Marlene Phillips, age 90, of Mapleton passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Rancho Vista Senior Care Center in Vista, CA.
    A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on October 23, 2026, in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton. Pastor John Stacy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Marlene Dorothy Carstens was born on January 17, 1936, in Fremont, NE, to Friedrich and Alma (Koepke) Carstens. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church and attended public schools in Fremont. She was awarded membership in the Fremont High School Chapter of the National Honor Society and graduated in May 1954.
    Marlene attended and earned her teaching credential in high school home economics at Wayne State Teachers College in 1958. Her extracurricular activities included being a member of the college's synchronized swimming team. She worked as a lifeguard at the Fremont public pool during the summers.
    After graduation, Marlene was hired by the Maple Valley School District in Mapleton where she taught high school students from 1958-1962. In addition to supporting her professionally, her principal, Mr. Hansen along with his wife convinced her to help the very nice, widowed local jeweler set up his booth at the annual Mapleton Home Show in the armory. On June 3, 1962, Marlene married Vernis W. Phillips (that jeweler) at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. They were blessed with a son in 1965, Scott, on Valentines Day who was welcomed by his sisters Gloria and Margo as the best Valentine ever!
    Marlene retired from teaching and entered the retail world as partner with Vernis in Phillips Jewelry, assisting customers, ordering merchandise, decorating seasonal displays, bookkeeping, and engraving trophies, name plates for flag poles on Mapleton's Avenue of Flags, and items of jewelry, to name just a few of her contributions. She and Vernis represented the store as members of Mapleton's Retail Committee. She worked with Vernis for over 55 years, serving the community and other retailers on Main Street.
    In addition to work, Marlene taught Sunday School and led Vacation Bible School at St. Matthew and was active in the church quilting group. She taught piano lessons, was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and headed up the Girl Scout Day Camp in Mapleton's park. Her other activities included making crafts to decorate the store and home, reading, golfing, sewing, playing bridge, and cooking. Marlene was a member of Mapleton Club, Rotary, and the Maple Heights Nursing Home Women's Auxiliary.
    Marlene and Vernis loved to travel and shared their enthusiasm with their children, including them on several memorable family trips. On their own, Marlene and Vernis enjoyed annual trade show trips throughout the country and took a trip to Switzerland in 1976 for Vernis' professional development as a watchmaker. They enjoyed other domestic and international vacations throughout their marriage.
    Most important to Marlene was her family. She would say that she was so blessed with the children God had provided her. She was a blessing to her family and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
    Survivors include daughters Gloria (Steve) Sorensen of Omaha, NE, Margo (John) Redford of Oceanside, CA, and son Scott (Yvonne) Phillips of Dillon, MT; grandchildren Mark Sorensen of Omaha, Ian, Alan and Lauren Redford of Oceanside, and Carsten Phillips of Billings, MT; great-granddaughter Abby Phillips of Billings; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family members and friends.
    Marlene was preceded in death by husband Vernis Phillips, her parents Friedrich and Alma Carstens, her parents-in-law Ruby and Edward Phillips, and her siblings Adele Tabor and Bill Carstens.

    LaVonne Friedrichsen, age 91, of Mapleton passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Maple Heights Nursing Home of Mapleton.
    A Visitation with a Rosary and a Vigil Service were held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton.
    A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton. Father David Esquiliano will officiate. Committal services will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    LaVonne Bertha Friedrichsen, the daughter of Clifford and Mercedes (Reinbold) Uhl, was born on April 2, 1935, in Mapleton. LaVonne received her education from Mapleton High School, graduating with the class of 1953.
    On November 15, 1954, LaVonne was united in marriage to Raymond Friedrichsen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mapleton. They were blessed with the birth of 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. LaVonne and Ray spent their married life farming in rural Mapleton. Upon their retirement in 1990 they moved to town.
    In 1995, LaVonne accompanied Ray as he drove (she navigated) the Iowa Voyager across the United States with 300 bicyclists and a support group to promote tourism in Iowa for the 1996 Sesquicentennial. In 1996 they couple spent seven months attending many school and community events celebrating this commemorative event in Iowa's history. These two years were a blessing in their lives as they met so many wonderful people and saw so much of our great land.
    LaVonne was a woman of faith, family, friends, and food. She was a lifelong member of the St. Mary's parish having served as a lector, rosary leader, Eucharistic minister, and was a CCD teacher for 10 years. She was also active in St. Mary's Guild. She loved reading, playing Bridge, crocheting, and especially baking and sharing her baked goods with others. LaVonne treasured her time with her husband, Ray at home and traveling. Her children and grandchildren were the source of much happiness; she was immensely proud of them and their many accomplishments. She especially enjoyed sharing her love of baking with her grandchildren.
    Her husband, Ray, who kept her laughing for so many years and all of her family, were, along with her faith, God's greatest gift to her. LaVonne treasured all of them.
    Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 71 years, Ray Friedrichsen of Mapleton; children Michael (Becky) Friedrichsen of Danbury, Father Timothy Friedrichsen of Sioux City, Steven (Crystal) Friedrichsen of Wittman, AZ, Craig (Liz) Friedrichsen of Overland Park, KS, Gary (Susan) Friedrichsen of Overland Park, KS, Lynne Friedrichsen of Mapleton, and Lisa Westphalen of Schleswig; grandchildren Renae, Kathy Jo, Bradley (Stephanie), Stephanie, Jennifer (Clayton), Anne (Dan), Patrick (Addyson), Erin (Drew), Shane, Matthew (Megan), Daniel, Paul (Emily), Isabelle, and Noah; 9 great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Mercedes Uhl; grandson Ryan Friedrichsen; siblings Robert, Alan, Kenneth, Clifford Jr., Elaine Collins, Joan Glassel, Colleen Tjaden, and Sharon Juelfs.

    Marlene D. Phillips, age 90, of Mapleton passed away on July 31, 2026, in Vista, CA.
    A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on October 23, 2026, in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton. Pastor John Stacy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

    Bryce Alan Lee, 88, of Danbury passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
    A private family memorial service will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa.
    Bryce Alan Lee was born on August 25, 1938, in Danbury, the son of Charles "Hoy" and Charlotte (Henry) Lee. He grew up in the area and graduated from Mapleton High School with the class of 1956. During his younger years, Bryce enjoyed playing basketball. Following high school, he continued his education at the University of Nebraska where he earned a bachelor's degree. Bryce proudly served his country in the United States Army from April 8, 1958 and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1960.
    Bryce and Janyce Gosch were united in marriage on November 7, 1957. Three children were born to this union: Brenda, Bret, and Becky. Bryce and Janyce shared many years together raising their children. The couple later divorced.
    On November 21, 1987, Bryce and Roseann (Johncox) Blackwell were united in marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada. They shared many years together until Roseann's passing on April 23, 2020, in Onawa.
    Throughout his career, Bryce worked in the oil and gas industry, specializing in pipeline management and natural gas sales. His career began in Omaha, NE, and later took him to Denver, CO, and eventually Las Vegas, NV, where he continued working until his retirement. In the later years of his life, Bryce was fortunate to return home to Danbury where he was able to spend his remaining years surrounded by the familiar people and community he had always called home.
    Bryce enjoyed a variety of hobbies and pastimes, including playing basketball, darts, golfing, shooting pool, and playing cards, especially cribbage and gin rummy. He also had a special love for animals and was particularly fond of the many dogs he had throughout his life.
    Survivors include his children, Brenda (Peter) Flood of Wyckoff, NJ, Bret (Paula) Lee of Parker, CO, and Becky Edington of Mapleton; eight grandchildren, Richard (Jeanette) Edington, Stephen (Brittany Jubenville) Flood, Ethan Flood, Alex Edington, Garrett (Ashley) Lee, Kaitlin (Daniel) Burns, Shannon (Maverick DeMarais) Lee, and Brennan Flood; six great-grandchildren, Lina Jubenville, Levi McKenzie, Kasen Lee, Brecken Lee, Phoenix Flood, and Declan Burns; former spouse, Janyce Lee of Mapleton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Hoy" and Charlotte (Henry) Lee; brother Charles "Chuck" Lee; sister Annabelle Borg; and two nieces, Kimberly Borg and Colleen Borg.
    Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com.

    Roger V. Nelson, age 81, of Anthon passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Downtown in Sioux City.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with visitation held prior in the Anthon Community United Methodist Church in Anthon. Rev. Todd Schlitter officiated. Committal Services followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Anthon.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Roger was born on November 22, 1944, in Sioux City to Victor E. and Dorathy (Hansen) Nelson. He grew up in the Anthon-Oto area and graduated from Anthon-Oto High School with the Class of 1963.
    On March 6, 1964, Roger married his longtime sweetheart and classmate, Shirley Brant. Their story began many years earlier as the two had known each other since the third grade. Together, Roger and Shirley built a life centered around family, faith, and farming, and in March of 2026, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
    Roger began his working career with Wilson Trailer Company before following his lifelong passion for farming. He later farmed in partnership with his son, Wade, raising cattle and hogs along with corn, soybeans, and hay. Roger was happiest working on the farm and had a natural talent for mechanics, always enjoying the opportunity to work on and repair machinery.
    In addition to farming, Roger worked as a janitor and maintenance person for the Anthon-Oto School District. He took great pride in his work and continued in that role until back surgery prevented him from working. Even then, his love for farming and mechanical work remained an important part of who he was.
    Roger enjoyed traveling and made several memorable trips throughout the years, including visits to Louisville, Kentucky, and California. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he always looked forward to their visits to the farm. Some of his favorite memories were made taking them fishing at neighborhood ponds and simply enjoying time together.
    Roger was a faithful member of the Anthon Community Methodist Church. He was also a steadfast and devoted supporter of Shirley throughout her ministry, standing faithfully beside her and encouraging her in her service to others.
    Farming may have been Roger's lifelong passion, but his greatest joy was found in the family he loved and the life they shared together.
    He is survived by his wife, Shirley Nelson of Anthon; children, Mark (Dixie) Nelson, Wade Nelson (special friend, Brenda Bills and Family) of Anthon, Rebecca (Dave) Mogensen of Sioux City, and Tony (Dezeri) Nelson of Lawton; sisters-in-law Rebecca Nelson of South Sioux City, NE and Linda Brant of Charles City, IA; grandchildren: Josh (Ashley) Nelson of Moville, Laken Nelson of Sioux City, Will Mogensen of Lake Park, Jack Mogensen and Aidan Mogensen of Sioux City, Nick Nelson of Lawton, Kaylie Murray of McCook Lake, SD; and great grandchildren: Shaelyn Nelson, Karsen, Jaxsen and Leigha Cooley.
    Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Dorathy Nelson; sisters Gaylene Nelson and LaDonna Greenfield; brother Steve Nelson; sister-in-law Alene Johnson; as well as his in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and his very special canine friend, Mickey.