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Murphy Funeral Home & Monuments, 408 N Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant, IA (2025)

11/11/2025

Ronald Lee Hamann, 64, of Mount Pleasant and formerly of Morning Sun passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mount Pleasant.

Ron was born on July 3, 1961, in Burlington, the son of Edward and Helen (Kenney) Hamann. Ron had various jobs throughout his life and was a very talented artist and enjoyed reading. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Alicia Parker and her children, Daryl and Aubry, of Lockridge, Nathan Hamann and his family and Mason Hamann of Cedar Rapids, his sister, Sharon Calvin of Texas, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his life partner, Audrey Dilks and one brother, Scott Hamann.

According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned at this 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 Ron Hamann.

11/10/2025

Glen Scheffel Miller, 95, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mount Pleasant.

Glen was born on July 20, 1930, in Henry County, Iowa, the son of Harry and Dora (Scheffel) Miller. Glen was united in marriage to Effie Pearl Coleman on December 11, 1950, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2020, after 69 years of marriage. Throughout his life he had various jobs and farmed in the White Oak Community. Glen was a member of the Trenton United Methodist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in Glen’s life include his children, Rhonda Gholson of Mt. Pleasant, Jackie (Jim) Rotenburger of Trenton, Diana (Ron) Miller of Trenton, Carol (Charles) Swailes of Mt. Pleasant and Brad (Kris) Miller of Mt. Pleasant, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, one great great grandson and two sisters.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Effie and three sisters, Norma Jo Miller, Katherine Scarff, Mildred Hill and his son-in-law, Robert D. Gholson.

A Celebration of Glen’s life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trenton United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating. Burial will follow in the White Oak Cemetery north of Rome. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. Memorials may be directed to the White Oak Cemetery or to the Trenton United Methodist Church 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 Glen Miller.

10/31/2025

Leo Edward Turner, 80, of West Burlington and formerly of Keokuk and Webster City, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Leo was born on June 26, 1945, in Clinton, Iowa the son of Leo Elias and Ruby Mae (Sellers) Turner, Sr. His family later moved to Webster City, and he attended high school there. Leo was united in marriage to Barbara Carver on August 28, 1998, in Keokuk. He worked at Keokuk Steel Castings in Keokuk. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Budweiser Lucky Throw Horseshoe League for many years.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Barbara, of West Burlington, his son, Bill (Brenda) Turner, of Keokuk, his grandson’s, Jeremy Turner and Justin (Hailey) Turner both of Keokuk, his great grandson, Ryker Turner and a great granddaughter due in May of 2026, his sisters, Sharon (Ron) Keigan, of Webster City, Linda (Phil) Thomas, of Decatur, Illinois, Sherri Osborne, of Webster City, Patty (Tim) Burcham, of West Burlington, Patricia Blummer, of Sioux City, Donna Turner (Ken Freeman) of Webster City, and Betty Westman, of Webster City, his brother-in-law, Gordon (Maureen) Carver, of Ames and a sister-in-law, Kathy Patterson-Turner, of Woolstock, Iowa, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Terry Turner, Dennis Turner, Ronnie Sellers, and Robert Leroy (Fuzzy) Turner, his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Osborne and Daniel Blummer, his in-laws, Lowell and Gola Carver, a special friend, Gary Stice and his beloved dog, Brandy.

There will be a celebration of Leo’s life held at a later time in Keokuk and Webster City. Burial will be in the Collins Evergreen Cemetery at Collins, Iowa. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

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

10/12/2025

Dolores Eileen (Parker) Wittmer, 91, of Mount Pleasant passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the New London Specialty Care Center, with the comfort of Every Step Hospice.

Dolores was born on August 28, 1934, in Van Buren County, the daughter of Ancle and Nellie (Roberts) Parker. She graduated from Keosauqua High School and went to college to get her degree in accounting. Dolores was married to Harold Ensminger and later to Alie Wittmer who preceded her in death on November 8, 2003.

Dolores owned and operated the Speed Queen Laundromat in Burlington and was an accountant for many different businesses and individuals. She worked for the Mount Pleasant local grain elevator, Messer Feeds and then later sold to Agri Center and retired soon after that. Dolores loved the wilderness and the wildlife in it; she had many odd wildlife pets that visited her house daily that she fed and talked to and took care of as well.

Dolores had no children but had good friends and neighbors to rely on. Gary and Faye Newman looked after her and helped her after her husband passed away. She became sick in 2022 and moved to the New London Specialty Care Center.

She is survived by her niece, Deborah Hoskins and her nephew, Stephen Hoskins.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her sister, Miriam Hoskins, and her brother -in-law, Albert Hoskins.

Dolores will be missed by all who knew her and especially her neighbors.

Private services will be held, and burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery 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 Dolores Wittmer.

10/10/2025

Janet Winnifred Hendrickson Klein, 104 of Mount Pleasant passed away on October 7, 2025, at Park Place of Mount Pleasant.

Janet was born on February 7, 1921, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of the late J W and Rubye (Lee) Hendrickson. She lived in Gladwin before moving to Richland, Iowa. On August 9, 1939, she eloped to Palmyra, Missouri to marry Frank V. Klein. They met while attending Parsons College in Fairfield. Frank and Janet lived in Fort Madison for 49 years before his death in 1988.

Janet was instrumental in starting a school in Fort Madison for special needs children, while serving on the Lee County School Board from 1956-1957, being the first elected woman to hold the position.

She loved to tat, crochet, quilt and sew. She loved gardening and after her husband retired, they moved to the country near Donnellson where they took up golfing after many years of working and raising a family.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Bryan (Rose Ann) Klein, of Rockvale, Tennessee, and Jack (Cathy) Klein, of Mission, Texas, her grandchildren, Sylvia, Sherri, Kurt, Beth, Todd, Kelly and Eric, her great grandchildren, Lisa, Matthew, Brittany, Jacob, Adina, Nicolas, Taylor, Tila, Antonio, Connor, Noah, Logan, Lucas, Emma and Raquel and her great-great grandchildren, Christian, Raylynn, Remi, Lilly, Katelyn, Lucious, Melody, C**t, Luke, Lilith, Jack and Charlotte and one great-great-great granddaughter, Kinsley along with her two sisters, Lugene Krieger, of Winfield and Catherine Betty, of Fairfield.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank, one brother, George, one sister Wanda and twin daughters, Sally and Susan and daughter, Janet Kay.

Janet's family will host a Celebration of life service on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Court Fischer officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice in her memory.

10/10/2025

Marissa Elizabeth Tanner, 38, of Mt. Pleasant passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after a single vehicle car crash with her dog.

Marissa was born on February 6, 1987, in Westerville, Ohio, the daughter of Mark Tanner and Kelly Kyde. Marissa was known for her colorful style, artistic talent and boundless love for all of God’s animals. Marissa attended Columbus School for Girls and graduated from Watkins Memorial High School in Columbus, Ohio before relocating to Iowa. She worked at All God’s Creatures and Big Dogs Tattoos, both of Mount Pleasant.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Kelly and Michael Kyde, her son, Phoenix Pettry and her daughters, Alicea Novak and Harley Venn. As well as countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Marissa is preceded in death by her brother, Luke Kenneth Tanner, and her maternal grandparents, John Joseph Derfler and Delphia Conley Derfler, paternal grandparents, Kenneth Tanner and Martha Tomcho Tanner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday October 14, 2025, at 10:30 am at the Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 S. Jackson Street Mount Pleasant, with Father Ross Epping celebrating the mass.

Memorials may be directed to the Heartland Humane Society 314 Fox and Sauk Rd PO Box 1149 Ottumwa, Iowa, 52501 and to All God's Creatures 2205 East Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

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

10/06/2025

Leland Max Diers, 89, of Farfield and formerly of Lockridge passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Jefferson County Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Lee was born on April 30, 1936, in Jefferson County, the son of Fred Henry and Effie (Marshall) Diers. He grew up on the family farm in Lockridge and graduated from Lockridge High School with the class of 1955. It was there that Leland’s lifelong love for farming and the outdoors began. After his graduation he was drafted into the United States Army in 1959. He served his country bravely and was honorably discharged in 1962. Leland worked for Rauscher Seed House, Dexter Company and later for Chain and Cable. Eventually, Leland dedicated himself to farming full time, cultivating row crops and raising livestock. Farming was not just a profession for Leland, but a true passion that brought him great joy throughout his life. He was united in marriage to Sue Ann Fry on November 27, 1971, at the United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage filled with love and laughter. He had the wonderful gift of being able to fix anything, loved to tinker and loved to play pranks and tease people. Throughout his life he was always there to help his neighbors regardless of what he was doing. Leland was an Americana Seeds dealer for several years. He later began to work at Graber Services in Lockridge. In April of 2015, he and Sue moved to Fairfield. He was a member of the United Life Community Church of Fairfield.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife Sue, and his children, Tim (Angie) Diers and Ted (Kandi) Diers, and his beloved grandchildren, Edith, Gabby, Ruby and Adeline.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Royal Fredrick Diers, one in infancy and Eugene Diers.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the United Life Community Church in Fairfield with Pastor George King officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. Following the service at the cemetery the family will receive friends at the church for a time of food and fellowship. A memorial has been established in his memory to the United Life Community 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 Leland Diers.

09/28/2025

Emma May Watson, 99, of rural Lockridge, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home.

May was born on September 19, 1926, in Henry County, the daughter of Archie W. and Pansey E. (Rudd) Haines. May was united in marriage to Albert John Douglas on March 3, 1945, in Iowa City. After his death she married William L. “Bill” Watson on February 1, 1972, in Lockridge. He preceded her in death on June 22, 2017.

May was known for her dancing and especially her calling of square dances. May was a hardworking woman, helping alongside her husbands on the farm and was always there to help anyone who needed some extra help. She was a great cook and enjoyed Bluegrass music. Throughout her life she was able to travel and enjoyed trips to Canada. May was a mother, grandmother and friend to many different people. May was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and was a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church.

Those thankful for sharing her life include her children, Richard (Mary) Douglas, Jacque (Randy) Riehm, Rhuie (Craig) Ryan, Sharon Krieger and Karen (Larry) Anderson, her beloved grandchildren, Amanda, Eric, Devon, Emma, Molly, Connor, Leslie, Megan Jason, Mickey, Samantha, Jim, and Lamont, along with several greatgrandchildren and great greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Pansey Haines, her husbands, Albert Douglas and William Watson, her brothers and sisters, Edward A Haines, Ernest W. Haines, Lola E. Douglas and Violetta Haines.

A Celebration of May’s life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lockridge Baptist Church with Words of Comfort by Jeff Murphy. Burial will follow in the Lockridge Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Every Step Hospice, Lockridge Baptist Church, Lockridge Cemetery or the Lockridge Fire and Rescue 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 May Watson.

09/08/2025

William Ray “Bill” Nichols, 85, of rural Lockridge went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 5, 2025, at his home.

Bill was born on September 13, 1939, in Ollie the son of Lawrence Henry and Bertha Ann (Calhoun) Nichols. Bill was united in marriage to Mary Sue Brecht on November 23, 1979. Bill was a professional over the road truck driver for Heatilator and later for Hearth and Home of Mount Pleasant for 31 years. Bill was a kindhearted, patient and quiet man who was always willing to help anyone. He was a master gardener who raised large gardens and gave lots of it away to many different people. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was avid Pittsburg Steelers and Pittsburg Pirates fan. Above all else Bill had a strong faith in God and that helped him through his life. Bill attended the Lockridge Baptist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in Bill’s life include his wife, Mary Sue of 46 years, his children, Russ (Diana) Nichols, of Williamsburg, Terry Beauchamp, of Winfield, Lori (Tim) Martin, of Lexington Park, Maryland, Curt (Beth) Krieger, of Mount Pleasant, Mark (Susan) Brecht, of Olds and Susan (Dr. Patrick) Graham, of Lockridge, his grandchildren, Jordon (Aimee) Hendrickson, of Ames, Nate (Amanda) Beauchamp, of Mount Pleasant and Asa Beauchamp, of Brighton and 4 great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lawerence, Ellis and Robert and his sister, Erma Jean Green, a grandson, Michael Beauchamp and a son-in-law, Mark Beauchamp.

According to his wishes no services will be held and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the EveryStep Hospice of Mount Pleasant and may be mailed to the family at 3379 230th Street, Lockridge, Iowa 52635.

09/07/2025

Phyllis A. Nicholson, 84, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the New London Specialty Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was born on June 26, 1941, in Washington, the oldest of three children of Arnold L. and Edith E. (Steele) Nicholson. Phyllis was united in marriage to Terry Monroe Parker and from this union four children were born, Vickie, Kimmy, Terry and Lisa. She graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a degree in education. She began her career teaching second grade in Brighton and later in Washington. She retired after 30 years with the Washington Community School District. After her retirement she never gave up teaching, as always to help some young person who needed some extra help.

She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing scrabble, and crocheting. She made a blanket for all her grandchildren. Phyllis had a gift of always being a friend to everyone, a caring heart and a smile regardless of how she felt. Phyllis was a member of the Finley Chapel United Methodist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Vickie Ann Parker, of Prineville, Oregon, Kimmy Sue (Jim) Mortimer of Arapahoe, Wyoming, Terry Edward (Teri) Parker of Springfield, Missouri and Lisa Kay (Bruce) Parker-Gholson of New London, 18 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, her brother, Richard (Diane) Nicholson of Mount Pleasant and her sister, Kathleen (Randy) Fox of Waxham, North Carolina, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Donnie Mortimer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lindsey Ford officiating. Burial will follow in the Finley Cemtery. A memorial has been established to the Finley Cemetery Association in her memory.

08/26/2025

Paula Sue (Ludwig) Hamlin, 68, of Hillsboro passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at her home.

On April 7, 1957, Patricia A. Petrie gave birth to this force of nature in Des Moines, Iowa. William F. Ludwig, Jr., soon thereafter became her father. From almost the beginning of her life, Paula was an avid outdoor enthusiast. She was mostly at home in the forest, navigating creeks and hollows. She was the queen of morel mushroom hunting. If she came to your potluck, you knew she’d bring a “mess of shrooms” much to everyone’s delight. She enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming, big bonfires and creating beautiful works of natural beauty in her personal space with flowers and plants. The hummingbirds loved her yard. She often reminisced about a canoe trip with her children and grandchildren at Current River, Missouri. Paula would have thrived living off the grid and dreamed of living in a log cabin in the forest. She worked and played hard. She mowed lawns and did odd jobs for local elderly residents of Hillsboro. She detasseled corn for many years and worked several years for Hawkeye Steel in Houghton and later Heatilator in Mount Pleasant for 18 years.

Family was very important to Paula. She remained close to her parents and their extended families throughout their lives. She desperately missed the larger family gatherings so common during the time they were still living. Paula was a very independent woman. She lived as life paled to none and lived each day to the fullest and didn’t look back. She cherished every sunrise, sunset and full moon she witnessed. Often, she photographed those that took her breath away. One with nature is a phrase that is synonymous with Paula’s personality. She’ll be smiling from beyond when she sees you enjoying them.

Paula’s children remained in Iowa, making it possible for many memories to be made. She is survived by her children which were the love of her life, Jaime W. (Mallery) Ludwig, Ricky D. Counts, Jr., both of Hillsboro, Brishen W.D. Counts, of Kalona and Bobbie Jo (Patrick) Fox of Mount Pleasant. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, her sisters, Debra Ludwig of Ainsworth and Tammy Pichardo, of Lone Tree and her brother, Gregory Ludwig of Grundy Center, along with many nieces and nephews. Paula was thankful for the time she had with each of them.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild.

A private family service will be held and burial will be in the Hillsboro Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

08/25/2025

Arlene A. Bonar, 89, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Burlington and Fort Madison passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, August 23, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center.

Arlene was born on August 28, 1935, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Sophie (Beine) Henschen. The family later moved to Fort Madison where she was a student at Sacred Heart Elementary School and Central Catholic High School. She was involved in many clubs and organizations. Arlene was a cheerleader and was the homecoming queen of 1953.

Arlene was united in marriage to Robert Dean “Bob” Bonar on August 19, 1953, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ft. Madison. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2014. She worked at Sheaffer Pen in the office. In 1959, they moved to Burlington, there she was a stay at home mom. She always said her greatest accomplishments and joy were her children. She never missed a football or basketball game or school function.

In 1976 they moved to Mount Pleasant, and she decided to go back to work. Starting at Martha Browns, then moving to Spurgeons Department Store where she was one of the “Candy Ladies.” Arlene loved watching the Iowa Hawkeye Basketball games with her sons and son-in-law, her sense of humor always kept us guessing. Arlene was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church along with the Altar and Rosary Society.

Arlene will be missed by her children, Pam (Tom) Tipton, Steve (Jackie) Bonar, and Scott (Leigh Weisshaupt) Bonar, her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David, Morgan, Chase and Brande and her great-grandsons, Jackson, Nathan, Carter, Miles, Benton and Carter. She was the best mother ever and we all have a hole in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob Bonar, her son, Mike Bonar, her sister, Annette Lockwood, along with many aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. The family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10 until service time. Memorials may be directed in her memory to EveryStep Hospice of Mount Pleasant or to the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Murphy Funeral Home & Monuments

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