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Murphy Funeral Home & Monuments, 408 N Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant, IA (2026)

04/27/2026

Norbert J. Gerleman, 93, of rural Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Norbert was born on July 25, 1932, in Ossian, Iowa, the son of Leo and Lorraine (Zweibimer) Gerleman. He graduated from Cresco High School. Norbert was called to serve his country during the Korean War. He joined the United States Air Force on May 21, 1952, in Des Moines and was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956, at the Manhattan Beach Air Force Station in Brooklyn, New York. Following his return from the service, he went to Missouri and farmed with his brother, Charles. Norbert was united in marriage to Mary Jo Leu on July 18, 1959, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant. After 62 years of marriage Mary Jo preceded him in death on September 25, 2021.

Norbert worked for the Water Department for the City of Mount Pleasant, and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. Norbert had a love of the land and enjoyed farming; he was proud that during the hard times he was able to hold on to his farm. Norbert was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Tim Gerleman of Mt. Pleasant, Todd Gerleman of Lockridge, Tina Opzeeland of Oregon City, Oregon, and Troy Gerleman of Ottumwa, eleven grandchildren, Jessica Landess, Jamie Pardall, Jacque Lally, Jalyn Gerleman, Alex Gerleman, Liam Gerleman, Gabriel Opzeeland, Gavin Opzeeland, Dominic Gerleman, Katelyn Gerleman, and Anna Gerleman, and six great grandchildren, Teagan Landess, Coral Landess, Ezra Pardall, Tanner Pardall and Brecken Michael Lally and little baby Lally on the way, and his sister, Mary Ann Sadler of Burlington, along with many nieces and nephews.

Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Jo, and three brothers, Charles Gerleman, Gerald Gerleman and Edwin Gerleman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery in Mount Pleasant with Military Honors. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Memorials in his memory may be directed to Compassus Hospice.

Norbert's family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses who gave wonderful care for their father for the past 8 years, so that he was able to stay on the farm. This was such a huge blessing to Norbert and his family.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Norbert.

04/15/2026

Virgil Ellis Barr, 92, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center.

Virgil was born on December 12, 1933, in Mount Pleasant the son of Earl Paxton and Opal Verlee (Nihart) Barr. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and later attended Indian Hills Community College receiving a degree in welding. Virgil served in the Iowa National Guard.

Virgil married Barb Carver; they later divorced. Virgil was then united in marriage to Linda Jacobs on May 10, 1975. He worked at Iowa Southern, the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, J. I. Case Manufacturing in Burlington and later for the Mount Pleasant Corrections Facility in Mount Pleasant and was later transferred to Newton from which he retired. Virgil was a member of the Mount Pleasant Open Bible Church where he served as a deacon for a number of years. He enjoyed weightlifting, boxing and his motorcycles. Virgil never knew a stranger.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Linda, of 50 years, his sons, Chris (Becky) Barr, of Mount Pleasant, Lanny Barr, of Farmington, and Micky Barr, of New London, his daughter, Vanessa Wagner, of Salem, his 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, his sister, Joyce Young of Mount Pleasant and two step-sisters, Donna Fillinger, of Mount Pleasant and Joy Gilleard, of Mount Pleasant and a step-brother, Tom Guinn, of Arizona.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Wally Barr and one sister, Verlee Van Amerongon.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant with Pastor Gordon Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday at the Murphy Funeral Home where the family will be present from 6 to 7 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Mount Pleasant Open Bible Church.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Virgil.

03/31/2026

Patricia Elaine Yetter, 73, of Burlington passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Southeast Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Patricia was born on March 22, 1953, in Kimball, Nebraska, the daughter of Patrick and Josephine (Hein) Maginnis. She was united in marriage to Leon Howard Yetter on June 12, 1976, in Kimball, Nebraska. He preceded her in death on October 17, 1984.

Patricia managed the Coach House Restaurant for several years until it closed, she then took over the management of the fuel side of the 34 Truck Stop. She enjoyed her trips to the casino and doing genealogy.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her daughter Amber Yetter of Burlington, and her brother, Ed Maginnis of Grand Island, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leon, and a sister, JoAnn Synder.

Family services will be held in Kimball, Nebraska at a later time. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

03/23/2026

Sue Stevens, 82, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Park Place in Mount Pleasant.

Sue was born on February 14, 1944, in Burlington, the daughter of Jack and Wanda (Newman) Daniels. She graduated from Burlington High School in the class of 1962. Sue was a medical transcriber for over 30 years. She loved nature, watching her game shows and was an avid sports fan, especially watching the Olympics.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her daughters, Joni (George) Cunningham, of California and Dana Capaldi, of Texas, along with her grandchildren, Sean Cunningham, Taylor Cunningham, Daniel Smith, Austin Wilde, Sadie Beasley and Christian Capaldi, her sister-in-law, Glenda Daniels and her nephew, Jim Daniels.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James (Bubba) Daniels.

Everyone who knew Sue felt her big heart and giving nature. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience and generosity in those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.

According to Sue’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and a private family service will be held with burial in the Salem South Cemetery.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sue.

03/19/2026

Ronald Rickey “Rick” Williams, 76, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home.

Rick was born on May 31, 1949, in Mount Pleasant the son of Ronald Newton “Newt” and Lucille Kathryn (Wellington) Williams. Rick graduated from the Mount Pleasant High School with the class of 1967. Following his graduation, he attended Southeastern Community College in West Burlington for two years. He worked for the Mount Pleasant Utilities as an operator for 26 years before he retired.

He loved music and had a collection of over 300 old 45’s and had written over 200 poems and songs in his lifetime. Rick was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Rick played softball in his younger years, and enjoyed taking walks, riding his bike and shooting baskets at the REC Center. He enjoyed gardening and giving his produce to others. Rick was devoted to the Holy Scriptures and was a student of the Bible. He was a past member of the V.F.W. Sons of AMVETS.

Rick is survived by his cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newt and Lucille Williams.

According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant. No services will be held. Memorials may be directed to All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter in Mount Pleasant in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Rick.

03/19/2026

Sally Fritcher, 85, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Sally was born on July 17, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Antonio and Mary (Evenoff) Sanchez. She was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Fritcher on June 30, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1996. Sally was a homemaker taking care of her children. After her husband’s death she went to work for Mackay Envelope of Mount Pleasant for 3 years. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Sally was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed trips to the casino. Sally was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Terry Kimble, of Mount Pleasant and Steve (Lori) Fritcher of Danville, her beloved grandchildren, Steven Fritcher, Jr., Russell Fritcher, Kristin Septer and Matthew Kimble, along with four great grandchildren.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Mary Lou Palacio and Delores Crow and two brothers, Nick Sanchez and Gregory Sanchez.

According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services will be held.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sally.

03/11/2026

Cynthia Ann “Cindy” (Kendall) Hillyer, 64, of Mount Pleasant passed away at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Cindy was born on August 4, 1961, in Burlington, the daughter of Kenneth E. and Nina M. (Allison) Kendall. She graduated from New London High School with the class of 1979. Cindy was united in marriage to Michael Hussler, they later divorced. Cindy later married Johnnie Hillyer. Cindy was always the life of the party with her sense of humor. She loved Rock music as that was a huge part of her life for many years. Cindy had a deep love for her family, especially her nieces and nephews as she taught them to enjoy life with a sense of humor. She had a passion for cats and over the years had taken in many stray and sick cats to take care of. Cindy had a strong faith in her loving God. Cindy was employed at Collegiate Cap and Gown for many years and later at Legacy in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sister, Carolyn (Mike) Byrum and her brother Wes (Linda) Kendall, both of Mount Pleasant, along with her loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Johnnie, her sister, Kay Kendall and a nephew, Nathan Byrum.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Open Bible Church in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Mike Johnson officiating. Private family burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, rural Wapello. Memorials in her memory may be directed to All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter of Mount Pleasant.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Cindy.

03/02/2026

Fredrick Lee “Fred” Jewett, 78, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

Fred was born on October 3, 1947, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Franklin C. and Geraldine E. (Slusher) Jewett. Fred graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1967 and went on to graduate from Southeastern Community College in 1969. In his younger years he played in a band called the Vagabonds. After meeting the love of his life, Pamela J. Edwards, they were united in marriage on February 14, 1970, in Mount Pleasant and had just celebrated 56 years of marriage. Fred was a tool and die maker, working for different companies such as Heatilator Goodyear, Mount Pleasant Tool Works and Design Engineering of New London. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. While working for Shop Services he had the opportunity to work on the Michael Jackson train.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Pam, of Mount Pleasant, his children, Shelly (Jim) Smith of Mount Pleasant, Chris (Missy) Jewett of New London and Steve (Debbie) Jewett of Mount Pleasant, his loving grandchildren, Alyssa (Gannon) McGuire, Jenna Smith (Will Mueller), Mahala Jewett (Daniel Brechtel), Xen Jewett (Anna Graf), Tierany (Vanessa) Jewett, Taven Jewett, Ashton Jewett, Tristan Jewett, Ethan Jewett and Serenity Jewett, his loving great grandchildren, Gracelynn McGuire and Wynonna Jewett, and his brother, Gary Jewett of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. A memorial has been established to be determined by the family at a later time.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Fred Jewett.

02/08/2026

James Lee “Jim” Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born on February 2, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in the class of 1956. Jim was united in marriage to Madeline Anderson on January 18, 1959, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Jim worked for the City of Mount Pleasant for 37 years. One could see Jim and his brother Harold at the car races most nights. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping his yard looking perfect. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and going to his grandchildren’s events. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Madeline, of 67 years, his children, Michael Swailes, Jane (Rob) Kinney both of Mount Pleasant and Phillip (Chris) Swailes, of Houghton, and his grandchildren, Paige (Spencer) Newman, Justin (Jade) Swailes, Jason Swailes and Jacob (Savannah Yauk) Swailes, his great grandchildren, Brantley, Piper, Beckett, Jordyn and Jaxson, his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Alma (Kent) Bennett, of Mount Pleasant.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Robert Arthur Swailes, Harold William Swailes and a brother-in-law, David Farley.

The service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Carl Mann officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow the service, and burial will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church or to Every Step Hospice in his memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Jim Swailes.

01/29/2026

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff, 71, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Mount Pleasant community passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Sheryl was born on May 6, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul F. and Virginia (Lane) Sommerfeld. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went to further her education at Southeastern Community College graduating with a degree in Nursing. Sheryl was united in marriage to John Carhoff in August of 2011, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Sheryl worked at the Burlington Hospital and the Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. She retired from Home Health Care. She enjoyed crafting, gardening and her flowers, shopping and traveling.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her husband, John Carhoff, of Cedar Rapids, her sister, Charlotte (Steve) Zihlman of Mount Pleasant and her brother, Richard (Lynne) Sommerfeld of Alamo, Texas, and several nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carhoff, William (Becky) Carhoff, James (Vickie) Carhoff, Rebecca (Greg) Smith, Naomi (Steve) Lipper and Suellen Schleisman.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Sharon Kay Hazen, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Carhoff and Brent Schleisman.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richwood Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating. Following the graveside service the family will receive friends at the Trenton United Methodist Church for a time of food and fellowship.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sheryl.

01/26/2026

Sandra Prickett, 78, of Lockridge passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Montezuma Specialty Care Center.

Sandra was born on January 6, 1948, at Jefferson County Hospital, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Edith Rosabelle (McCarty) Shanholtzer. She grew up in Batavia and Van Buren County and graduated from Harmony High School. Sandra was united in marriage to Lern Elias Prickett on January 17, 1971. After 30 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.

Sandra worked at Metromail in Mount Pleasant and at Fairfield Glove. She was an active resident of the Lockridge community. She babysat neighborhood children, was a waitress at the Lockridge Café, worked at the Lockridge Elementary School as a custodian and later as a cook, as a cook at Camp Golden Valley, and drove for the Amish. Sandra was a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church where she took part in many different areas of the church. Sandra enjoyed sitting and reading a good book, knitting, playing the piano, and taking walks around Lockridge. She was very fond of her two cats, Ace and Miss Kitty.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Shannon (Vylar Kaftan) Prickett, of El Cerrito, California and Camara (Wyatt) Cosgrove, of Tama, Iowa, and her twin grandsons, Caleb and Wade Cosgrove. Sandra gained a heart full of children with the marriage to Lern, Gracie (Don) Bogart of Cedar Rapids, Phillip (Rebecca) Prickett of West Burlington, Stephen (Joyce) Prickett of Apache Junction, Arizona, Marlo Prickett of Mediapolis and Rhonda (Rod) Martin of Andover, Kansas, along with numerous bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Michael Lawrence Shanholtzer and four great grandchildren.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Following the visitation, cremation will be entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home. A celebration of her life and burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in her memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sandra Prickett.

01/20/2026

Shelia Dianna Pate, 70, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home.

Shelia was born on January 14, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Verne Clark. She spent her early childhood years in Lakeland, Florida. Shelia worked at various places, including cooking at different truck stops and was a mail carrier. Shelia was united in marriage to James A. Bryant. From this union her two sons were born, James and Sean. She was married for twenty-three years before his death in October of 2015. She worked for Drs. King and Hart in Fairfield and Mount Pleasant. Shelia later moved back to Lakeland, Florida, where she married Julius Pate. Following his death she returned to Mount Pleasant.

Shelia enjoyed going on airplane rides, making jewelry, but most of all spending time with her family.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sons, Sean Bryant and James Bryant, both of Mount Pleasant, her three grandchildren, Corey, Trinity and Jayden, and one great grandchild, Cora.

Shelia was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands and one brother, Eddie.

According to Shelia’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Shelia Pate.

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