Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA

08/15/2025

Deloris Adams

Deloris Lillian Adams, daughter of Perrin and Agnes (Sanders) Van Fleet, was born January 30, 1931, in Crawford County, Iowa. She grew up in Denison, where she attended school.

On August 29, 1946, Deloris was united in marriage to Russell Adams in Hiawatha, Kansas. Together they were blessed with four children: Patricia, Jayne, Teresa, and David.

Throughout her life, Deloris worked in food service and community care. She served as supervisor of the cafeteria at the University of Missouri and later at the Elk Horn and Irwin School Districts. In 1976, she joined Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan, first as Food Supervisor and later as Activity Director, a position she held until her retirement.

Deloris loved bringing people together. Whether hosting gatherings with friends and family, dancing, playing cards, baking cookies and pork-and-bean muffins, or enjoying old-fashioned plain cake donuts, she found joy in sharing time with others. She was active in the LNO Club, the Harlan Red Hat Society, the VFW Auxiliary #941, and volunteered with her Methodist church, often helping prepare food for funerals.

Deloris passed away on August 13, 2025, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, at the age of 94 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell; her daughters, Patricia Boothe and Teresa Adams; and her siblings.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jayne Adams of Lone Tree, Colorado; her son, David Adams and his wife Peggy of Schertz, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many friends. Deloris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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08/15/2025

Benita Schiltz

Benita Augusta (Bissen) Schiltz, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Erlbacher) Bissen was born on January 11, 1921 in Defiance, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Catholic Church, and graduated with the class of 1939 from St. Paul's Catholic High School in Defiance. After graduating from high school, Benita taught grades 1 through 8 in a one room country school house.

On Monday, September 18, 1944 at 8:00 am, Benita was united in marriage to Anthony (Tony) Schiltz at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. If a couple wanted to have a wedding dance they needed to get married on a Monday when the Big Bands came to Defiance.

The couple farmed in the Defiance and Irwin area before moving to their farm North of Earling, Iowa in 1954. Benita shared her deep faith and her love for gardening, quilting, and the love of the land with Tony, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tony and Benita retired from farming in 1990. Retirement provided extra time for attending their grandchildren's activities, and more opportunities for bowling, traveling, bingo, card playing and socializing with family and friends. Benita took great pride in making quilts for all her children and grandchildren having made over 46 quilts. Benita's unending love for her family and being involved in family activities was a priority for her.

After Tony passed in 1999, Benita remained on the farm for 5 years before moving to Earling. She continued to be very active in her community and family activities and attending her grandchildren's graduation and weddings. She has been known for spoiling her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She hosted events such as "Camp Grandma Great" that included camping in her backyard, making Christmas cookies, trips to the park and playing games. She loved playing Rummikub with family, playing her last game in June 2025.

Benita was very active in Saint Joseph Parish. She taught religious education, attended Sunday and weekday Masses and was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughter's of America, Earling's St. Catherine's Court 266 for over 80 years. During her life she learned the importance of faith, love, kindness, grace, cherishing family, and giving thanks to God for all the blessings in her life. Benita's strong faith was something that she instilled in her children and passed down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated her 104th birthday by attending mass with her family at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

As a child, Benita grew up without electricity and without running water in the house. In her later years she learned how to use a computer and send email's. She drove a car until her mid-nineties. Benita lived through the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and times of drought. She said "when times got tough, we prayed to God. He helped us through those tough times."

She died peacefully surrounded by love from both near and afar on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, having attained the age of one hundred four years, seven months and one day.

In addition to her parents, Benita was proceeded in death by her husband Tony; two infant children, Mary and Gerard; son Bob and his wife Linda (Miller); her siblings Leonard, Marvin, Ann and Francis and their spouses; Tony's siblings Anna, Joe, Carolyn, Theresa, Mike, Hermanette, Mary and their spouses; and Laurina's husband, Duane Schleisman; granddaughter's husband Jim Cerneka; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Survivors include her children Tony Schiltz and his wife Helen of Davenport, Iowa; Joann and her husband Anthony Allegretti of San Jose, California; Gene Schiltz and his wife Marian of Altoona, Iowa; Jim Schiltz and his wife Mel of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Mary Jane (Mary) and her husband Delmer Powell of Omaha, Nebraska; twenty grandchildren; forty great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Laurina (Schiltz) Schleisman; many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to family for later memorialization.

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08/14/2025

Carol Joy Lally

Carol Joy Lally was born on September 13, 1947 to Wayne and Viola Ranniger in Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Manning High School with the class of 1965 with whom she recently celebrated their 60th class reunion. Following graduation, she went on to obtain her Bachelor's degree from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City.

On June 12, 1971, Carol married the love of her life, Joseph Lally at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. To this union, three children were born: Joseph James "JJ" II, Micha, and Meghan. In their life together they lived in Lake City, rural Denison and ultimately to their current home in Denison which they have lived in for almost 40 years.

Over the years, Carol enjoyed teaching in Manning, being a tour guide for Farmland Foods, teaching preschool at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, serving as director of Kiddie Kampus Preschool and finally dedicating 17 years to Walmart as a cashier. She retired in 2012.

Carol really loved the color purple, sometimes even buying things not because she liked the items or needed them, but because they were purple. She was rarely seen without a book, often a romance novel by authors like Danielle Steel or Nora Roberts, and she loved tuning in to the Game Show Network, especially to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. A frequent visitor to the casino, Carol enjoyed trying her luck on the Lighning machines. She delighted in attending her grandchildren's sporting events, school concerts, and other activities, cheering them on with enthusiasm. She enjoyed watching her beloved Chicago White Sox, including her favorite, Paul Konerko. She took pleasure in playing cards and winning at euchre. Cookbooks were a joy to collect. Her happy place was the front porch swing, where she could relax and take in the day.

Her heart was even bigger than her love of fun. Carol was deeply devoted to her faith, praying daily to St. Jude and never turning down a request for prayer. She cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and two great-grandsons, and had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. Known for her gift of gab, she could strike up a conversation with anyone. She loved music, especially Elvis, The Beatles, and Neil Diamond, and her all-time favorite song was Solitary Man. Dancing to Bob Seger's Old Time Rock & Roll was a favorite wedding song request. Carol's kindness, joy, and unwavering love for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Carol passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at her home in Denison surrounded by her family attaining the age of 77 years and 11 months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Viola Ranniger; her in-laws, John and Regina Lally; and brother James Ranniger.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; children, JJ (Elizabeth) Lally of Orland Park, IL, Micha (Patrick) Herbst of Dakota Dunes, SD, Meghan (Christopher) Wellsandt of Lockport, IL; 7 grandchildren, Brooke (Travis) McGlauflin, Claire Herbst, Domenick Herbst, Reece Wellsandt, Shane Wellsandt, Tyler Wellsandt, Joseph James "Joey" III Lally; 2 great-grandchildren, Pierce & Chance McGlauflin; brothers, William (Deb) Ranniger of Manning, IA, Gaylin (Jan) Ranniger of Manning, IA, Royce (Kathy) Ranniger of Sioux City, IA; many extended relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, where distribution will be made to various organizations, mom so loved, including the LaLa Project, St. Jude’s Hospital, along with others.

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08/12/2025

Sherri Ruth North

Sherri Ruth Hess was born July 6th, 1965, in Waterloo, IA. The third of seven children to Pastor David and Sharon (Halvorsen) Hess, she accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She sang in both church and school choirs, swam like a fish, roller-skated at the rink, worked a paper route, and worked summers at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp.

In 1983 she graduated from Christian Heritage in Cedar Falls. That year they moved to Harlan, and she met Andrew. They were united in marriage on July 14th, 1984, at Grace Baptist Church. She worked as a CNA at Elmcrest after graduating highschool until their first daughter, Shaina, was about to be born. Two more daughters, Sasha and Sarah, would follow in the years to come.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting, reading, journaling, watercolor painting, eschatology, growing flowers, and spending time with friends. She always appreciated the little things in life-a flower, a fallen leaf, a gentle breeze, or a good cup of coffee. She loved to reminisce about her childhood and youth and had a knack for remembering songs. On Friday, August 8th, 2025, God called her to be with Him and her loved ones in heaven. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" We love you and will see you soon.

She is survived by her husband, Andrew North; children, Shaina (Aric) Beemer, Sasha North, Sarah North all of Harlan, IA; parents, David & Sharon Hess of Cocolalla, ID; siblings, David Hess of Iowa City, IA; Tom (Joy) Hess of Spirit Lake, ID; Julie (Roger) Cave of Sandpoint, ID; Steve Hess of Coralville, IA; Melody (Travis) Puller of Spirit Lake, ID; Angie (Will) Lindsay of Rock Springs, WY.

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08/05/2025

Theresa Marie Kenkel

Theresa Marie Kenkel was born on July 17, 1993 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She joined a family of three including her parents, Allen and Tracey (Steele) Kenkel and her big "sissa" Rebecca.

Theresa grew up on the family farm outside of Panama, Iowa where she spent much of her time playing outside with the various farm cats and kittens, and childhood dogs. She and her sister could be found hiding in the hayloft of the barn. It was a perfect spot to create their own little world together, and though they didn't always get along, they were still attached at the hip.

As she grew older, Theresa participated in 4-H, softball and CYO basketball. At school she participated in mock trial, was nominated and attended People-to-People in Los Angeles and threw shotput for the Harlan Cyclones.

Theresa was very bright and was extremely curious. When she was young one of her first phrases was "b-why?" since she couldn't pronounce "because". This curiosity carried into her adulthood. She always wanted to know the why of things.

Theresa had a smile that could light up a room. She always tried to find the good in people and always had a kind word to say. Theresa gave of herself without hesitation and we are forever changed because of that.

Theresa tragically died on July 31, 2025 at her home in Earling, Iowa. She was preceeded in death by her grandparents, Joyce (Dave) Kenkel, and Robert and Wilma Steele and her heart-dog, Ace (the bestest boy). She is survived by her parents, Allen and Tracey Kenkel of Panama, IA; sister, Rebecca (Juan) Cruz Santiago of Kirkman, IA; nephew & niece, Alister and Scarlett Cruz Kenkel; paternal grandfather, David Kenkel of Panama, IA; work family, Rose Smith and Laura Pauley, many aunts and uncles and cousins, many friends and her goofy boxer, Boddie.

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08/04/2025

Proud of the hard work by Allan - Brett and especially their dad Gary Hopp have put into the rebuilding and rebranding of the Shelby County Speedway!

07/30/2025

Shirley Irene Knudtson

Shirley Irene (Dreager) Knudtson

May 16, 1926-July 28,2025

Shirley was born on a farm southwest of Atlantic, Iowa to Lois (Howard) and Leo Dreager. Her father died in a farm accident when Shirley was five years old, so she and her mother moved into Atlantic where Shirley attended school and graduated in the class of 1944 from Atlantic High School. She was employed as a secretary at Swift & Co. where she met Arnold Knudtson, and the couple was married on September 6, 1947at Zion Lutheran church in Atlantic, the church where Shirley had been baptized and confirmed. Shirley and Arnold were married 62 years until his death in 2009.

The newly married couple lived first in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota then moved to Harlan in 1948 when Arnold took a job as office manager and, eventually, partner at Wilson Seed. They became the parents of three children: Lynn, Lucinda, and Lee. Family was her greatest joy. Shirley was employed for twenty-two years by the Harlan Public schools as a cook.

Shirley was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran church, serving on the Altar Guild, teaching both Sunday school and Bible school, and participating in a circle. In her community, Shirley was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary serving as president and other offices. For many years, she was a volunteer Myrtue Hospital Auxiliary member, and when her boys were young, she was a Cub Scout den mother.

Shirley remained in Harlan after the death of her husband, but sold her house and moved to Omaha in 2021 to be closer to her children and their families. She spent the last four years at Immanuel Courtyard assisted living where she made many new friends and received excellent care.

Throughout her life, Shirley was devoted to her family, her faith, and her community. Over the years, Shirley was able to have many adventures and travel, but she was always most comfortable at home with family and friends. Her circle of friends included the families of Esther and Charles Gearhart, Doris and Willis Towne, and Forrest "Pete" and Dorothy Petersen. When she and her close friend, Doris Towne, both became widows, they would often be seen hanging out at Burger King for morning coffee.

Shirley's surviving family includes her three children, Lynn (Maria) Knudtson, Cindy (John) Masters, Lee (Cathy) Knudtson; six grandchildren, Christopher (Mary)Knudtson and Peter (Rhiannon Rognstad) Knudtson, Andrew (Shauna) Masters and Emily (Aaron) McBride, Brian (Amy) Knudtson and Katie (Brian) Uitts; eleven great-grandchildren, Ronan Knudtson and Caroline Knudtson, Michaela Masters, Lillian and Natalia Knudtson and Madelynn (Ethan) Nutter, Brenden, Cohen, Gavin Saab, and Lili and Austin Uitts and number twelve due soon. She was a kind and generous woman who is now reunited with her husband, her mother, and a father she had not seen in ninety-four years.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial donations be made to: Immanual Lutheran Church in Harlan; Immanual Village in Omaha, NE; or Alzheimer's Association.

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07/23/2025

Lile Ann Petersen

Lile Ann Petersen

Lile Ann Petersen was born to Horace and Rose Petersen on February 20, 1933, in Jacksonville, Iowa, the seventh of thirteen children. She was raised on the family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic, deep spiritual values, and a love for helping others. These early experiences would serve as the foundation for the life of service and love that followed. She graduated from Harlan High School in 1951, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, an early sign of her friendly and generous spirit.

After high school, Lile worked as a secretary at Farm Service Coop before marrying her high school sweetheart, Richard “Pete” Petersen, on March 14, 1953. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They raised four children: Mark, Brian, Tami, and Jeffery, on the family farm near Harlan. Their home was a warm and welcoming place, often filled with laughter, the smell of home-baked cookies, and the joyful chaos of children and grandchildren. For 27 years, Lile and Richard spent their winters in Texas, enjoying sunshine, friendship, and time to rest and reflect away from the Iowa winters.

Lile was a woman of deep faith and lived that faith through tireless service to her church and community. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, she was active in nearly every aspect of church life, serving as a choir member, lay leader, Sunday school and Bible school teacher, and district officer for the United Methodist Women. Her faith also led her on mission trips to places like Bolivia, Peru, and Oklahoma, where she worked to bring hope and comfort to others.

Her commitment to service extended into many areas of community life. She volunteered for decades with Camp Aldersgate, a beloved ministry for individuals with physical and mental challenges. She also served as a 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader, a member of the Hospital and Elm Crest Auxiliaries, Harlan Red Hat Society, LNO, Merry Homemakers, and was a longtime Weight Watchers group leader, using her own health journey to inspire and encourage others.

Lile’s warmth and energy were known by all who met her. She was a skilled cook and baker, and her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy. Her chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, homemade jams, cinnamon rolls and holiday treats became family traditions, and her holiday gatherings were legendary.

Throughout her life, Lile was recognized for her extraordinary contributions. She was named Shelby County Citizen of the Year, inducted into the Shelby County Fair Hall of Fame, honored as an Iowa Master Farm Homemaker in 2002, and named a Merit Mother in 2016. But her proudest achievements were the relationships she built with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends.

Lile passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at Elm Crest Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old and left behind a legacy of faith and compassion to those she cared for. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Rose Petersen; and her siblings, Eugene, Irene, Frances, Carol, Verda, Mary, Norma, James, Carl, Clemen, Timothy, Linda.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Richard D. Petersen of Harlan, IA; children, Mark (Deb) Petersen of Harlan, IA, Brian Petersen of Harlan, IA, Tami (Dan) Goetz of Cedar Falls, IA, Jeffery (Cyndi) Petersen of Harlan, IA; 9 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to the Kirkman United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

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07/21/2025

Tim D. Conrad

No Services will be held at this time.

Tim is survived by his long-time companion, Kelli Tolliver of Harlan, IA; daughter, Amanda Hanover of Topeka, KS; 2 grandchildren, Jeremy Hanover and Lauren Pash; twin brother Kim Conrad of Harlan, IA; sisters, Colleen (James) Thompson of Glenwood, IA; Brenda Conrad of Harlan, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruby (Bassinger) Conrad, half-sister, Connie Conrad, half-brother, Victor Conrad.

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07/17/2025

Alvin "Tuffy" Kite

Alvin is survived by his wife, Shannon Kite; sons, Dale (Chrystal) Kite, Tom (fiancée Desteny) Kite, Cole Kite; 7 grandchildren; sister, Deb Buck; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the American Legion Hall in Harlan.

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07/16/2025

Dixie DeBlauw

Dixie Lou (Unger) DeBlauw, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, surrounded by family. Known for her unwavering faith, strong dedication to family, and selfless love for others, Dixie was a woman deeply cherished by all who knew her.

Born on December 30,1945, she was the oldest daughter to Lawrence and Norene (Beller) Unger in Norfolk, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk, Nebraska. She graduated from Norfolk Catholic Schools in 1964 and went on to Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota for one year to study nurse’s training.

She married James L. DeBlauw in 1967 and they moved to Mapleton, Iowa where they raised their family, and she worked as a nurse’s aide. Jim and Dixie moved to Schuyler, Nebraska in 1990 where Jim became a principal and she began her work as a paraeducator. They retired to Harlan, Iowa in 2010 to be closer to grandchildren.

A devoted volunteer, she gave generously of her time to her Catholic faith. This was evident in her devotion and commitment to Jim throughout his Deacon Ministry. She was an avid reader and belonged to the local book club. For many years, she cheered on her grandkids’ at their multiple sporting events - rarely missing an activity. She was a loyal Husker fan as well.

She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely where she would entertain them with fun and games. She was known for baking cookies, sharing riddles, and having a home remedy for all situations. Dixie had many interests, but her deepest joy in life was her family. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her siblings and sharing in their life.

Dixie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jim DeBlauw; children, Lori (Travis) Castle, Jenny (Jeff) Moser, and Tom (Cassie) DeBlauw; grandchildren: Ty (Corina) Castle, Trey Castle, Tori Castle, Jordyn (Kyle) Juhl, Jared Moser, Joey Moser, Noah DeBlauw, and Emily DeBlauw; great-grandchildren, Scottie Castle and Campbell Juhl; siblings, Dan (Dorothy) Unger; Maxine Bauermeister; Peggy (Bob) Hofbauer; Mary Ann (Ric) Rotherham; Beverly (Rick) Benson; Mike (Kris)Unger; many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother LeRoy Unger, nephew Adam Unger, brothers-in-law Jerry Bauermeister and Arlyn DeBlauw and sister-in-law Marie DeBlauw.

Dixie’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and faith. She will be forever missed.

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07/16/2025

Supporting our son-in-law at the Shelby County Speedway racing with the big boys at the Lucas Oil Championship!! Allan Hopp Racing