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

12/18/2025

Lynn Thomas Woodruff, 79, of Salem passed away on Saturday,
December 13, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

No service will be held at this time and cremation has been
entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home 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 Lynn Woodruff.

12/13/2025

Roger Dean Ford, 85, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at his home.

Roger was born on December 30, 1939, west of Mount Pleasant on the family farm to Warren E. and Flora (Collins) Ford. He attended the Pleasant Point School and later joined the United States Air Force. After he returned from the Air Force, Roger lived in Colorado where he was united in marriage to Brenda Cureton on April 9, 1966, in Broomfield, Colorado. From this union three children were born, Rick, Becky and Ryan. They moved back to the Oakland Mills community and Roger was employed by the State of Iowa Mental Health Institute for a number of years before moving to Hood River, Oregon. While he lived there, he worked for the Hood River County Courthouse. In 1991, Roger moved back to Mount Pleasant where he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department until he retired.

He enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time taking care of things on his acreage and his cattle. He always had a great sense of humor and was a devoted father. Roger met Janet Davis in 2009 and began a long-devoted friendship that led to marriage on January 1, 2023, and they spent sixteen years enjoying life together.

Those who are grateful for sharing in his life include his wife, Janet, of Mount Pleasant, his children, Rick (Susie) Ford of Wayland, Becky (Terry) Waddell of New London and Ryan (Dayna) Ford of Mount Pleasant, his grandchildren, Shanae (Adam) Condreay, Ashley (Travis) Bricker, Tiffany Ford (Travis Baker), Sawyer Burden, Chris (Shantel) Ford, Tucker Burden, Kelci Ford (Justin Carr), Brandy Bloom, Rheanna Peterson (Rocco Russo), twenty-five great grandchildren, Makynna, Xander, Bentyn, Keilan, Kinzley, Tegan, Tia, Micah, Kenadie, Briyele, Beckham, Kaiser, Leah, Naiya, Hadley, Remy, Ralyn, Lincoln, Behnsen, Blayklee, Layla, Eli, Bianca, Ophelia, & Gianna and one great great-grandchild, Jackson, his step-children, Todd (Teri) Davis of Tipton, Tresha (Mark) Schroeder of Mesa, Arizona and Tim (Pam) Davis of Long Grove, Iowa, his step-grandchildren, Levi Davis, Amanda Workman, Zach Davis, Jayden Schroeder and Lauren Schroeder and two step great-grandchildren, Ember and Jett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marvin “Butch” Ford and Don Ford.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home and a family burial will be held at the Pleasant Point Cemetery at a later time. Memorials may be directed 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 Roger Ford.

12/12/2025

Michael Ray “Mike” Baxter, 72, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at his home.

Mike was born on September 21, 1953, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of James and Lois (Bauer) Baxter. Mike was united in marriage to Namora Schaefer on May 19, 1984, in Mount Pleasant. Mike owned and operated Green-Co Pest Control Business for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed swimming and boating and drinking beer with friends and family at the cabin. He attracted dogs and kids everywhere he went. Everyone loved Mike.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife of 41 years, Namora, his step-daughter, Sonja (Mike) Ruhland, and his two grandsons, Josiah (Billie) Ruhland and Max Ruhland, along with his brothers and sisters, Jimmie (Donna) Baxter, Joe Baxter, Dianne (Chuck) Sutter, Judy (Denny) Bozarth, Greg Baxter, Lynda (Ron) Crawford, Sherry Nelson, and Brian Baxter, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Jerry Baxter, Raymond Baxter and Randy Baxter, his sister-in-law, Vivian Baxter and his brother-in-law, Mark Chrisinger.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present that evening from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established 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 Mike Baxter.

12/02/2025

Harold W. Swailes, 87, of Olds passed away at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Harold was born on June 4, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in 1956. Harold worked at the Spahn and Rose Lumber Yard in Olds and for several local farmers before he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department as a road grader retiring in 2000 after 38 years. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He always raised a large garden and was proud to give his produce to friends and family. Over the years he has fixed many bikes for the local kids in town. He enjoyed woodworking. Most Saturday nights you would find him at the car races. Harold enjoyed spending time with his friend’s drinking coffee at the Saint Avenue Stop and most importantly spending time with his family.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Artie (Cami) Swailes of Sioux City and Treasa Swailes of Washington, his daughter-in-law, Sherry Swailes of West Chester, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsey, Kenny, Alixzandra, Gabrielle and William, his great grandchildren, Kayden, Kellyn, Kemsley, Carver, Trey, Berkley, Imari, Malachi, Sophya, Athena, Paul and Caleb, his brother, James (Madeline) Swailes of Mount Pleasant and his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Swailes, one grandson, Brandon Swailes, two great grandsons, Isaiah Swailes and Ryan Schafer, his brother, Robert Arthur Swailes and a brother-in-law, Dave Farley.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa SIDS Foundation or to Hospice Compassus 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 Harold Swailes.

11/30/2025

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate a very special person today.

11/26/2025

Richard Lewis (Rick) Van Winkle, 76, of Mount Pleasant, entered heaven on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City.

Rick was born on June 30, 1949, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Lewis M. and Hazel M. (Heise) Van Winkle. He grew up on a farm four miles west of Houghton. He attended the Hillsboro Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized.
Rick attended Hillsboro Elementary and Harmony Community Schools before moving to Burlington, where he graduated from Burlington High School in 1967. He entered the United States Army on September 17, 1970. He requested training in electronics and served with the 552nd Military Police Company during the Vietnam War. Rick was honorably discharged on April 20, 1972. He was united in marriage to Becky A. Swailes on February 15, 1975, at Forest Lake Baptist Camp south of Ottumwa.

Rick farmed with his cousin in the Houghton area for a couple of years before moving to Mount Pleasant, where he was employed with Motorola, later Celestica, for over 33 years. He served as director of the Henry County Veterans Affairs Office for six years and was also active in local politics, serving as co-chair of the Henry County Republican Party. He was a member of Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant.

Rick took great joy in his family, especially in the many trips they took together while the boys were young. His grandchildren were a particular delight to him. Rick’s faith in Jesus Christ was of supreme importance in his life and shaped the way he loved and served others.

Rick enjoyed canoeing, wood carving and whittling, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He loved spending time at car shows and cruising in his 1951 Ford, which his grandmother had purchased new. Rick enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was famous for his homemade ice cream and his great-grandma’s coffee cake. He sang in the Happy Memories Group and presented Vietnam War programs in area schools. Rick and Becky were blessed with the opportunity to travel to many places, including Israel, Alaska, and Holland.

Those thankful for sharing in Rick’s life include his wife of 50 years, Becky; his son, Dan (Kira) Van Winkle of Ottumwa; his daughter-in-law, Kristin Van Winkle of Washington; his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Lincoln, Quincy, Grady and Cooper; his sister, Cheryl Bell of Houghton; his brother-in-law, Rex Swailes of Mount Pleasant; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dr. James L. Van Winkle; his brother, Alan Van Winkle; and his brother-in-law, Richard Bell.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant, with Reverend Monte Knudsen officiating. Burial, with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard, will be in Forest Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to Cradle of Hope 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 Van Winkle.

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.

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