Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory

04/28/2026

JoEllen Jepson

JoEllen Jepson, 61, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following an unexpected medical event.

JoEllen Marie Jepson was born July 7, 1964, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Alan and Linda (Boese) Coop. She grew up in Wayland, graduating from WACO High School in 1982, and continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University.

On August 3, 1985, JoEllen was united in marriage to Jeff Jepson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together they made their home in Wayland, where they raised six children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. During those busy years, JoEllen was deeply involved in her children’s activities, including serving on the WACO School Board. In 2018, after becoming empty nesters, JoEllen and Jeff moved to an acreage outside of Mount Pleasant.

JoEllen served as president of Sticks on Stilts from 1996 to the present and worked as a secretary at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for nearly 42 years—a testament to her dedication and strong work ethic.

JoEllen had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was generous with her time, her advice, her love, and her thoughtful gifts. A natural storyteller, she spared no detail —sometimes taking the scenic route to the end—and her stories were even better when Jeff joined in. Her joyful laugh and playful squeals were contagious, often leaving everyone around her laughing even harder.

Summers were often spent on the water, where JoEllen found great joy in boating with her family. Whether it was packing up six kids for a full weekend on the boat or later sharing those moments with her grandchildren and their dog George, those days were treasured. Jeff would often say, “I’m the richest man on the lake,” a reflection of the beautiful family they created together—a sentiment that remained true throughout their lives. In quieter moments, JoEllen and Jeff enjoyed more peaceful cruises together, her curly hair blowing in the wind, lips perfectly covered in her favorite shade, and smile perfectly complementing the sunset. As Jeff would say, “My girl always looks good.” JoEllen had a natural sense of style, often pairing her outfits with coordinating accessories and manicures, enhancing her already radiant beauty.

She was both a homebody and an adventurer. She loved hosting gatherings, carefully maintaining a journal of menus and guest lists for special occasions dating back to 2005, often saying, “You’re going to be happy I kept all these notes someday!”—and she was right, as she so often was. Her love of travel took her on many adventures—with Jeff, with the extended Jepson family, with lifelong friends, with coworkers, and on solo trips to visit loved ones. Among her favorite destinations was Puerto Rico where she and Jeff had no agenda except to have fun.

JoEllen’s accomplishments were many. She was proud to be a 51% business owner and president of Sticks on Stilts, a company that began in the toy room of their home and continues today from a now dedicated home office organized in a way only JoEllen truly understood. Though she had much to be proud of, she remained humble. Her greatest achievement was the life and family she built with Jeff.

JoEllen is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jeff; her six children, Amanda (Kyle Davy) Jepson of Des Moines, Zach (Lindi) Jepson of Wayland, Sabrina (Cale) Garrett of Mount Pleasant, Chelsea (Travis) Hoyer of rural Houghton, Mariah (Mark Nelson) Jepson of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jalyssa Jepson of Mount Pleasant; 15 grandchildren, Josie, Abigail, Carti, Bristol, Jett, Kip, Vaida, Maxine, Keira, Jaxtin, Graham, Sylvie, Ruby, LouElla, and Jack; her mother, Linda Coop of Unionville; her siblings, Duane Coop, Heather Risberg, Lafe (Hannah) Coop, Ashly (Jerred) Hurley, Annie (Ray) Dorsey, and Carrie (Chris) Hines; her sister-in-law, Jennifer Coop; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Coop; uncle, Bob Boese; and her grandmother in law who she shared the same sparkle, Maxine Schmeig; and multiple extended relatives.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends and family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at New London Christian Church, with Parnell Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. A luncheon will be held following the burial at Airport Road Vineyard. Memorial contributions may be directed to the JoEllen Jepson Memorial Fund. Messages and tributes may be shared at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

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04/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating Tim Olson on an incredible milestone—40 years as a licensed funeral director!
Although Tim is now retired, his dedication to the profession continues as he maintains his license through ongoing education.
Recognized this week at the Iowa Funeral Directors Association’s 146th annual convention in Altoona, Tim’s achievement is one worth celebrating. Thank you, Tim, for your decades of service and continued dedication to funeral service. Congratulations!

04/05/2026

Rex C. Swailes

Rex C. Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant, IA, passed away on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home.

Rex was born September 29, 1936, in Rome, IA, the son of Simon Asbury and Eva Lucinda (Messer) Swailes. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955. On June 8, 1958, Rex was united in marriage to Helen Carol Celley at the First United Methodist Church in Brookfield, WI. Rex was a lifelong resident of Henry County.

Rex worked in the powerhouses at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for over 15 years. During his time in the powerhouses, he became knowledgeable about the water and wastewater treatment processes, getting certifications in both. Rex then worked for Blue Bird as a forklift operator. While at Blue Bird, he also worked part-time for Barron Environmental Testing Services where he continued consulting after his retirement.

A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Rex was committed to caring for the church by serving as a deacon, by teaching, and by discipling and encouraging other men. Rex loved sharing with others his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. Rex loved his family deeply and particularly delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. In his free time Rex was fond of playing the guitar, even inspiring his grandson John to take up the hobby. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and metal detecting. Rex was an avid storyteller and could come up with a story for any occasion.

Rex is survived by his son Rob (Brenda) Swailes of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Sarah Swailes and John (Megan) Swailes all of Ankeny, IA; sister Becky Van Winkle of Mount Pleasant, IA; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of fifty-eight years, his parents, a son in infancy, and sister Dona Church.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor David Strope officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church or Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Rex and his family. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

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04/05/2026

Because of Easter, we have hope.
Because of Jesus, we have eternal life.

04/05/2026

Michael E. Langan

Michael “Mike” Edward Langan, 86, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, on April 3, 2026. He was born on December 13, 1939, to Robert and Pauline (Schlarbaum) Langan.

Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet (Leppert), on December 29, 1957. The couple married at the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Iowa, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 68 years.

Mike is survived by his wife, Janet (Leppert); his children, Michael K. Langan (Wendy) of Washington, Iowa, Kathy McConahay (Bret) of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Teresa Owens (Mike) of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; his grandchildren, Stacy Holtgrewe (Jared), Meghan Hank (Tyler), Brian McConahay (Jennie), and Rachel Watters (Chris); eight cherished great‑grandchildren; and his siblings, Nancy Fulton, Gary Langan, Angela Hoff, and Stephen P. Carl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Langan (Lily) and Pauline Carl (Raymond); his son, Richard Kelly; his sister, Carole Albrecht; and his great‑granddaughter, Harlyn Holtgrewe.

Mike graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957, and earned his education degree from Parsons College. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Iowa. Mike dedicated many years to teaching at the WACO Community School District and the Columbus Junction Community School District, where he shared his love of learning—and his sense of humor—with a generation of students.

Mike proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1960.

A man of many interests, Mike enjoyed traveling and almost always had a trip in the works, with Amtrak being his preferred mode of transportation. Navarre Beach, Florida, held a special place among his favorite destinations. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying historical nonfiction and autobiographies. Mike also loved card games, especially bridge, 10-point pitch and countless games of hearts played on his computer. A devoted collector, he owned more than 1,500 LP records, carefully curated a collection of over 200,000 postmarks, and built an extensive coin collection.

Known for his sense of humor, Mike was a jokester at heart and especially enjoyed receiving a playful “head squeeze.” He loved taking his children and grandchildren on adventures and was passionate about teaching them to appreciate history and travel. You could always count on finding a cold Coca‑Cola in his refrigerator and a variety of candy nearby.

Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held in the Columbus City Cemetery in Columbus City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for their compassionate care.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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03/31/2026

Karen E. Anderson

Karen E. Anderson, 82, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant.

Karen was born January 22, 1944, in Fairfield, the daughter of Ernest and Betty (Lyons) Lathrop. She graduated from Fairfield High School and went on to cosmetology school. In March of 1966, Karen married Richard Anderson in Kahoka, Missouri. The couple later divorced but remained good friends and companions until Richard’s death in 2018. Karen worked at the Iowa Ammunition Plant for many years. Karen lived in the Fairfield and Mount Pleasant communities all of her life. She enjoyed walking and spending time outdoors. Additionally, Karen collected coins for many years. Karen cherished her grandchildren and the time she was able to spend with them. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Karen is survived by her two children and their spouses, Michael and Kristina Anderson of Salem, Teresa and Sloan Gill of Wimberly, Texas; stepson Rickey (Kristi) Anderson of Mount Pleasant, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and brother and his wife Jack and Pat Lathrop of Fairfield.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Terri Twidwell, granddaughter Autumn Twidwell, siblings Mike Lathrop and Dolores “Sue” Cavin Lathrop.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Augusta Community Center in Augusta, Iowa, followed by a luncheon at 1:00 pm. Inurnment will take place in the Salem East Cemetery at a later date. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Karen and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

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03/31/2026

Judy R. Stebbins

Judy R. Stebbins, 64, of Mount Pleasant passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Judy is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Katie (Daniel), son Michael (Marlene) and grandson Arthur.

No services are planned and memorials may be directed to Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice. Special note of appreciation to the wonderful caregivers with the UIHC and Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice that provided care and comfort, support and guidance during Judy’s journey. Thank you to everyone involved.

Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with Judy’s final care and cremation.

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03/28/2026

Junealee Lair

Junealee Lair, 93, of Mount Pleasant died Saturday, March 28, 2026. There will be no visitation or service. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Junealee and her family.

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03/23/2026

Aengus Joe Brooks

Aengus Joe Brooks was born into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Aengus’ memory will forever be in the hearts of his mother Amanda Brooks of West Burlington; grandmother Lisa Brooks of West Burlington; uncle and aunt Doug and Sarah Slobodnik of Mount Pleasant; cousins Savannah, James, Colin, and Caireann. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Rickie Joe Brooks.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Aengus and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

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03/19/2026

Christopher R. Davis

Christoper Davis, 73, of Salem, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at his home.

Chris was the oldest of three boys born to Roy Edward and Neva Geraldeen (Scott) Davis in Guttenberg, Iowa, on March 26, 1952. Chris went to several different schools in Northeast Iowa growing up. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with Tammy, camping, hunting, and working on cars.

On May 27, 1971, he married Juanita M. Allison of Manchester, Iowa. To this marriage they had two sons Christopher Jr. and Cameron Lynn. The couple divorced in 1990.

On December 3, 1990, Chris married Kimmy Lee Murphy of Carmen, Illinois, which she gave him two stepdaughters, Amiee M. and Angela L. Tisor. During their marriage they bought a small farm west of Salem and enjoyed raising cattle and farming. Kimmy passed away from cancer in September 2006.

Chris was united in marriage to the love of his life and soulmate, Tamera Lynn Kern, on March 25, 2008. Chris and Tammy enjoyed farming, and they built their new home themselves on their small farm west of Salem.

Throughout Chris’ career he was a carpenter, welder, mechanic, police officer, heavy equipment operator, farmer, and owner operator truck driver. In December 1979, Chris graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and started his police career in Monticello, Iowa. In March 1982, he moved to Mount Pleasant and worked as a Sergeant on the Mount Pleasant Police Department until 1990. Chris started Davis Backhoe Service in 1990, and operated it until 1995. Chris was also a deputy sheriff with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department from 1990 to 1992. In 1995, Chris got out of law enforcement altogether and was an owner operator truck driver and farmer until retiring from trucking in 2013. Chris enjoyed helping friends, family, and the public when needed.

Chris is survived by his wife Tammy; one son Cameron Davis of Wellman; two stepdaughters Amiee Tisor of Salem, Angela (Kurt) Williamson of Burlington; five grandchildren Caleb Davis, Cole Davis, Taylor (Carlos) Rounceville, Sidney Davis, and Eva Rounceville. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, son Chris, two brothers Roy Davis Jr. and Gerald Davis.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, at the funeral home. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial funds have been established for Salem Fire Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Chris and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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03/10/2026

Janea E. Osier

Janea E. Osier, 19, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Janea was born on May 7, 2006, in Iowa City, the daughter of Walter and Dana (Reed) Osier. She grew up in the Salem and Mount Pleasant communities. Janea graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 2023, completing her education one year early. She worked as a car detailer at J.D. Byrdyer in Burlington.

Janea was the definition of a free spirit. She had a passion for traveling and riding motorcycles. She was a true animal lover, especially devoted to her dog, Nova. Janea enjoyed spending time outdoors, swimming in ponds and lakes, fishing, and embracing nature. Janea loved spending time with her family and friends; especially her best friend Aaeriona Barker. She carried the best qualities of all her family within her. Janea will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janea is survived by her mother Dana (Pat Ireland) Osier of Mount Pleasant; brother Beau (Shyanne Kirby) Reed of Anamosa; brother Chantz (Lyndsey) Vargus of Mount Pleasant; sister Katie (Tim) Ireland of Dyersville; granny Janet Boulton of Mount Pleasant; grandfather Danny (Marie) Reed of Macomb, IL; father Walt (Kim Bessine) Osier of Danville; sister Desiree (Brandon Schmitter) Osier of Keosauqua; sister Kelso (Dayton Griggs) Messerschmitt of Seatle, WA; grandfather Jerry (Mary Dietrick) Osier of Mount Pleasant; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her infant brothers Deven Vargus, Bret Osier; grandfather Douglas “Papa” Boulton; grandmother Marjorie Osier; cat Mr. Wayne; and dog Oakey.

Funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the family present to greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to All God’s Creatures. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Janea and her family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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03/09/2026

Judith Bower

Judith Ann (Dunbar) Bower 79, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, from Congestive Heart Failure and CIDP at Sunrise Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winfield.

Judy was born on April 12, 1946, in the Washington Community Hospital in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Dale and Maurine (Sheets) Dunbar. She attended Keota grade school until the fifth grade, where the family lived in Keokuk County, Clear Creek Township, south of Keota 5 miles, then ½ mile East of Talleyrand.

The family moved to a farm in Jefferson County, southeast of Fairfield, south of the Mt. Zion grade school. She attended 6th grade in Mt Zion, one room school, it was then when Jefferson County consolidated the schools that she then attended Lockridge for Jr. High school. Judy attended and graduated from Fairfield High school with the Class of 1964. She then briefly attended Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, MO.

After graduation she was employed with H&R Block for a tax season. She then went to work for the Henry County Savings Bank and US Bank for 25 dedicated years of employment in the bookkeeping department and retired as supervisor in that area after the computers took over their jobs.

She later worked at Heatilator in Mount Pleasant as an engineer’s secretary for a short time. Judy then worked as a case manager for Henry County Attorney, Mike Reipe’s office, for 13 years, before retiring.

Judy and Ben met in the 7th grade and had mutual friends. They enjoyed lots of activities together like school dances, movie dates, pizza dates, miniature golf and bowling. She was engaged to Ben in 1966, prior to Ben’s Naval service and after Ben’s discharge from the Navy, they married at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant on June 30, 1970.

Judy enjoyed refinishing furniture, and canning fruits and vegetables from their gardens. She was a seamstress and sewed her own wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. Judy also designed and sewed show gowns for Sweet Adelines competition. Judy sang in the Southeast Iowa Sweet Adelines Choir Group from 1968-1988, with weekly practice sessions and with yearly competitions in the Midwest. She sang with the Mount Pleasant Choral from 1999-2019, and the Iowa Wesleyan College Vocal group and toured with them in Italy, in 2010. Judy also sang with the local Acapella Group. She always sang with the Church Choir and Bell Choir and was an accomplished piano and flute player. She was an avid reader and a firm believer that she would not go anywhere without a book. She enjoyed word puzzle books and going out to eat with family and friends.

After starting married life and living in Mount Pleasant, Judy and Ben built their first home northwest of Salem on a 30-acre timber plot and lived there 12 years. They moved and remodeled a home in West Point, where they lived there for 14 years. The couple then built a home in Mount Pleasant where they currently reside.

Judy and Ben had many interests. Spending time with friends and family. Among them was traveling. Trips to Colorado to their condo twice a year, summer and fall and seeing the shows in Branson, MO. Trips in the late winter to visit Judy’s brother and sister in California, with stops in Arizona to visit cousins and friends. They also returned to Seattle and Pacific Beach, WA, and Port Hueneme, CA, to visit Ben’s Navy Seabee museums and attend reunions. The couple traveled in all 50 states and some many times over. They cruised to Alaska, flew to the Arctic Circle and once drove to Alaska via Canada & the Yukon on the Alcan highway and drove the entire loop in Alaska (From Tok, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Wasilla, Valdez and back to Tok to Yukon and Canada). Vacationed in Hawaii, Bahamas, Germany, Italy and Austria.

Judy was proud of her Scottish Heritage. Attended Scottish Games in Vermont and Iowa with family. She enjoyed reading her brother Lyle’s writing and books on the history of the Dunbar Clan.

Surviving is her grade school sweetheart and loving husband of 55 years, Ben of Mount Pleasant. Brothers: Dennis Dunbar of Muscatine, IA.; Lyle (Ann) Dunbar of San Diego, CA; and John (Angie) Dunbar of Fairfield, IA.; Sisters-in-law Melissa Olson of Urbandale, IA, and Karen Bower of Mount Pleasant; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death are her parents Dale (1992) and Maurine (2010) “Sheets” Dunbar, a sister Linda Appleby (2017), of Colvis, CA., brother-in-law, Tim Bower (2025) of Stockport, IA., sister-in-law Betty Dunbar (2025).

Judy deeply appreciated all the compassionate care she received from the entire staff and Poppy, while she was at Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield, whose kindness and support meant a great deal to Judy and her family. Also, all those who visited her while she was in Hospice.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, where the family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Court Fisher officiating. Burial will be in the Glasgow Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Glasgow Cemetery and the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Judy and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

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