Jerome "Jerry" Weber, age 89, of Oto passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at his residence.
    A Visitation with Rosary and vigil service were held on Thursday, March 6, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon.
    A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon. Father Richard D. Ball officiated. Committal services followed in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Oto with Military Rites conducted by the McNiff Post #389 of the American Legion of Anthon.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Jerry was born on November 3, 1936, to Frank and Margaret (Hayes) Weber in rural Danbury. Jerry lived a life filled with tremendous love for his family and extreme passion for agriculture and the land that he loved.
    Jerry attended elementary school a short distance from his rural Woodbury County home and then graduated from Oto High School in 1956. Following graduation, he worked on his family's farm until he was drafted by the United States Army in 1959 where he served as a mechanic both stateside and overseas. When honorably discharged two years later, he returned to the farm. He spent most of his life as a third-generation farmer, helping to guide and train the fourth and fifth generations, along the way.
    A short time later, with the help of some really good matchmaking friends, Jerry met the love of his life, Wilma "Willie" Joan Wiedeman. They entered the bonds of holy matrimony on January 12, 1963, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City. Jerry and Willie spent 56 years on the farm before retiring and moving to their current home in Oto where they continued their 63 years of love and life together. During those years they raised five children, Christine, Frank, Michael, Ronald, and Jennifer. Jerry proved himself as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather as he nurtured and educated his offspring to work hard, be responsible, and respect the Lord.
    Jerry was a member of the former St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oto where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as sexton for the church's cemetery for many years. He was a member of the Little Sioux Valley VFW Post No. 9124 in Oto. When it disbanded, he continued his membership with the McNiff Post No. 389 of the American Legion in Anthon. He frequently participated in the Honor Guard for Memorial Day and graveside services for fellow veterans.
    While Jerry seemed to be always working, he and Willie managed to find time for Sunday evening drives around the countryside with the kids. They would end each evening with a stop at a favorite ice cream shop along the way, reminding those who knew him best of his love for a sweet treat or tasty dessert which began many, many years ago. Jerry and Willie truly enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, going out on the town, and traveling when they could. Jerry found pleasure in participating in the local tractor pulls and later in cheering on his boys when they joined in the fun. He also enjoyed watching all five of his children participate in tug-of-war competitions at local festivals. One of his favorite activities however, was a casual ride on his side by side with his best canine friend, Mariah. They spent hours riding from farm to farm to check the cattle or crops, or quite often to just enjoy the ride.
    Jerry was known for his friendly smile and the twinkle in his eye, which he willingly shared with those who crossed his path. Guests who came to visit knew they were welcome by that big smile that lit up the room. Jerry was quite the dancer and storyteller. He and Willie loved to share a dance and spent many hours perfecting their talent and impressing the younger members of the family with their graceful steps and expert techniques. The stories and laughs they shared with those who were blessed by their company were endless. Jerry was never at a loss for a story to tell.
    Jerry's favorite time of year was the season of spring when the temperature warmed, the baby farm animals arrived, the grass turned green, and the planting season began. He took great pride in his livestock and crops, spending many hours of every day tending to both. Jerry was a successful farmer in every sense of the word, leaving the legacy of his knowledge and dedication behind for his children and grandchildren to carry on.
    Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 63 years, Wilma "Willie" Weber of Oto. Other immediate family members include Chris (Joe) Collins of Danbury, Frank (Leona) Weber of Mapleton, Mike Weber of Mapleton, Ron (Cheryl) Weber of Danbury, and Jen Weber of Oto. He leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and nine grandchildren-in-laws, Nick Collins, Kari (Bo) Thomas, Brandon (Michelle Mahler) Cummins, Brittany (Aaron) Eckert, Kalli (Matt) Welte, Brandi (Irwin) Sealy, Gabe Krusen, Jeremey (Tiffany) Weber, Ashley (Brian) McCabe, Dustin (Erin) Weber, Travis Weber, Courtney Weber, Shelby (Tyler Dean) Weber. Also left to cherish his memory are twenty-seven great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, his sister-in-law, Effie Wildman of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Margaret (Hayes) Weber, his father and mother-in-law William and Effie (Yockey) Wiedeman, brothers Robert (Nelda) Weber and Richard (Floretta "Tet") Weber, sister Paulesca "Toots" (Bud) Crilly; great granddaughter Paige Weber; sister-in-law Marilyn (Roy) Bickley, and brother-in-law Seymour ‘Sy" Wildman. Also waiting to meet Jerry at the gates of heaven are six nieces and nephews who left this world before him.

    Dick D. Juelfs, age 86, of Cushing passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living of Ida Grove.
    A Visitation was held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove.
    A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury. Father William A. McCarthy officiated. Committal Services follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton with Military Rites.
    The Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Mapleton were in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com
    Memorials in Dick's name may be made to the family to be divided amongst organizations in his beloved Cushing, Iowa.
    Dick D. Juelfs, the son of Anson "Hans" and Della Mae (Walrod) Juelfs was born on June 24, 1939, on the family farm near Cushing. He received his education from Cushing High School. After graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army as a heavy weapons infantryman serving from 1961-1963. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Cushing.
    On November 7, 1964, Dick married the love of his life, Sharon A. "Sherry" Uhl, in St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury. The couple settled down on the Juelfs family farm south of Cushing and welcomed six children: Karla, Gerard, Leah, Lance "Buck", Brent, and Christopher.
    Dick devoted many years to farming. During that time, he learned the trade of welding at Wilson Trailer. He would later join GOMACO as a welder where he worked for more than 30 years before his retirement.
    A cowboy at heart, Dick had a deep love for his horses and took great pride in teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, how to ride. He played in both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball leagues for many years and was a dedicated member of the Cushing American Legion Post #624 as well as a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danbury.
    Above all else, Dick treasured his family. He and Sherry were always on the move, attending their children's and later their grandchildren's events. They loved gathering everyone together and creating lasting memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
    Left to cherish his memory include his children Karla (James) Meier of Holstein, Gerard Juelfs of Anderson, TX, Leah (Randy) Cauthron of Spencer, Lance "Buck" (Becky) Juelfs of Ida Grove, and Brent Juelfs of Washington, IA; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Mary Uhl and LaVonne (Ray) Friedrichsen both of Mapleton; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents Hans and Della Juelfs; his wife Sharon "Sherry" Juelfs; son Christopher Juelfs; granddaughter MaKenna Juelfs; siblings Darlene, Dale, Delbert, Duane, Don, and Dixie.

    Sheldon Hamann, age 76, of Anthon passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his residence.
    A Visitation with a Prayer Service were held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Anthon.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Anthon. Rev. Marty Davis officiated. Committal Services followed in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery-Midway of rural Battle Creek.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Memorials in Sheldon's name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 106 E. Arnold Street, Anthon, IA 51004.
    Sheldon Douglas Hamann was born on December 1, 1949, in Sioux City to Gayland and Leila (Hesse) Hamann. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Anthon. Sheldon attended Anthon Public School where he excelled in both academics and athletics, graduating in 1968. He attended Iowa State University where he made many lifelong friends while majoring in Ag Business. While in Ames he became famous for his unmatched speed of drinking a beer, downing a glass in less than 2 seconds.
    After graduating from ISU in 1972, he returned to Anthon to take over the family farm. Sheldon ran a farrow to finish hog operation and grew crops. He prided himself in planting the straightest rows in the county and winning 2nd place in the 1990 Iowa State Fair Big Boar Contest with his 1069 lb. boar named Big Blue. After a land disease stopped the hog operation, he continued to support his family with several other jobs to include selling insurance, working at the NRCS office, Knox Gelatin, and for the Alliance Seed Corn Company.
    On May 30, 1976, Sheldon married Roxanne Kruse at Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, NE. Together they raised one son, Kiel, and celebrated 49 years of marriage together. Sheldon loved being with friends and family. Known as the life of the party where he was always quick with a joke or a story. He cherished time with his granddaughters, often filled with playfully picking on each other and a mutual love for ducks. Sheldon enjoyed being in nature, going on walks and bike rides with his wife, as well as attending his son and granddaughters' games, where he was their biggest cheerleader. He amazed everyone with his memory of weather and events, often heard saying, "On this date in 1954 it was 62 degrees".
    Sheldon was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, holding various offices through the years. His incredible faith in his Lord and Savior sustained through the years. A favorite pastime of his was playing softball as a first baseman for the Anthon Bombers. Sheldon loved nature and all of God's creations. He was especially proud of his trees; planting over 10,000 and caring for them from bare root to maturity. He was also known for his abundant vegetable gardens and beautiful flowers.
    Left to cherish his memory include his wife Roxie Hamann of Anthon; son Kiel Hamann of Anthon; foster daughter Tadhg (Matt) McClendon of Hinton; granddaughters Claire and Ruby; sisters Kathy (Craig) Christiansen of Omaha, Patty (Eddie) Fox of Phoenix; brothers Lyndon Hamann of Sioux City, and Clinton (David) Hamann of Austin, TX; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
    He was preceded in death by his father Gayland; mother Leila; stepfather Bob; and in-laws Lorrie and Byron Kruse.