LeRette Funeral Chapel, Inc., 525 E. Ratliff Road, Red Oak, IA (2026)

05/25/2026

Ardith Ann “Ardi” Winnett, age 98, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at her home. Ardi was born November 14, 1927, in Henderson, Iowa, the daughter of Howard and Ferne (Pollitt) Allensworth. She graduated from Henderson High School. Ardi lived in Florida for a short period of time and had lived most of her life in southwest Iowa. Over the years, she was a bartender, cashier, worked at Union Carbide and Eveready, No Frills, and CDS. Her hobbies included gardening, NASCAR, fishing, quilting, and going to the casino, which she was able to do the week before she passed.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son: James Skdimore; and brothers: Richard and Robert Allensworth. Survivors include her children: Janice McGinn and Ron Skidmore of Emerson, Iowa; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and extended family members and many who were fortunate enough to know her.
Per Ardi’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with cremation services.

05/24/2026

Kenneth “Ken” Edward Rech, age 85, was called home peacefully in the early morning hours of May 21, 2026, following complications from a fall. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and community—a life richly and generously lived.

Ken is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Carolyn, whose partnership and companionship were among the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his three children and their spouses—Chris (Shannon), Troy (Kim), and Susan (Brent)—seven grandchildren, Shelby (Josh), Reid, Aubrey, Grayson, Campbell, Cooper, and Colton, and five great-grandchildren, Jamee, Sophia, Jaxon, Maci, and Molli.

Ken is further survived by his three sisters, Donna (Greg), Joyce (Lowell), and Vicky (Jim), his sister-in-law Judy (Dave) along with an extended family of nephews, nieces, and grand and great-grand nephews and nieces who will hold him dearly in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Phoebe, his older brother Ron, his infant sister Judy, and his in-laws, Chris and Viola Kamenske.

Born in David City, Nebraska, on December 25, 1940, his childhood was filled with 4H activities, the county fair, baseball, and a fond memory of his undefeated high school football team (St Mary’s Catholic School) being named to the Nebraska Hall of Fame as a Dynasty Team. Taking that experience into college, he played football at Wayne State. He eventually transferred to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduated in 1964. Baseball was an additional passion, and he spent a couple of summers playing semi-pro baseball across the state as a catcher.

Ken’s career journey was as varied as it was meaningful, rooted always in a deep love for his family and his adopted hometown of Red Oak. He began his career as a math teacher in Omaha—a fitting start for a man who believed in building strong foundations. Relocating his family to Red Oak he served in leadership roles with Wilson Concrete, The Paint Store (as owner), Montgomery County National Bank (as Vice President), and Oakview Construction. Through every chapter of his career, what remained constant was his desire to build a good life for his family right where he chose to plant roots.

That love for Red Oak extended well beyond his own home. For decades, Ken gave back to his community with quiet dedication and an open heart, serving with the Montgomery County Development Corporation, the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees (over 25 years), Southwestern Community College (where he volunteered for 37 remarkable years), and the Reifel Elwood Educational Trust. He also was key to the development of the Wilson Performing Arts Center. This servitude resulted in recognition by the city of Red Oak as the Junction Days Grand Marshall (along with Carolyn) in 2014. He believed in the place he called home and in the people who shared it with him.

After retirement, mornings would find Ken starting the day having coffee at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. He cherished this time with his friends especially with Brian whom he loved as much as his own children. Ken also enjoyed coffee with his friends at Burger King and most recently McDonalds.

Perhaps most central to who Ken was is his faith in God that guided his every step. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak for more than sixty years, his relationship with God was not simply a part of his life—it was the heart of it. In a moment that speaks volumes about the man he was, Ken’s final act before passing was sharing his faith and the wisdom of a life well-lived with his nurse in the ICU at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. He was an organ donor. Even at the end, he was still giving.

When he wasn’t serving others, Ken could often be found on the golf course, water skiing, tending to his yard, or cheering with great enthusiasm for his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers (even though they regularly broke his heart). He was a man who knew how to enjoy life and how to share that joy with everyone around him. Ken Rech was, above all else, a man who loved deeply and served faithfully. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rosary will be held at 5 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel with visitation with the family to follow until 7 PM. A private family inurnment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a kind donation to the School Beyond School Program in care of the Red Oak Community School District Foundation.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

05/24/2026

Daniel Lawrence Phelps, age 91, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at Arlington Place. Daniel was born September 5, 1934, in Hastings, Iowa, the son of Jesse and Stella (Bell) Phelps. He was raised in the Hastings area and graduated from Malvern High School. Dan attended Iowa State University graduating in 1956. He completed OCS School in Norfolk, Virginia, and served in the United States Navy in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf. Dan was united in marriage to Barbara Shonka on June 25, 1956, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Upon his return from the service, they lived in Jefferson, Iowa, until moving to Red Oak, Iowa, in 1962. Daniel farmed his entire life, raising cattle and row crops. He was a lifetime member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge, member of the Mills Montgomery County Cattleman’s Association and Iowa Cattleman’s Association; past board member of Houghton State Bank; and a former director at Farm Credit Services. His hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, word searches, sports, especially ISU, and golf. Dan was always very interested in the things the grandkids were doing and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved the Iowa landscape and cruising around the countryside. He took great joy in homemade ice cream and fireworks at the 4th of July, listening to Blues and Jazz music, and was a huge fan of Elvis and Dave Brubeck.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife: Barbara; and brothers: Charles Phelps and William Phelps. Survivors include his children: Mike Phelps and wife Mary of Omaha, NE; Danny Phelps of Red Oak, IA; Jimmy Phelps of Red Oak, IA; and Sarah Phelps and husband Tony Roller of Omaha, NE; 8 grandchildren: Josh Phelps and wife Kim of Swisher, IA; Emily Bruning of Sun Prairie, WI; Meghan Sullivan and husband Nick of Omaha, NE; Sam Phelps and wife Tana of Omaha, NE; Danny Phelps and wife Brooke of Omaha, NE; Randon Phelps of Red Oak, IA; Amber Phelps of Bellevue, NE; and Chloe Phelps and fiancé Mike Rath of Bellevue, NE; 23 great grandchildren; sister: Marilyn Rock of Fairmont, MN; sister-in-law: Jeannie Alberts of Denison, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A public visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. A private family funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the FFA Alumni Association or the Red Oak Elks Lodge for scholarships and youth activities.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

05/24/2026

Glen Earle Teller, age 87, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, formerly of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Home. Glen was born May 6, 1939, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Wayne and Lillian (Pedersen) Teller. He was raised in Council Bluffs and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He served in the United States Navy as Petty Officer III class. Through the years, he worked with his dad at the family truck stop, worked for Western Electric, worked in heating and cooling, worked as a service station manager and operated a vending service. Glen was united in marriage to Beverly Pecka on June 15, 1979, in Omaha, Nebraska. They lived many years in Belton, Missouri and moved to Red Oak, Iowa, in 2001. He was very involved in the community serving with the Optimist Club, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital volunteer courier, and drove cars for local car dealerships. His hobbies included NASCAR, collecting Anheuser-Busch beer steins, and watching John Wayne movies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Beverly Teller; and brother: Stanley Teller and his wife Nancy. Survivors include his children: Cindy Teller of Council Bluffs, IA and Brian Teller and wife Brenda of Cedar Creek, Nebraska; grandchildren: Hailey Teller of Omaha, NE and Paige Teller of Cedar Creek, NE; brother: Richard Teller and wife Rosemary of Scotts Bluff, NE; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, May 29, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Optimist Club or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

LeRette Funeral Chapel, Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

05/21/2026

Charles Vestal Graveside

05/19/2026

Kenneth Franklin “Kenny” Frame, age 45, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at Red Oak Rehab and Care Center. Kenny was born November 25, 1980, in Red Oak, Iowa. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Sherri Elliott Clark and Travis Clark. He attended school in Red Oak where he lived most of his life. Through the years, he worked in the carnival business, the Red Oak Greenhouse, Nishna Productions, and McDonalds. His hobbies included fishing, swimming, NASCAR racing, 49’ers football, PlayStation gaming, and spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He was a former member of the Red Oak Eagles Lodge.

Preceding him in death were his grandfather: Frank Elliott; grandmother: Luann Lukat; step-grandmother: Sandy Elliott; and uncles: Dennis Elliott and Robert Abraham. Survivors include his mother: Sherri Clark and husband Travis of Red Oak; siblings: Malena Elliott-Hays of Denver, CO; Richard Elliott of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Tonya Frame of Red Oak, IA; many nieces and nephews including Clarence Frame and wife Kyla of Red Oak, IA; many great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with cremation services.

05/18/2026

Charles E. “Chuck” Vestal, age 83, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak. Chuck also known as Charlie was born October 27, 1942, in Emerson, Iowa, the son of Paul and Alberta “Sophie” (Cairns) Vestal. He graduated from Emerson High School and attended a trade school where he earned certification as a Ham Operator. Charlie was united in marriage to Patricia Reynolds on January 27, 1962, in Elliott, Iowa. Through the years Charlie worked at Campbells Soup in Omaha, was a Ham Radio operator in Garland, Texas, and worked for Texas Instruments before moving back to Iowa to help on the family farm. He started farming on his own and Charles and Pat bought their current home farm in 1963. His hobbies included square dancing, bowling, restoring old cars and tractors, and was especially fond of his 56 Chevy. He was very involved in the Emerson area community being on the school board at Nishna Valley twice, a longtime 4-H volunteer, and board member of the Indian Creek Museum. Charlie and Pat received the Century Farm Landowner Award at the Iowa State Fair in 2025. Most notably, Charlie was the self-proclaimed, “Nicest guy in Mills County”.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife: Patricia Vestal; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Silas and Mable Reynolds; his son: Brent Vestal; his sister: Betty Howard; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lucile Reynolds, Ed and Frances Reynolds, Caroline and Jim Hicks, Lyle and Mary Reynolds, Gail Reynolds, Elmer Reynolds, David “Butch” Reynolds, Denny and Cheryl Reynolds; Dick Milner; Everett Howard, and Mary Reynolds.

Survivors include his daughters: Teresa Euken and husband Mark of Red Oak, IA and Brooke Thielen and husband Jeff of Glenwood, IA; grandchildren: Whitney Grubbs of Council Bluffs, IA; Bradley Euken and fiancé Caitlin Sifuentes of Chicago, IL; Austin Thielen of Asheville, NC; Aiden Thielen of Council Bluffs, IA; Alek Thielen and fiancé Sydney Melby of Council Bluffs, IA; Trenton Funk of Omaha, NE; Kylie Richardson of Council Bluffs, IA; Cooper Thielen of Glenwood, IA; Lance Vestal of Red Oak, IA; Corey Vestal and wife Tasha of Red Oak, IA; Michael Smith and wife Amy of Oakland, IA; James Smith and wife Nikki of Florida; and Steven Smith of Red Oak; brother-in-law: Les Reynolds of Omaha, NE; sisters-in-law: Karen Milner of Elliott, IA and Janis Reynolds of Omaha, NE; and many other relatives and friends including his best friend and companion his dog Maverick.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4 PM Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel, at 525 E. Ratliff Rd. in Red Oak, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 2-4 PM Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery. A time of lunch and fellowship will be held at the Indian Creek Museum after services. Memorials are suggested to the Indian Creek Museum.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

05/18/2026

Peter Nelson, age 74, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Reno, NV. Peter was born on January 12, 1951, in Duluth, MN. He was the son of Theodore and Ann Nelson, owners of the Nelson Funeral Home in Red Oak. Peter grew up in Red Oak, and he graduated from Red Oak High School in 1969. He went on to graduate from Grinnell College in 1973. He earned two MBAs from the Kellog School of Business at Northwestern University, one in Management/ Finance in 1975 and another in accounting in 1977.

In 1979, he joined the United States Air Force where he worked on budgets and pricing of most of the major satellite programs. He moved on to Space and Missile Division overseeing budgets, contracts and financial analysis. In 1984, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. “Captain Peter C Nelson distinguished himself in the performance of meritorious service as the Financial Manager for the Space Booster Program, Requirements and Financial Systems, Space Division, Air Force Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Station, California, from 21 March 1981 to 11 June 1983. During this period Captain Nelson’s complete understanding of complex financial issues and directives, along with his comprehensive knowledge of the complex Titan, Atlas and Scout Space Booster configurations proved invaluable in the successful continuation of production, integration, and launch of the Expendable Launch Vehicle fleet.” While budget oﬃcer for expendable vehicles (rockets) he was responsible for the launch pads at Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg AFB. He did pricing on cruise missile engines. He was also responsible for the final budgets of the B1 bomber. He did a one-year remote assignment at Kunsan AFB, Korea.

Peter spent his retirement years in Reno, NV. In retirement he worked as a tax accountant and worked on community issues in Reno. He loved golf. He challenged himself to become fluent, reading and speaking, in Spanish. He was an avid reader and from a young age he liked to study history.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Ann Nelson and a sister, Karen Nelson Schrage. Survivors include his sister, Christina Nelson Schwarz of St. George, UT; his brother-in-law, Stephen Schrage of Chanhassen, MN, and nieces and nephews: Justin Boyd, Laura Schrage, Kirsten Schrage and Anna Harmon.

A military graveside service will be held May 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak, IA. The LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Heritage Foundation or the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor.

05/18/2026

John Philip Palmquist, age 88, of Stanton, Iowa, entered his eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his home. John was born on September 27, 1937, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of Elder and Ruth (Johnson) Palmquist. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Stanton, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from Red Oak High School in the class of 1956. John met the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Ebert, and they were married on May 31, 1959, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. John and Charlotte moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where John worked as a cabinet maker. They started their family before moving to Lincoln, where John worked in a woodworking shop. In March of 1963, the family moved to their current home where they farmed and raised their family. They had sheep, cattle, hogs, Christmas Trees and horses, which they enjoyed riding. John farmed for twenty years then did carpentry work for the Do It Center in Red Oak. In 1982, John opened Tarkio Valley Sawmill.

John was a lifelong learner who studied archaeology, geology, and anthropology. He had a vast collection of artifacts that were collected throughout the years, which he donated to the University of Iowa. He also embraced Native American spirituality and was an honorary member of the Ioway Tribe of Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He was an accomplished woodworker and was also known for making tipis.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son: Philip Palmquist; and brothers: Donald Palmquist (Jean) and James Palmquist (June). Survivors include his wife: Charlotte of Stanton, Iowa; children: Mark Palmquist and wife Kathy; Beth Russell and husband Alan; and Becky Hogberg and husband Greg all of Red Oak, IA; 8 grandchildren: Kari Confer and husband Matt of Red Oak, IA; Lisa Sundermann and husband Ryan of Red Oak, IA; Andrew Palmquist and fiance Hailey of Red Oak, IA; Justin Russell and wife Amanda of Stanton, IA; Aaron Russell and wife Hannah of Cu***ng, IA; Nick Hogberg and wife Melissa of Casper, WY; Molly Gray and husband Ryan of Red Oak, IA; and Amelia Palmquist (Kip Fladland) of Bozeman, MT; 11 great grandchildren: Noah and Addison Confer; Raelin, Clara, and Lainey Sundermann; Wrenley and Wyatt Palmquist; Oliver and Lilyanna Russell; Everett Hogberg; and Collin Gray; brother-in-law: Harlan Ebert of Red Oak, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

05/17/2026

Karen Ann (Nelson) Schrage died on March 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Karen was born in Amery, WI on April 4, 1944. She spent her early childhood in Duluth, MN, before her family moved to Red Oak, Iowa where she eventually graduated from high school. She earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in occupational therapy from Texas Women’s University and New York University. She loved helping people and found fulfillment in her career as an occupational therapist in schools and hospitals.

In 1968 she married her high school sweetheart, Stephen. They lived in Eau Claire, WI for forty years where they raised three daughters.

Karen was known for her creativity and was a very talented knitter, quilter, and seamstress. She loved to create and build things, and through the years she pursued many projects, including woodworking, candle making, and remodeling, both cars and cabins.

She was a determined person who would make something happen when she set her mind to it. She opened a yarn store, earned a master’s in education in her 50s and completed a marathon in her early 60s. In retirement, she enjoyed walking, biking, camping, traveling, and volunteering.

Karen loved her family dearly. She enjoyed a happy marriage of 57 years and took great pride in her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, and her warm smile, willingness to help, and love will always be remembered.

Karen is survived by her husband Stephen; her three daughters Kirsten, Laura (Colin), and Anna (Ian); four grandchildren; and her sister Christina. She was preceded in death by her brother Peter.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

05/16/2026

Ladonna Stephens Service May 16, 2026

LeRette Funeral Chapel, Inc.

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