Kessler Funeral Homes Inc

06/01/2024

04/24/2024

Minerva Alvarado Seehusen, the daughter of Carlos and Minerva (Martinez) Alvarado, was born September 2, 1956, in Ann Arbor, Michigan and died April 21,2024, at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa at the age of 67 years,7 months, and 19 days.
Minerva was raised in Puerto Rico in a Spanish speaking home and given all the opportunities that a tropical island could supply. Minerva was involved in girl scouts and during a scout camp in Ecuador she met girls from Iowa whom she thought were so nice and so decided to go to Iowa for college. Since she wanted to be a veterinarian, Iowa State was her choice. While attending Iowa State she met many people who would become lifelong friends as well as her future husband, Alan. She graduated with a Degree in Chemistry and Zoology in 1978, then took a job working on a dairy farm in Huxley while waiting for Al to finish college.
On March 8, 1980, she was united in marriage to Alan Seehusen at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, Iowa. They moved to a few places in Northern Iowa before settling in Atlantic, IA in 1982. Minerva stayed home to raise their 4 children and started a daycare in their home. In 1990 they bought an acreage outside Atlantic and began to fill it with all the animals they could. She planted gardens, pulled lambs, milked a cow (once), butchered chickens, chased geese, laughed with delight over their ducks, gathered eggs, raised puppies and did many science experiments with anyone who wanted to see...and some who didn't. She also tutored other homeschoolers in the Atlantic area. As the children returned to public school in high school, she started working in the Atlantic High School as a lunch lady and eventually was placed in the H.S. Spanish class as a teacher's aide. Minerva then transitioned to become an aide in the ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom at Washington Elementary. She was encouraged to return to college and obtain an education degree and in 2014 she received her Elementary Education degree with an endorsement for K-12 English as a Second Language. In 2013 she moved with her husband Al to plant Bethany Evangelical Free Church in Brayton IA. At that time, they moved into their present home in Exira, IA. Minerva received her Native Language Teaching Authorization in 2016 and taught High School Spanish in the Exira-EHK school system. Minerva was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in July of 2016 and sadly had to stop teaching in March of 2018. Her love of teaching and the outdoors was kept alive when James and Nicki Brown asked her to help homeschool their children. They cared for her as one of their own and made her days brighter. Minerva lived with her family in Exira who took care of her with the help of many dear friends and organized by Cindy Nichols. In March 2021, the wonderful people at Hospice of the Midwest began to assist in her care. In early December 2022, Minerva moved into the Hansen House in Harlan, IA, where she received amazing care and made more friends.
Minerva was a member of the Bethany Evangelical Free Church in rural Brayton, Iowa. She enjoyed reading, gardening, taking care of people, and holding every baby she could find. Her favorite place was in the kitchen making any dish you requested, and some you did not, just in case you were still hungry. She touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents Carlos and Minerva and her mother-in-law and father-in-law Donald and Bertha Seehusen.
Survivors include her husband Alan Seehusen of Exira, Iowa; her children Don and wife Bethany Seehusen and their children Cai and Rexford all of Columbus, Nebraska, Annie and husband Spencer Roland and children Olivia, Grayson, and Piper all of Atlantic, Iowa, Katie Seehusen of West Des Moines, Iowa, and David and wife Torrey Seehusen and their children Leo and Micah all of Thousand Oaks, California; her sister-in-law Denise and husband Paul Jesse of Lake City, Iowa; her niece Angie and husband Lane Kalkwarf of Rockwell City, Iowa; her nephew Bobby and wife Deecy Jesse of Lucan, Minnesota; other relatives and friends.
The family will greet friends Friday morning April 26, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany Evangelical Free Church in rural Brayton. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Terry Schoenfeld on Friday morning, April 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany Evangelical Free Church. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
The family prefers memorials to The Hospice of the Midwest in Guthrie Center, Iowa or the Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa.

04/15/2024

Sheryl Ann Zinke, the daughter of George and Gladys (Polzin) Musfeldt, was born December 15, 1950, in Manning, Iowa and died unexpectedly April 10, 2024 in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 25 days.
Sheryl was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. She attended Manning community schools until the 4th grade, then graduated from the Irwin High School with the Class of 1969. Sheryl then studied at Stewart School of Beauty in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Sheryl returned to Irwin and was the secretary for the school Superintendent.
On June 17, 1972, she was united in marriage to Richard Zinke at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. They were blessed with two children Mitch and Mikalah. Sheryl then was employed by the U.S. Postal office in Manning. Later she worked in Audubon, in Elk Horn, Iowa, Harlan, Iowa, and in Atlantic, Iowa. She retired in March of 2019 after 35 years of service. During retirement Sheryl helped a number of people and worked part time at Kessler Funeral Homes.
Sheryl was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning and a member of the Ladies Guild. She enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Hawkeye Girl’s Basketball fan. She enjoyed being with her family and especially attending all her children and grandchildren’s school activities. She never knew a stranger and enjoyed other people.
Preceding her in death were her parents George and Gladys Musfeldt; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Roy and Hilda Zinke; and her brother-in-law Duane Hilsabeck.
Survivors include her husband Rich Zinke of rural Audubon, Iowa; her children Mitch and wife Michelle Zinke of Panora, Iowa and Mikalah and husband Steve Sonntag of Prescott, Iowa; her grandchildren Brooklyn Sonntag and Danny Ramirez of Prescott, Iowa, Taryn Zinke of Gray, Iowa, Reagan Sonntag of Prescott, Iowa, Addisyn Zinke of Gray, Iowa, Chase Sonntag of Prescott, Iowa, Kenten Benner and Colten Benner both of Panora, Iowa; her sister Carol and husband Orrin Bruhn and her brother Richard and wife Jean Musfeldt all of Irwin, Iowa; her sisters-in-law Lois Hilsabeck and Shirley and husband Ron Swanson all of Audubon, Iowa; her friends Joyce Hemmingsen, Colleen Madsen and Shirley Grabill all of Audubon, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family will meet with friends on Wednesday evening, April 17, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Jonathan Connor on Thursday morning, April 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. Interment will be in the Manning Cemetery in Manning. The honorary casket bearers will be Brooklyn Sonntag, Taryn Zinke, Reagan Sonntag, Addisyn Zinke, Chase Sonntag and Danny Ramirez. The casket bearers will be Kenten Benner, Colten Benner, Jeff Hilsabeck, and Greg Hilsabeck.

04/15/2024

Melvin Leroy Coe Jr. (Junior) the son of Melvin L and Ruby A (Jessen) Coe, was born on April 10, 1962 in Audubon, Iowa, and died at Caring Acres Nursing and Rehab in Anita, Iowa, on March 9, 2024 at the age of 61.

Junior attended school at Job Corps in Denison, Iowa. Where he received his me...

04/08/2024

Shirley Joan Jensen passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa. She was 82 years old.

Shirley was born May 15, 1941, in a white clapboard two-story Sears & Roebuck farmhouse in rural Guthrie county. She was the fourth child and second daughter born to hard-working parents Marian (Lipke England) and Jens Edwin Jensen. J. Edwin was a second-generation Danish immigrant.

As a child Shirley helped her mother in the kitchen and garden, while her brothers and father worked the farm outside. She canned vegetable and fruit preserves, baked, and prepared meals with her mother. Each morning she made breakfast for the family while her mother tended the chickens and gathered eggs, and the boys milked the cows. She was always happy to oblige the custom-menu request from one special brother, who preferred his eggs sunny-side up. Shirley said she “washed a lot of dishes” growing up.

Shirley had a beloved pony named Trixie. She dreamed of traveling the world as a trick-rider and performer in rodeos and Hollywood Westerns.

Instead, Shirley married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Danny Lee Jensen, on January 18, 1959. They moved to a small home in Audubon Heights, where they started their lives and family. Soon they purchased an acreage south of Audubon where they lived for the next 55 years.

Shirley and Dan shared many interests, from a love of all things Elvis, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, to a passion for horses, antique buggies and carriages. They were members of the Audubon County Saddle Club and enjoyed many trail rides together. Shirley was a founding and lifelong member of the Wild Women of the West Club.

Shirley and Dan owned Quarter Horses and Haflingers, a breed of small Austrian draft horses. They had a collection of antique buggies. Driving horses was a lifelong joy and hobby. Her favorite pony to drive was a paint named Little Joe. Shirley enjoyed helping her kids and grandkids learn to ride and show horses in the 4H club at the county fair. This will always be a special memory for them.

During her life, Shirley worked at the Audubon Friendship Home and was a life insurance agent with an office at Landmands National Bank. Shirley sold imported Danish plates and collectibles from a small gift shop she created in her recreation room. Shirley and Dan raised pure-bred AKC Pomeranians which they sold across the country.

Shirley was a lifelong member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa, where she volunteered and helped serve lunches for funerals, weddings and anniversary celebrations. Christmas and holidays were special occasions at her home, which she lovingly decorated.

Shirley is survived by three children, Rod Jensen and wife Mary Kay, Deb McKnight and husband Rich, and Jay Jensen. She will always be loved and remembered as a special mother. Once, after the boys had turned her front lawn into a dirt-packed go-kart track, a friend asked Shirley why she allowed it. Shirley’s reply, “When my kids are gone, there will be plenty of time for grass in the yard.”

Preceding her in death were loving husband Danny Lee Jensen, sister Ardyth Mae, who died in infancy, brother Roger Jensen, sister-in-law Marlene Jensen, brother-in-law Sam Grabill, nephews Scot and Kurt Jensen, and Rory Davis. Survivors include sister-in-law Shirley Grabill of Audubon, brothers Richard Jensen, Robert Jensen and wife Pam of Audubon, and Clark Jensen and wife Christine of Ankeny, sister-in-law Joan and husband Jerry Davis of Camden, MO; brother-in-law Jerry Jensen and wife Treva of Audubon.

Shirley leaves six grandchildren, Angela Jensen-Blackford of Omaha, NE, Erik Jensen of Berkeley, CA, Christina Jensen of Minneapolis, MN, Lindsey Stock of Urbandale, Amy Guenther of Cedar Falls, and Drew Groteluschen of Huxley, IA; ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s children wish to thank the staff at Exira Care Center for their compassionate care of our mother. We thank her family and friends for their prayers and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time.

The family will meet with friends Saturday morning, April 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Chris Townsend on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Inurnment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

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04/04/2024

Marlene Brant Remsburg was born on August 6, 1939 in Scranton, Iowa to Roy and Loretta (Carstens) Brant. She was the third of six children. Marlene graduated from Glidden High School in 1957 and was united in marriage to Randy Remsburg on March 10, 1963. Mark, Mindi, and Shelly are their children. Marlene was a devoted wife and mother. She lived her faith in her home and raised her children to love and serve the Lord. One of Marlene’s best traits was her sense of humor and laughter.
Marlene loved to sew, garden, and can sweet corn, pickles, and green beans. She blessed so many people with her garden produce. She was also a great baker – particularly sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, and her famous pecan pie. In Pella, her strawberry/rhubarb jelly was simply known as “Grandma’s jelly”.
In 1990, Marlene completed coursework for nursing (LPN) and worked at the Friendship Home in Audubon. She loved the residents with the arms and feet of Jesus. She also worked as a nurse in Dr. Sprague’s medical office.
When Marlene was not at home or work, she was at the church. She regularly taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, helping children love the Lord and the Bible. Marlene’s faith in God was strong and permeated everything she did.
Perhaps Marlene’s best work was done in GRANDMOTHERING! She loved to hold each grandchild as a baby and her love and support of them was demonstrated by trips to their activities (always the first person in the stands) or calls/texts before or after. It was clear in Marlene’s mind that her 9 grandchildren were always the best at what they did and made sure to tell them that. She was thrilled to be a great-grandmother 3 times also.
Marlene died on Tuesday, April 2 at Audubon Community Memorial Hospital surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents Roy and Loretta Brant, her brother Larry Brant, her brother Duane Brant and his wife Diane, brother-in-law Otis Henning and sister-in-law Anita Jones.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years Randy Remsburg; children, Mark (Janell) Remsburg, Mindi (Richard) Kacmarynski and Shelly (Chad) Madden; nine grandchildren Joseph (Julie) Remsburg, Jay Remsburg, David (Andrea) Kacmarynski, Isaac Kacmarynski, Faith Kacmarynski, Rachel Kacmarynski, Adam Kacmarynski, Cole Madden and Chase Madden; great-grandchildren Gracelyn, Jonas and Layla Remsburg; brothers Ron (Carol) Brant and Phil (Susie) Brant; sister Karen Henning and many nieces and nephews.
and Chase Madden.
The family will meet with friends on Friday evening, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Heath Hansen on Saturday morning, April 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Audubon Church of Christ in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The honorary casket bearers will be her great-granchildren Gracelyn Remsburg, Jonas Remsburg and Layla Remsburg. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren Joseph Remsburg, Jay Remsburg, David Kacmarynski, Isaac Kacmarynski, Faith Kacmarynski, Rachel Kacmarynski, Adam Kacmarynski, Cole Madden
and Chase Madden.

Please make memorials out to Audubon Fire and Rescue Association and send to the care of Mark Remsburg (210 Broadway Street, Audubon, Iowa, 50025).

04/01/2024

Phyllis Marie (Buttler) Kline, the daughter of Kenneth Buttler and Marjorie Rumelhart was born October 22, 1934, at her parents’ home in Fansler, Iowa and died January 21, 2024 in Harlan, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 2 months, and 30 days.
Phyllis was baptized at the Exira Christian Church. She attended the Exira Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1953. While in high school, her activities included: Journalism, F.H.A., Annual staff, Mixed Chorus, Girls Glee, Pep Club, Basketball, and in the school’s drama productions, having the lead role in the play her junior year. Also during those years she was a member of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. In the fall of 1953, Phyllis attended Iowa State University and was a member of Tri Delta Sorority.
On April 3, 1954, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Charles “Chuck “ Leroy Kline at the Exira Christian Church. They lived in San Diego and Camp Pendleton, California for two years while Chuck was serving in the USMC. After his discharge, they moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where both attended Iowa State Teachers College (now known as the University of Northern Iowa) where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Homemaking in 1960. Chuck and Phyllis were blessed with three children: Ann Marie, Charles Van, and David Michael. Chuck’s teaching job took them to the communities of La Porte City, Bayard, Marengo, and Harlan. In 1968, Chuck and Phyllis built their first new home and settled their family in Harlan permanently. It was here in Harlan that Phyllis joined the teaching staff. She taught 6th grade and 4th grade for a combination of 27 years before retiring in 1995.
Phyllis was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, a member of Hannah Circle church group, the Order of Eastern Star, the Harlan Literary Club, member of the educational society Delta Kappa Gamma, former member of Iowa State Education Association, and National Education Association. Phyllis loved raising her family and being around the house. She was an avid reader and could be found many days at the Harlan Public Library. When time allowed, she enjoyed playing cards–in particular, Bridge. You could find her playing with a couple different Bridge groups in Harlan–often at a friend’s house or the Harlan Country Club.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 68 years, Charles “Chuck” Leroy Kline; her parents; her brother Kenneth Hugh and his wife Arliss Buttler; and her nieces and nephews: Trudy Patterson, Tim Wilson, Stacey Esbeck, Sheri Rush, LeAnn Lester, and Greg Kline.
Survivors include her children: Ann Marie and husband Randy Doran of Harlan, Charles “Chaz” Van and wife Jean Kline of Omaha and David and wife Deborah Kline of Omaha; her grandchildren: Randy Doran II of Spearfish, SD, Katelynn Doran of West Des Moines, and Ryan Doran of Joplin, Missouri, Samuel and Lindsay Kline of Des Moines, Michael Kracher and Jacob Kline of Omaha, Ashley MacCrander, David Kline II, Alexis Kline, Dawson Kline, Ava Kline, and Drew Kline all of Omaha, Great-grandson David Kline III; her siblings: Judy (Bob) Shipley of Ogden UT, Bill (Sherry) Buttler of Guthrie Center, Kathy (John) C***s, Jerry (Beth) Buttler, Tom Buttler, and Mary Buttler all of Panora, and in-laws: Beverly Olsen of Exira, Jerry (Eloyce) Kline of Griswold, Gary (Barb) Kline of Bismarck, ND, and Connie (Glenn) Esbeck of Exira, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

03/28/2024

Dorothy Irene Randeris, the daughter of Amiel and Hulda (Fries) Troll, was born September 22, 1923, at her parents’ home near Walnut, Iowa and died March 25, 2024, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 100 years, 6 months, and 3 days.
Dorothy was baptized as an adult at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa in 1958. She attended rural school, Monroe #5 near Walnut, Iowa through 8th grade. Dorothy then was employed by a neighboring family helping care for their newborn. Later she worked as a CNA at the Harlan Hospital and then for John Fredericksen in Harlan.
On March 16, 1947, she was united in marriage to Harold Christian Randeris at the Avoca Lutheran Church. They were blessed with three children Janice, Steve and Roger. They operated their farm east of Hamlin, Iowa where they grew row crops and raised livestock. Dorothy raised chickens and had a large vegetable garden and enjoyed canning the produce. They lived on the farm until June of 1987 when they moved into Audubon. Harold died August 29, 2003. Dorothy lived in her home until she moved into the Friendship Home in 2019.
Dorothy was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa and a member of the Church Circle. While living on the farm she was a member of the Neighborhood Club. Dorothy enjoyed cooking and baking. She always had the coffee pot on with cookies and other goodies for all to enjoy. But Dorothy’s greatest passion was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Harold C. Randeris; her grandson Brian Hoover; her parents; her sisters and brothers: Alverta and Walter Hansen, Alvin and Lois Troll, Gertrude and John Jacobsen, Wilfred and Ruth Troll, Leora and Kirk Olav, Darlene and Edward Arp, Elmer Heimmerman, Nancy and Robert Blum; her brother-in-law Arnold and Grace Randeris and her sister-in-law Vita Smith.
Survivors include her children Janice and husband Don Hoover of Webb, Iowa; Steve and wife Becky Randeris and Roger and wife Patrice Randeris all of Audubon, Iowa; her grandchildren Valarie and husband Ben Hollesen of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, Greg Hoover of Ayrshire, Iowa, Stacey and husband Heath Paulsen of Polk City, Iowa, Amy and husband Jeff Schultz of Johnston, Iowa, Matt Randeris and special friend Jasmine Turner of Hamlin, Iowa, Jenny and husband Cory Faust of Glenwood, Iowa, and Jon and wife Ann Randeris of Kirksville, Missouri; her 13 great grandchildren Sawyer and Briann Hollesen, Ellesen, Taylor Hensen, and Jack Paulsen; Hayden and Madison Schultz, Wilson and Elsie Randeris; Aubree, Cade and Cole Faust; her sister Ruth Heimmerman of Boone, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family will meet with friends on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Sheryl Puderbaugh on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The casket bearers will be Wilson Randeris, Greg Hoover, Jon Randeris, Matt Randeris, Ben Hollesen, Cory Faust and Jeff Schultz.

03/15/2024

Jerry Dale McClain, the son of Harold “Sandy” McClain and Muriel (Whitmore) McClain, was born in Audubon County on July 8, 1949 and died March 11, 2024.

Jerry grew up in “West town” and attended Exira Community Schools. On December 21, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his tour of duty he was trained as a radio operator, Jerry volunteered to serve in Vietnam and was assigned to the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion near Da Nang. He served as a radio operator and recon team patrol leader, eventually attaining the rank of sergeant. Jerry was honorably discharged on December 3, 1970, and returned to Exira.

On April 3,1971, Jerry was united in marriage to Kristi Akers at the Exira Christian Church. They were blessed with three children; Cheyenne, Bridy, and Shawn.

For part of his life, Jerry worked mainly in the construction field and later started his own construction business. He operated McClain Construction for several years but eventually retired for health reasons. Jerry was a member of the American Legion for several years and also served on the Exira Fire Department, retiring after 40 years of service as Assistant Chief. Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed woodworking, target shooting, fishing, hunting, trapping, metal detecting, and working on cars. He also enjoyed educating his kids and grandkids, sharing technical skills and life stories.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents Harold and Muriel McClain, his sister Mary Lou and husband Paul Froelich, brothers Jim McClain and Kenneth “Skeeter” McClain, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Harold and Doris Akers.

He is survived by his wife Kristi McClain of Exira, son Cheyenne (Michelle) McClain of Bellevue, Nebraska, daughter Bridy Shepard of Ankeny, Iowa, son Shawn (Jimmy) McClain of Waukee, Iowa, brother Gordon McClain and wife Cindi of Johnstown Colorado, his sister-in-law Donna McClain of Kimballton, Iowa, his brothers-in-law Mike Akers and wife Lori of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Todd Akers and wife Angel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, his grandchildren Owen, Evan, and Maddy Shepard of Ankeny, Iowa and Chandler, Carter and Camden Short of Bellevue, Nebraska along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family will have a private service on Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2024, followed by a public visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira.

The Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Exira Fire Department.

The casket bearers will be Mike McClain, Greg Baier, Mark Baier, Owen Shepard, Evan Shepard, and Drew Baier.

03/14/2024

Gertrude Elise Mogg, the daughter of George and Augusta (Kober) Mahurin, was born May 6, 1920, at Ute, Iowa and went to meet her maker and to reunite with loved ones who had gone before, on March 10, 2024, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 103 years, 10 months, and 4 days.
Gertrude was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Vinton, Iowa and was a member there for many years. She graduated from Vinton High School where she participated in many activities, excelling in vocal music and Speech. Following Normal Training and summer school, Gertrude taught rural school in Benton County for five years and worked during the summer at J.C. Penny Co. and also worked part time at a local grocery store.
On January 1, 1942, she was united in marriage to Tech, Sgt. Philip M. Mogg at the First United Methodist Church in Bato Rough, Louisiana. While Phil was in the service. Gertrude continued teaching until Phil’s return after three and a half years overseas service and as a Prisoner of War in Germany for twenty-seven months, during WW II.
Gertrude and Phil were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Leah. While a mother and homemaker, Gertrude continued her education and graduated from Drake University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in the Audubon Elementary School for twenty years.
Gertrude was a long time and faithful member of the Audubon First United Methodist for over 78 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and recipient of the special Mission Recognition Award. Gertrude sang in the choir for many years, did children’s sermons, taught Bible School, and was a co-leader of the Esther Circle for several years. She also served on several committees, which intruded the building committee for the present church. Gertrude was a member of the Garden Club, a member and past president of the Audubon Hospital Auxiliary, Audubon Elementary Retired Teachers, and the American Legion Auxiliary. A life member of the Audubon Historical Society, Auxiliary of Ex Prisoners of War, and the National Education Association. Gertrude was a charter and life member and first president of the Audubon V.F.W. Auxiliary.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil, of fifty plus years; her precious daughter Linda Sue Mogg Crees; her son-in-law Jerry Davis; her parents and in-laws; Six brothers and two sisters and spouses, an infant brother; two nephews, three nieces, and many old and dear friends.
Survivors include her daughter; Leah Davis and fiancé Ron Skalla of Harlan, Iowa; her grandchildren Michael (Tracey) Crees of Des Moines, Iowa, Michelle Ellson and Dominic Harris of Des Moines, Iowa, Trevor (Kendall) Davis of Bennington, Nebraska, Tanner (Danielle) Davis of Urbandale, Iowa, and Kelsey Bruck and Chris Kelly of Harlan, Iowa; her great grandchildren, Claire Crees and Noah Ellson both of Des Moines, Iowa, Larkin and Beckham Davis both of Bennington, Nebraska, Brody and Blaire Bruck both of Harlan, Iowa, her namesake Elise Davis and Joycelyn Davis both of Urbandale, Iowa; nieces nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will meet with friends on Friday morning, March 15, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the First United Methodist Church in Audubon. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Carla Evers and Minister Jason Zaiger Friday morning March 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Audubon. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The honorary casket bearers will be the Retired Teachers. The casket bearers will be Sam Graeve, John Roberts, Steve Stetzel, Chris Rustvold, Neil Andreasen, and Laverne “Bub” Deist.

03/12/2024

Michael David Jensen, the son of Robert Jensen and Susan Tupper, was born January 30, 1956, in Harlan, Iowa and died March 8, 2024, at the Buffet Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 68 years, 1 month, and 9 days.
Mike (Red) was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa.
He attended Elk Horn-Kimballton Community schools graduating with the High School Class of 1974. Mike studied at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, receiving a certificate in Auto Mechanics.
He worked at a parts store in Creston for a time, then at Jensen Standard in Kimballton until it closed. Mike was employed at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa starting in the maintenance department and eventually working in Admissions.
On October 18, 1986, he was united in marriage to Thresa Sandage at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, from which came two children, Tyler and Mallory. He continued working at Salem Lutheran Home then took a job with Metro Medical Transportation and Medivac Ambulance Service. This led to his work for Shelby County and also Audubon County EMS until he retired. During retirement he enjoyed doing home-renovations and building his garage.
Mike was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. He was a 40 year member of the Kimballton Fire Department. He enjoyed doing finish carpentry and tinkering in his basement. He loved Ford Mustangs and drag racing. Mike enjoyed being around friends and spending time with his family especially seeing his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his father Robert Jensen; his step-father Harry Tupper; his in-laws Boyd and Eileen Sandage; his brother-in-law Roy Sandage; and his stepbrother Harry (Jim) Tupper III.
Survivors include his wife Thresa Jensen of Kimballton, Iowa; his children Tyler Jensen and Mindy Hauschild of Weeping Water, Nebraska; Mallory Jensen of Guthrie Center, Iowa; his grandchildren Rowen, Kaylea and Kason; his mother Susan Tupper of Harlan, Iowa; his brother Randy, wife Cathy, and family of Harlan, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Sharon Henderson and family of Lincoln, Nebraska; Linda and husband Brent Hansen of Elk Horn, Iowa; step-brother Scott Tupper of Arizona; step-sister of Dorothy Tupper of Atlantic, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Jason, Katie, Andrew and Victoria; amongst other relatives and many friends.
The family will meet with friends on Tuesday evening, March 12, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Tim White on Wednesday morning, March 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. Interment will be in the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville.Iowa. The casket bearers will be Tyler Thygesen, Bill Allen, Todd Johnson, James Mortensen, Zach Fahn and Tim Petersen.