Tharp Funeral Home

11/20/2025

Today is Children’s Grief Awareness Day — a reminder that kids grieve deeply, even if they don’t always have the words to say it. If you’re supporting a grieving child, you’re not alone. In parthernship with Dr. Troyer, we are offering a free booklet filled with practical tips to help children and teens as they grieve.

No registration and no email required.
https://bit.ly/48jpQZc

11/19/2025

Carol Rhae Crall, age 77, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Albia, Iowa, passed away on November 18, 2025, from pancreatic cancer.

Carol was born on December 15, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lois (Silverthorn) and Phillip Newton. She graduated from Winterset High School, then attended Centerville Community College where she met her husband, Leo Crall, with whom she shared 57 years of partnership and love. Carol and Leo were blessed with two wonderful children, Paul who was killed in a tragic accident at their farm in 1980 and a daughter Jennifer. She was blessed with the arrival of her grandson, Jack, in 2017 and excelled as a doting grandmother until her death.

Community was central to Carol’s life. She was deeply active in both Albia and Ankeny, always stepping forward to serve. In 1984, she was elected Clerk of Court in Monroe County, a position she fulfilled with integrity and dedication. Later, she chaired the citizen’s advisory group that championed a successful bond-issue campaign that secured a new high school for Albia—an effort that reflected her commitment to education and community. After moving to Ankeny, she continued her lifelong dedication to public service, working for Ankeny Schools and the City of Ankeny. Whatever the role, Carol brought compassion, fairness, and a steady hand.

Above all, Carol will be remembered for her heart. She connected easily, cared deeply, and left people better than she found them. Her family and friends will forever cherish her gentle humor, her unwavering support, and the kindness she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

She is survived by her husband, Leo; a daughter, Jennifer (Jeffrey Koncsol) Crall; her grandson, Jack Koncsol; two sisters, Kathy Osborn and Phyllis Vore; and a brother, Greg Newton. Carol is also survived by several nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Paul, and her parents, Phillip and Lois Newton.

Visitation with a Rosary starting at 9:00 a.m. will be held until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Carol’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials have been established at the Albia Victorian Stroll and the Welcome Home Soldier Monument.

Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

11/19/2025

11/18/2025

A unique life deserves a one-of-a-kind celebration.

11/17/2025

John Philip O’Brien, age 87, passed away peacefully to be with his Savior on November 12, 2025. His wife Darlene and two of his daughters, Karol and Margaret, comforted and prayed with him at the time of his passing at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield Illinois.

John was born December 26, 1937 in Melrose Iowa. The eldest of four children to Philip John O’Brien and Margaret Jerome O’Brien (Carmody). He attended Melrose Elementary School and Melrose High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at Iowa State University. He was a lifelong student and loved learning. Over the years he earned advanced degrees at the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Millikin University, Sangamon State University and Richland Community College. He began his Engineering career at Illinois Power Company and worked in a variety of technical, managerial and consulting roles until he retired. John was instrumental in the development and startup of the nuclear power-plant in Clinton Illinois and consulted on other nuclear plants throughout the United States and Canada.

In addition to his work, John enjoyed reading, collecting books, Ham Radio and tracing his family history through genealogy research. He and Darlene spent many years wintering in south Texas where he got involved with city council, and helped publish and update the park’s website. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, reading books, and sharing his sense of humor. He lovingly left his mark on his whole family.

John is survived by his wife Kathryn Darlene O’Brien (Hannam), daughters Karol (Punit) Kalra, Susan Smith, Margaret Aman, and son Daniel (Danielle) O’Brien. Also surviving are 11 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren as well as his sister Patricia Ross.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Catherine Elizabeth O’Brien, one grandchild Christopher Aman, his parents Philip and Margaret (Carmody) O’Brien and his brothers Bob and Dave O’Brien.

John is now at rest in the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose, IA, with John’s family present to greet family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose, IA, with Father Ron Hodges officiating. Burial will follow services at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

11/15/2025

Kenlie Aaron Burns, age 11, of Ottumwa, IA, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at her home.

Kenlie was born on June 2, 2014, at the hospital in Centerville, IA, to Randal Jr. and Amanda (Fisher) Burns. Kenlie was a student at Liberty School where they sent Meghan Ver Steegh, her teacher, to her home and she was currently in the 6th grade.

Kenlie had a gentle and joyful spirit. She loved music and being read to, and she especially enjoyed trips to the zoo to see her favorite animals—the elephants and giraffes. She liked watching television, snuggling close, and spending time with the people she loved. Kenlie shared a special bond with her Mama and her aunt Bay, and she adored her puppy, Captain. Her favorite color was purple, and she loved swimming in her pool. Though her time here was short, she touched countless lives with her bright smile and kind heart.

Kenlie is survived by her parents, Randal Jr. and Amanda Burns; 2 brothers, Ryder and Cash Burns; 2 aunts, Baylie and Charity (Jeremiah) Ballanger; an uncle, Tyler (Asia) Burns; her grandparents, Randal (Brenda) Burns, Brenda (Ken) Vest-DeBeul, and Michael Fisher; 2 great grandmas, Donna Burns and Alma Watts; and 3 great aunts, Darlene Sisler, Melinda Anderson, and Melissa Watts. Kenlie is also survived by several cousins and extended family members.

Kenlie is preceded in death by an uncle, Aaron Fisher; great grandmother, Irene Fisher; great grandfather, Kendal Burns; great-great grandmothers, Ida Mae Lundstrum and Ruth Lee; and her beloved dog, Captain.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Kenlie’s family present to greet family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Mike Burns and Pastor Mel Kendall co-officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established to family.

Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.