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

09/02/2025

Avis Mortensen

Avis Marie Mortensen was born January 2, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Burton and Lucy Kenfield Richards. She went home to her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025. Burton was a depot agent for the Rock Island Railroad, and this job located the family in several Iowa towns including Stuart, DeSoto, Atlantic and Minden during Avis' childhood before ending in Shelby where she graduated from high school in 1948. Here she met the love of her life, Ronald. They were married on May 18, 1952 and in 1954 moved to the farm they made home north of Walnut. To this union Richard (Sue) Mortensen and Linda (Bryan) Guy were born.

Avis and Ronald were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut and also active supporters of the Walnut Community Schools and all of its activities. They were part of a close group of farm neighbors that not only pooled labor for hay making and silage cutting jobs but also shared social support.

After high school Avis worked in the Farmer's Savings Bank in Shelby. She was a devoted farm wife and homemaker and always raised and harvested a large garden as one of the many ways she took care of her family. After her kids left home, she worked in housekeeping both at Peace Haven retirement home where her parents resided and at a motel in Walnut. She also worked as an election official in their home Monroe township.

After Ronald's passing in 2001, Avis turned the farm over to granddaughter Jill and husband David and lived short stints in Griswold and Walnut as well as several years in Atlantic. Recently she resided at Peace Haven in Walnut and Allen Place in Atlantic.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years, Ronald, his 4 brothers and 1 sister as well as their spouses and grandson David Mortensen.

She is survived by her son Richard (Sue) Mortensen and their children Brad (Lori) Mortensen and Jenny (Brennan) Nassiff and her daughter Linda (Bryan) Guy and children Jill (David) Niklasen and Alan (Maegan) Linden. She is also survived by great grandchildren Zade (Erin), Aspen and Tate Niklasen, Hawk and Zuzu Linden, Beckham, Jackson and Harper Mortensen and Fletcher, Everly, Selah and Paisley Nassiff.

View Avis Mortensen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Our offices are closed today for Labor Day. We will be open regular hours tomorrow, September 2nd.

Have a wonderful day 🇺🇸

08/30/2025

Marilyn Dille

Marilyn is survived by her sons Clay Dille of Woodland Park, CO; Todd (Sarah) Dille Myrtle Beach, SC; Lee Dille of Harlan, IA; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; siblings Earl Page of Oskaloosa, IA; and Bonne Maloney of Dodge City, KS.

No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

View Marilyn Dille's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/26/2025

Randall Larsen

Randall Larsen, of Walnut, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Survivors include his daughter Chantil Ellis of Council Bluffs, IA; son Nate (Reita) Larsen of Blair, NE; 5 grandchildren: Josie, Dex, Dane, London and Landry; siblings Darwin (Betty) Larsen of Harlan, IA; Lynn (Dorreen) Larsen of Kimballton, IA; Dale Larsen of Marne, IA; Neil (Brenda) Larsen of Kimballton, IA; Todd (Marcie) Larsen of Kimballton, IA.

View Randall Larsen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2025

Feglys Antonio Campos-Arriba

Le sobreviven sus padres, Magalys Arriba Fuentes y Felipe Campos De la cruz;2 niños; hermanos, Alejandro Campos Robone’, Celia Campos Ramos, Melissa Anhara Campos Arriba.

Los servicios de celebración de la vida se llevarán a cabo el sábado 30 de agosto de 2025 a las 5:30 p. m. en Washington Park en Denison, Iowa.

He is survived by his parents, Magalys Arriba Fuentas and Felipe Campos De la cruz; 2 children; siblings, Alejandro Campos Robone’, Celia Campos Ramos, Melissa Anhara Campos Arriba.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, 5:30 PM, at Washington Park in Denison, Iowa.

View Feglys Antonio Campos-Arriba's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Deloris Adams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Benita Schiltz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Carol Joy Lally's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Sherri Ruth North's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Theresa Marie Kenkel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Shirley Irene Knudtson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.