their family grew from 1965-1975, welcoming 3 daughters and 3 sons, Monica, Berny, Joan, Ed, Joe, and Teresa.
    In 1991 they purchased the Sohm Century Farm that had been bought by his grandparents Jacob and Frances Sohm in 1894.
    Marshall volunteered with Mid-Sioux Opportunity with the Head Start Program. He was an Ida County 4-H leader for the Maple Huskies club, a member of the Ida County Sheep Producers and an Ida County Fair Sheep Superintendent. He was a trained storm spotter and reported weather info on the CB Radio, ‘The Shepherd' was his handle. He learned Morse Code and became a licensed amateur radio operator, using the call sign KQ0P.
    In the 1980's he took Emergency Rescue Training and then EMT classes. He then became an instructor for Emergency Medical Training for Western Iowa Tech. Later, he advanced his skills and became certified as an EMT-Intermediate and then instructor for that class. His class roster from 1984-2006 numbered in the hundreds from many area communities. He served on the Battle Creek Ambulance for over 30 years as coordinator and financial officer. He served on the Danbury Ambulance for several years after moving to town. He always said there were no ‘bad' calls because his crew always did their best. Altogether, he spent over 35 years volunteering for emergency services.
    Marshall semi-retired from farming in 1999 and moved his dad into their farm home to care for him until Carl entered the nursing home, shortly before Carl's death in 2001.
    Marshall continued to keep active when he moved to town in 2009 with gardening and yard work. He was a regular blood donor, having given over 28 gallons. He was a Liston Township Trustee and did the grave marking for Liston Cemetery and the Danbury Catholic Cemetery until retiring in 2022.
    Marshall was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he taught CCD classes and was a Eucharistic Minister. While homebound, he watched Mass on his computer. He bought his first computer in the 80's and upgraded as new models came out. He enjoyed the challenge of technology and enjoyed his cell phone, a little amazed at all it could do. He was a farmer first and still enjoyed keeping up on the crop's livestock and machinery. He restored, with Joe's help, the H Farmall tractor which was first bought by his Dad in 1941; Marshall was the second owner. He was proud of the hard work of his children as they helped him out on the farm, but he was glad to send them to college for the chance at a different life.
    Marshall was always amazed and delighted in the variety of personalities of the 20+ grandkids and great-grandkids.
    Marshall is survived by Mary Ann, his wife of 62 years; their children and families: daughter Monica Schmidt and her husband Kyle (children Brandon Sohm and wife Amanda & son Liam; Chantelle Hammer & her children Olivia & Owen Bjorholm; and Katrina Barber and husband Travis); son Berny Sohm and wife Tonya (children Paige Sohm & Nick Sohm); daughter Joan Sohm (children Elizabeth Verschoor and Stevin & their daughter Remi; Bridget Verschoor; Zoe Verschoor and Dillon, and Kaleb Verschoor and Emma); son Ed Sohm and his wife Jenni (children Gable Sohm, Claire Sohm & Jack Sohm); son Joe Sohm and his wife Tina (children Tyler Sohm and Katie, Zane Sohm, Brennen Sohm, and Tina's sons Josh Dunker, Ryan Dunker, Zach Dunker, & Timberlen Dunker); and daughter Teresa Sohm-McMillen and her husband Rob (children Lauren McMillen, Margo McMillen & Nina McMillen). Marshall is also survived by sisters-in-law Bonnie Sohm, Kerry Sohm and Margaret Sohm; Mary Ann's brothers and their wives, John and Daniela Cockayne and George and Carolyn Cockayne; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. His successors also include many EMS friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret; his brothers, Richard, David and John; and his little angel grandson, Dalton Sohm.
    Memorial donations may be given in Marshall's name to Battle Creek Ambulance, Danbury Ambulance or Danbury Catholic School.

    Lester "Les" Earl Goslar, 77, of Mapleton passed away peacefully at his beloved farmhouse on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
    Lester Earl Goslar was born on April 18, 1948, in Ute, the son of William Earl Otto Goslar and Rosie Bertha Christina (Kroll) Goslar. He was baptized on May 9, 1948 by Reverend Walter P. Schroeder, and confirmed on April 7, 1963 by Reverend Otto R. Schlegelmilch, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. He graduated from Charter Oak-Ute Community High School with the Class of 1967. During high school, he was actively involved in FFA, holding several leadership roles including serving as chapter president. Les proudly served in the United States Army from February 6, 1968, until his honorable discharge on February 5, 1970. He served in Vietnam from July 4, 1968, to July 4, 1969. Though recognition doesn't always reflect the full measure of sacrifice, Les' service spoke volumes. He was honored with the Sharpshooter Badge (M-14 Rifle), Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge (M-16 Rifle), Two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Bronze Star Medal—each a testament to his courage, skill, and unwavering commitment. Les attended an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his brother, Melvin on May 11, 2019.
    Following his military service in Vietnam, Les furthered his education at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City where he earned an associate degree in Advanced Agricultural Production and an additional associates degree in Farm Management. Les found deep joy in life on the farm, where he spent countless hours outdoors, working the land he loved. Over the years, he raised a wide variety of animals—cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, horses, emus, and even the occasional barn cat or farm dog—each one part of the rhythm of rural life. More than just chores, these experiences became life lessons, as Les took pride in teaching his children the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for the land. Farming wasn't just a way of life for Les—it was a passion he lovingly passed down to the next generations.
    Les was united in marriage to Donna Lynn Swenson on March 21, 1970, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead. To this union, five children were born: Kevin, Marshall, Lenora, Brock, and Darren. The couple also endured the heartbreaking loss of two infant children.
    Les worked at the Slota Repair Shop in Mapleton for several years. Les also served as a Monona County Special Deputy for seven years. He worked for Bumstead Repair in Mapleton where he was a dedicated mechanic for over forty years. He also drove school buses for Maple Valley School District for more than forty years, taking great pride in ensuring the safety of his "bus kids" each day. Les served on the Mapleton Fire Department for forty plus years and was known for his enthusiastic participation in water fights. He was an accomplished auctioneer for many years, owning and operating Goslar Auctions in Mapleton and also worked for Martindale Auctions in Onawa.
    Les had a deep passion for collecting and restoring hit-and-miss motors and antique tractors. He enjoyed deer hunting with his family and, earlier in life, was an avid bowler. He enjoyed his trips to the casino, especially playing his favorite Buffalo slot machines where he found fun and excitement in every spin. Above all, Les was a man of integrity and warmth. He cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was everything to him. He faithfully attended and supported his children's and grandchildren's sports and music events, always beaming with pride. He instilled in his family the values of honesty, hard work, and compassion.
    Les was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Iowa. He also was a member of the Homer Hall American Legion Post #66 in Charter Oak and the VFW in Ute, Iowa.
    Survivors include his devoted wife of fifty-five years, Donna Goslar of Mapleton; his children Kevin (Jennifer) Goslar of Mapleton, Marshall (Erin Weber) Goslar of Mapleton, Lenora (Mike) Thurby of Arvada, CO, Brock (Jamee) Goslar of Covington, TN, and Darren (Sarah) Goslar of Onawa; ten grandchildren: Zachery Goslar, Jordan (Katelynn Mullin) Goslar, Sean (MaKayla) Goslar, Kaitlyn (Loren Coberly) Goslar, Bradley (Shania) Goslar, Tanner (Alexandria Romero) Broyhill, Connor (Avery) Goslar, Claire Goslar, Kaylee (Tate Heilman) Goslar, and Maverick Goslar; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Harper, Kinley, Kinnick, Karsten, Madisyn, Bennett, Natalee, Hallie Jo, and one on the way; one sister, Karen Bathke of Dakota City, NE; two sisters-in-law, Victoria (Ben) Watkins of Covington, TN, and Jeanne Pulver Swenson of Omaha,; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Rosie (Kroll) Goslar; two infant children; parents-in-law, Clifford and Dorothy (King) Swenson; paternal grandparents, Herman and Lydia (Schmidt) Goslar; maternal grandparents, Frank and Clara (Kock) Kroll; sister, Bonnie (Earl) Johnson; brother, Melvin Goslar; two brothers-in-law, Ray Bathke and Dwight Swenson; one infant-brother-in-law, Samuel Swenson; several infant-grandchildren; and a loyal and beloved farm dog, "Penny".
    Les will be laid to rest on the cherished home place that meant so much to him—a quiet, meaningful spot near the lucky buckeye tree he loved, where the red barn and windmill both stand as a proud reminder of a life devoted to family, faith, and the land. It is here, surrounded by the beauty of the farm he nurtured, that the love and memories he helped create will live on, forever rooted in the hearts of those who knew him.
    Our love for him will never end, and we find peace knowing he is now with our Lord and Savior—the "One" Les always believed would be there to guide him home and keep him in His care.
    A funeral service was held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel in Onawa, with his son, Darren C. E. Goslar, officiating. A live stream of the service was posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website alongside Les' obituary. A luncheon followed at the Onawa Community Center. Burial took place at the family farm near Mapleton with Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the Homer Hall American Legion Post #66 of Charter Oak.
    Visitation with a heartfeld prayer and time of sharing to honor and reflect on Les' life was held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Goslar Family Chapel.
    Arrangements were under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

    Megan "Meme" Leigh Johnston, 46, of Mapleton passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.
    Megan Leigh was born on May 17, 1979, in Sioux City, the daughter of Earl and Julie (Smith) Johnston. She grew up in Mapleton and graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1997. She furthered her education at Western Iowa Tech Community College and obtained an Associate Childhood degree. Megan was an Associate Teacher for Head Start in Onawa and then became the Associate Teacher for Head Start in Mapleton. She worked for Head Start for twenty-five years. She enjoyed working with kids and was very dedicated to them.
    Megan's pride and joy was having her daughter, Josie. Family meant the world to her! Some of her interests were: listening to music, watching movies, arts and crafts, drawing, reading, "Mountain Dew", and anything Disney. Megan taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Her passion was NASCAR and go kart racing, especially watching her niece Brianna #Z62, Meme never missed a race!!
    Survivors include her daughter, Josie Lynn Johnston of Mapleton; parents, Earl and Julie (Smith) Johnston of Mapleton; grandmother Marjorie (Carlson) Smith of Mapleton; two sisters, Wendy (Mike Elton) Johnston of Sloan and Sarah Johnston of Hinton; nieces, Brianna Mitchell of Omaha, Becca (Josh Victor) Mitchell of Omaha, Ava Lee of Sloan, and Karly Stolen of Hinton; her loving pets, dog, Winnie and cats, Tiger and Zoey; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Max Smith; paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Carrie (Skow) Johnston; infant niece, Lynn Mitchell; a special aunt, Margaret "Maggie" Ann Maynard; and two loving dogs, Nala and Sassy.
    A funeral service was held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa,with Jeff Thelander officiating. Those in attendance were asked to wear anything purple, Disney, Racing, or comfy clothes in honor of Megan. A live stream of the service was posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Megan's obituary. Burial followed in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery in Smithland.
    A visitation was held on Monday, June 30, 2025 with a prayer service at the Goslar Chapel in Onawa with Darren C. E. Goslar, officiating.
    Arrangements were under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

    Vicki Ann Schwarz, age 63, of Anthon passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at her residence.
    A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Anthon. Father Michael Erpelding will officiate. Committal services will follow in the Mt. St. Joseph Cemetery of Anthon.
    A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Anthon.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Vicki Ann Schwarz, the daughter of Rene and Donna (Kleber) LaFleur, was born on September 14, 1961, in Sioux City. She grew up in the Jefferson, SD, area. Once she was finished with her schooling, Vicki moved to Mexico where she worked as a housekeeper for a year before returning to Sioux City.
    On July 3, 1982, Vicki was united in marriage to the love of her life, Walter D. Schwarz, in the Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church of Sioux City. The couple were blessed with three children: Keane, Celine, and Devon. The family lived in Sioux City, Arkansas, and Spirit Lake, before making their forever home in Anthon.
    Throughout her lifetime, Vicki was employed as a lab technician at Vision Optical, waitressed at Truck Haven, was an EMT/Security Guard at the Argosy Casino, and most recently worked at Casey's in Correctionville. Vicki also served as a volunteer EMT on the Anthon Rescue Squad and was a caregiver for her mother when she became unable to care for herself.
    Family was the most important thing to Vicki; she especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. She loved to decorate and celebrate the holidays with Easter and Christmas being her favorite. In her free time Vicki enjoyed hunting turkey and deer, helping her husband tend to his garden, and collecting angels. She also enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Carol Hall. She was very proud she returned to her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon. Vicki will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
    Left to cherish her memory include her children Keane (Laura) Schwarz of Mapleton, Celine (Christian) Krewson of Bellevue, NE and Devon Schwarz of Anthon; grandchildren: Devon A. Schwarz, Aryanna Sunshine Schwarz, Emma Schwarz, Kahlil Schwarz, Sebastian Krewson, Tristian Krewson, and Jillian Krewson; brothers Todd (Monica) LaFleur of Berlin, Germany and Tim LaFleur of St. Paul, MN; sisters Angela Scott of Florida, Jane Evert of Rochester, MN, and Linda Lampson of Sioux City; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    Vicki was preceded in death by her parents Rene and Donna LaFleur; husband Walter Schwarz (joining him now in Heaven since his passing in 2023); and brother Toby LaFleur.

    Marnis Irene Petersen, age 89, of Anthon passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital of Sioux City.
    Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Anthon.
    A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran-Midway Church in rural Battle Creek. Rev. Marty Davis will officiate. Committal Services will follow in St. Paul Lutheran-Midway Cemetery in rural Battle Creek.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Marnis Irene Petersen, the daughter of Henry Sr. and Ann (Stolley) Schwarz, was born on October 16, 1935, in Sioux City. She grew up on a farm northeast of Climbing Hill and graduated with the Class of 1953 from Climbing Hill High School.
    After graduation, Marnis went on to attend Westmar College in Le Mars. On a special Fourth of July, her brother set her up on a date with a Navy man named Benjie Petersen who quickly became the love of her life. That first spark led to a lifelong love story. Marnis and Benjie were married on November 14, 1955, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Climbing Hill.
    They made their home on a farm east of Anthon where they raised their family and shared a beautiful life together. Marnis and Benjie were blessed with four children: Benjie, Jeffrey, Michael, and Marnie.
    Marnis was never one to shy away from hard work. She rolled up her sleeves and worked right alongside Benjie in the fields and around the farm. Whether she was out driving a tractor or cooking up a hot meal for the crew, she did it with heart. Her cooking and baking were always a hit—no one ever left her table hungry. She was a true go-getter and the kind of person who was always ready to listen, pitch in, and lift others up.
    Faith was a cornerstone of Marnis's life. She was deeply involved at St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School to the pre-K children and helped organize countless church programs and Vacation Bible School events over the course of 50 years. Her service didn't stop there—she was also active in the funeral committee, the mission quilting group, LWML, and so many other areas. If something needed doing, Marnis was there, giving her time and energy with grace and joy.
    She also loved volunteering at Mission Central, where she helped with luncheons and banquets. She treasured the opportunity to serve the Lord and others, always with a smile on her face.
    Outside of her church and volunteer work, Marnis had a zest for life. She and Benjie loved to go ballroom dancing with their circle of dance friends. She was also an avid card player, enjoyed her Friday lunch outings with the ladies, and absolutely cherished time spent with her grandchildren, family, and friends.
    Marnis's legacy lives on through her children: Benjie "Bryan" (Sharon) of Glencoe, OK, Jeffrey (Cindy) of Moville, Michael (Marilynn) of Danbury, and Marnie (Corey) of Sioux City. Her grandchildren—Scott Bockelman, Eli Petersen, Melissa Petersen, Jake (Roxy) Hannah, Benjie J. Petersen, Isaac (Stacey) Petersen, Theo (Emily) Fundermann III, Melanie Honsbruch, Tiffanie Honsbruch, Lindsie Honsbruch, Whitney Honsbruch, Tom (Shawna) Dennison, Tiffany Wood, and Tanya Dennison—along with her 21 great-grandchildren, will carry her memory forward with love.
    She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Norma Martens of Spirit Lake and Mary Wichelt of Cozad, NE; sister-in-law Martha (Donald) Hanson of Denver, CO; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
    Marnis was preceded in death by her parents Henry Sr. and Ann Schwarz; beloved husband Benjie B. Petersen; brother Henry "Hank" Schwarz; sister-in-law Lillian Schwarz; brothers-in-law Stan Wichelt and Wilber Martens; nephews Marty Martens, Rodrick Martens, and W. David Martens.
    Her life was one of faith, family, friendship, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

    Kyle Schoenherr, 53, of Onawa passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025.
    A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at St. John Catholic Church in Onawa with Father Richard D. Ball officiating. Visitation was held prior to the Mass. A live stream of the service was posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Kyle's obituary. Burial was held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Danbury.
    Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa.
    Kyle was born on November 16, 1971, in Sioux City, the son of Jerry and Susan (Handke) Schoenherr. Kyle attended Danbury Catholic school and graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1990. He continued his education at Western Iowa Tech for Diesel Mechanic.
    Kyle was a long-standing diesel mechanic in this area for many years. He was known for his hard work and dedication. He shared his passion by teaching others his skills.
    Kyle was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, music, motorcycles, and spending time with his family and his grandchildren. Kyle was very kind and loved helping other people.
    Survivors include his significant other, Jodi Ann Samuelson of Onawa; children Amanda Schoenherr, Emily (Gabe) Peters, Lakkin (Dustin) Schoenherr, John (Grace) Rahilly, and Wyatt (Kaylee) Schoenherr; grandchildren, S'rynniti Hightower, Leyla Hightower, and Swae Hightower, Lyrek Wiig, Harmony Franklin, Dante Rodriguez; parents, Jerry and Susan Schoenherr; brother, Kirtus (Doris) Schoenherr; sister, Kera Morgan; and many other relatives and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Anna Schoenherr; maternal grandparents, Lonnie and Edna Handke; brother-in-law, Phillip Morgan; son-in-law, Pierre Hightower; and great-nephew, Eli Parker.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kyle's memory may be given to the family.
    Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com