Obituaries

Marilee Peterson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in her home in Aurelia on August 12. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, August 17th, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa, with Rev. Jean Morse officiating. Marilee Elizabeth (Dorr) Peterson was…

Linda Lou (Burns) Ruschmann, 74, died peacefully in her sleep, with her son, Brandon, by her side, on August 9, 2022 in Cherokee, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As the beloved matriarch of her close-knit family, Linda will be lovingly remembered by her son Brandon,…

Norma Marie Olhausen, the daughter of Oscar and Astrid (Roseen) Klingborg, was born March 24, 1933, in Cleghorn, IA. Her childhood years were spent in Quimby where she attended and graduated from Quimby High School. Following her schooling, she worked at the telephone company for a short time.…

 Jeanine Valentine, the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Thompson) Struck was born October 13, 1938, in Spencer, IA. Her childhood years were spent in the Truesdale/Webb, IA area where she attended school. She attended Storm Lake St.Mary’s School her senior year where she played…

Val Dean Koch, 89, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022 surrounded by family.   Val Dean was born on June 18, 1933, in Norfolk, NE, to Mildred (Albers) and Fred Koch. Val Dean graduated from Aurelia High School in 1952. Following graduation, he traveled to Washington DC…

Steven Wayne Sones was born on January 5, 1951 in Cherokee, IA to Luella (Sexton) Brandt. He graduated in 1969 from Pocahontas High School. He was a star athlete in school, excelling in track, baseball, football, and wrestling. He ran on the State 1st place 440 yard relay team. Steve was drafted…

Michael Leon Mitchell, the son of Ira and Deloris (Hackett) Mitchell, was born October 12, 1954, in Cherokee, IA. His childhood years were spent primarily in the Quimby and Washta, IA area where he attended school. He graduated from Willow High School in 1973. He then enlisted in the United States…

 Stanley “Stan” E. Sherkenbach, 84, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 10th, 2022, at Care Initiatives in Cherokee, Iowa, following declining health.  Stan was born on November 18, 1937, to Ernst “Ernie” and Alta Sherkenbach.  He spent his…

Robert “Bob” Allen Kirchner, the son of Harry and Anna Mae (Davis) Kirchner, was born September 9, 1960, in Mapleton, IA. His childhood years were spent in Quimby, IA, where he attended school and graduated from Willow High School. After high school, he worked at Simonsen’s Mill…

 Beulah Mae Zimmer, the daughter of Irl and Jennie (Olson) Creswell, was born November 15, 1930, in Boyden, IA. Her childhood years were spent in Boyden where she attended school and graduated from Boyden High School.  After school she moved to Oregon where she did bookkeeping and…

Doris Edna McNeeley, the daughter of Lincoln and Edna (Nohrenberg) McCormick, was born September 13, 1943, in Paynesville, MN. Her family moved to Graettinger, IA, Gruver, IA, before settling in Estherville, IA, where she received her education. After school, she worked at PG Gray’s chicken…

Donald "Don" Jon Wickenhagen, 66, of Hospers, Iowa passed away June 23, 2022 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota after a courageous battle with cancer.   Don was born November 20, 1955 in Cherokee, Iowa and grew up on a farm near Meriden, Iowa. He was an avid firearms expert and…

Donald “Don” Lewis McLaughlin, 69, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2022 in his home in Davenport, IA. Don was born on July 19, 1952 in Cherokee, IA to parents William “Bill” and Verna (Mueller) McLaughlin. He attended high school in Cherokee and worked at the family…

Sharon “Sherry” Lee Held lived a full life of 88 years which was filled with family, friends and music.  She loved each day and looked forward to it rain or shine. Sherry L. Taylor was born in a home in Kansas City, MO on February 6, 1934.  On February 23, 1934, George and…

Frances Ann Rupp, born April 28, 1934, died peacefully in her sleep Saturday afternoon, June 25th, 2022, at her apartment at the Gardens Assisted Living Program. A lifetime resident of Cherokee, she attended Maryhill Country school and graduated from Quimby High School in 1952. She married Richard…

Shirley D. Roese, the daughter of Orville and Lillian (Andrews) Hinrichs, was born on February 28, 1934, in Pomeroy, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Mission Covenant Church in Pomeroy. Her childhood years were spent on the farm where she attended country school through 8th grade. She then…