Obituary

In Loving Memory Dennis “Denny” Miller, age 73, of Schaller, Iowa, died Friday, October 4, 2024 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska.

Funeral services will take place Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in SCHALLER. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

Dennis Miller was born March 9, 1951 to Rex and Adelyn (Lindquist) Miller in Lake City, Iowa. He grew up on a dairy farm outside of Harcourt, Iowa and was very involved in 4H and the National Dairy Congress, showing livestock & winning awards at county & state fairs. He graduated from Gowrie High School in 1969 and attended Buena Vista University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1974.

On August 19, 1973, Denny was united in marriage to Darla Fitzsenry at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: Josh and Leah. 

Denny started teaching in Russell, Iowa right after graduation from college. After two years, he took over the High School Band at Ida Grove, Iowa. After four years, he left education and tried his hand in the Crop Insurance business. He returned to teaching in 1982 at Schaller, Iowa. After 17 years at Schaller, Denny started teaching at Northeast Hamilton in Blairsburg, Iowa. During his first year there, the superintendent asked him to get certification to teach Industrial Technology (Shop). For five years, Denny taught Band and Shop. In 2005, he moved to Central of Fenton, Iowa to take over the Industrial Technology program. In 2007, Denny left education for good, ending a 31 year teaching career. During his teaching career, he worked for 24 summers as a Crop Hail Insurance Adjuster in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. After he left teaching, he worked at C&K Heating Inc. in Ames. He was a Service Technician, Salesman, Trainer, and Service Tech Supervisor.

 Denny was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, where he served various offices including Vice President. He was also an honorary member of the Schaller VFW, marching with their HUPTU Squad in local parades and playing taps during military funerals. Denny loved music, especially the Beatles. For 15 years, he played in weekend bands every Friday and Saturday. Denny enjoyed traveling to see his children and grandchildren over the years, with a highlight being his family trip to Disney World in 2017. In his free time, Denny found joy in woodworking and making several gifts for family members. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

 Denny is survived by his wife, Darla Miller of Schaller, Iowa; children: Josh (Lisa) Miller of Washington, D.C.; Leah (Kevin) Allen of Elkridge, Maryland; brother: Dale Miller of Gowrie, Iowa; sister: Lois Brinkman of Lone Tree, Iowa; grandchildren: JD and Andrew Miller; Aiden and Max Allen; sister-in-law: Carol Miller; brother-in-law: Jerry Paullin; siblings in-law: Tamara (Pat) Davis; Dwight Fitzsenry; Janda (David) Radke; many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents: Rex and Adelyn Miller; brother: Lloyd Miller; sister: Margaret Paullin; parents-in-law: Robert and Thelma Fitzsenry; sister-in-law: Patricia Miller; brother-in-law: Martin Brinkman; and brother-in-law: Todd Fitzsenry.Gowrie - Dalbert L. Isom, 91, passed away Tuesday September 24, 2024, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. 

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 AM Saturday September 28, 2024, at United Methodist Church, Gowrie with Rev. Susan Rohden officiating. Burial was in Gowrie Township Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Post #431 of Gowrie. There was a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Laufersweiler, Palmer & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Dalbert is survived by his son, Ed (Janet) Isom of Omaha, NE; daughter Lori Price of Webster City; grandchildren, Brad (Lacy) Isom, Kim Isom, Katie Price, Tyler (Madi) Price, and Ellie Price; and his sister, Lynette Granfield, of Carroll, NE. 

Dalbert is preceded in death by his wife, June, parents, Lynn and Bertha (Voss) Isom, sisters, Marcelyn Jones, and JoAnn Foote, and his brother, Marvin Isom. 

Dalbert L. Isom was born on November 10, 1932, in Wayne County, Nebraska. He graduated from Carroll Nebraska High School at the age of 16 and worked with his father on the farm. Dalbert served in the US Army during the Korea Conflict. He was united in marriage to June Davis on May 9, 1953, in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne Nebraska. Dalbert played on the first baseball team, while attending school. After graduation, he taught around Iowa in Dolliver, Ayrshire, and Gowrie. Dalbert was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gowrie, and the American Legion Peterson Post #431 in Gowrie. 

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Farnhamville - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michele “Luna” Jackson, a vibrant soul who graced this world with her presence in it. Luna, born on February 18, 2007, in Lake City, IA, brought joy to those around her with her love for Minecraft, virtual conversations with friends, and her love for swinging in the park and passion for music. Luna took great pleasure in pampering herself, often frequenting Bath and Body Works for fragrant delights. Her interest in the show Supernatural, combined with her love for Anime, especially the series “Soul Eater,” showcased her unique and inquisitive spirit. Luna was currently a Junior at Southeast Valley High School. 

Tragically, Luna’s light was dimmed on September 22, 2024, a victim of a senseless act of violence. Luna’s untimely departure has left a void in the lives of her loved ones, especially her mother, Annette Jackson and all who knew her. 

Survivors include her mother Annette Jackson of Farnhamville, grandmother Ersel Rushton of Farnhamville, sister Tawny Leib of Baltimore, Maryland, Chey Bachman of Fort Dodge, Shawna Bachman of Farnhamville, half-sister Amanda, several aunts and uncles, and her 2 nephews Kaiden and Logan Leib. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Keith Rushton. 

In honoring Luna’s memory, a Celebration of Luna’s life will be held in the near future. Friends and family are invited to come together to pay their respects and share cherished memories of Luna. Luna’s presence will forever be missed, but her spirit and memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace

Private family services were held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Laufersweiler’s Palmer and Sons Funeral Home in Gowrie. 

Memorials for the family can be mailed to Laufersweiler’s Palmer and Sons Funeral Home 1016 Church Street, PO Box 69 Gowrie, IA 50543. www.laufersweilerfuneralhome.com

Donald Elvin Lewis passed away peacefully in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on August 9th at the age of 89. He was the most successful coach at Prairie High School 1960-1977 where he was at times the athletic director and physical education instructor, and coached basketball, football and track through many winning seasons, and numerous conference and State championships.  

Don is survived by his children who attended Prairie; Mark (class of 1976), Brent (class of 1978), and Becky (class of 1984). Don has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanette (Jan) who passed away in November 2016. 

Don was born on January 22, 1935 to Elvin and Ruth Lewis and grew up on a farm near Terril, IA. There, farm-life shaped his strong work ethic and commitments to achieving his life goals. He graduated from Buena Vista College in 1956 with a degree in Education. He married Jeanette Edelman in 1956. After moving to Garner, IA for his first teaching/coaching job they had their two sons (Mark and Brent). Shortly thereafter (1960) they moved to Gowrie where they welcomed their daughter Becky into the family. 

Don was a highly regarded football player and coach. At Buena Vista, where he played center on their football team, he was named All-American and several times was their Most Valuable Player. Don had try-out offers from the Redskins, Steelers and Colts of the National Football League, but Jan and Don both decided that he couldn’t offered to lose more teeth. So instead, they focused on their future family life. Don was head coach for the first-ever high school football program at Gowrie in 1960, and enjoyed undefeated teams in 1967, 1973 and 1974. He coached basketball for a time, and was the long-time track coach, with teams winning two state championships in 1968 for indoor and outdoor track.

Don was a passionate coach, and a natural leader and teacher. He loved inspiring his students to grow by working hard and improving to the best of their own abilities. Former players and students have commented on how his innate mentorship qualities have positively impacted their lives long after their high school days. Numerous students spanning his teaching career, and dating as far back as the class of 1962, have reached out to Don’s family with their condolences.  

After a brief time coaching football at Wartburg College, Don and Jan moved to Colorado in 1983 to be near his parents. They loved the mountains and the Broncos, but grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of their existence for this last phase of life. No matter how he was feeling, visits from his great-grandchildren brought him huge smiles.

Don’s ashes will be spread alongside Jan’s at their favorite location in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please make donations or volunteer for charitable organizations that focus on helping kids of all ages.