Local News

Gowrie - Robert C. Craigmile, 89, passed away Thursday August 6, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held 10:30 AM Tuesday August 11, 2026, at First United Church, Farnhamville with Pastor Kay Christie officiating. Burial followed at Gowrie Township Cemetery. There was a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday August 10, 2026, at Laufersweiler Palmer Funeral Home in Gowrie.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Diana Craigmile of Fairview Park, Ohio, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including, Mary Jane Martinez, Mario Martinez, and Elena Mallett.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Nyra Craigmile, parents, Edwin and Nina Craigmile, biological parents, Edward and Alvena Williamson, brothers, Clark Williamson, LaVerne Williamson, Roger Williamson, and Boyd Williamson.

Robert C. Craigmile was born on December 24, 1936, in Independence, IA, and graduated from Farnhamville High School. He went on to attend Simpson College and graduated with his accounting degree. He was employed with Stokely/VanCamp for 10 years. Bob returned to the Farnhamville area to farm. On July 21, 1972, he was united in marriage to Nyra Roe in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple established their farm in Farnhamville and Gowrie area. Retiring to Gowrie in 2002. He was a member of First United Church, Farm Bureau, and Jaycees.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Callender - Sonja L. Bloomquist, 83, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Callender, with Pastor Greg Stano and Deb Stano officiating. Burial will be in Callender Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home in Gowrie.

Sonja is survived by her daughters Heather (Mark) Applegate of Fort Dodge, Heidi Geisler (Wesley Beyers) of Churdan, grandchildren, Jeff (Kristal) Luft, Grace Geisler (Adam Bauer), Jacob Geisler, Boden Bright, Jordyn Luft, Cobey Applegate, siblings, Janiece Piltingsrud of Fairfield, Douglas (Mary Kay) Piltingsrud of Eyota, MN, Paul Piltingsrud of Gowrie, Priscilla (Steve) Jerome of Lehigh, and many nieces and nephews.

Sonja is preceded in death by her husband Mickey, and parents, Howard and Margaret (Hunter) Piltingsrud.

Sonja L. Piltingsrud was born on March 2, 1943, in Lake City and graduated from Prairie View in 1961. After high school, she attended and graduated from Spencer School of Beauty. She was united in marriage to Dean Swenson on November 22, 1963, at Callender, and they later divorced. Sonja owned and operated The Coiffure Shop in Callender for many years. On October 9, 2004, she was united in marriage to Mickey Bloomquist. They established their home in the Callender area. Sonja was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Callender and was a very active parishioner, especially enjoying the church Bazaars, sewing days, and lefse making. She was baptized on April 11, 1943, and was confirmed on June 8, 1958.

Sonja had many different jobs throughout the years, but she found the most joy in the simple things-taking care of her cows on the farm, tending to her garden, and flowers, most of all sewing. Sonja made dresses for Heather and Heidi’s weddings and prom dresses as well as other special occasions. She poured so much love and creativity into everything she made. She truly loved dressing up and had such a flair for clothing and fashion. She also had a wonderful eye for interior design. Her sense of style and creativity were evident in everything she did. Above all, she was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and loved watching them grow, succeed, and become the people they are today.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Richard A. “Dick” Learned, 90

Gowrie - Richard A. “Dick” Learned, 90, passed away, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Friendship Haven. He donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.

A come-and-go celebration of life and visitation with a light meal will be held on (PLEASE NOTE DATE) Saturday, October 17, 2026, at United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Gowrie from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard was born on September 15, 1935, in a farmhouse in Sandy Pond, NY to Edgar and Matilda (Harms) Learned. “Little Dickie” was the youngest of six children. He lived in several towns, calling Syracuse, NY his home. He joined the US Marine Corps Reserve in 1952, moving to active duty in 1956, where he was stationed in Hawaii for two years. During this time, his company was enlisted to be extras in the movie “South Pacific”. Dick was especially excited to meet Mitzi Gaynor. In 1958, he met and married his long-time pen pal, Kay Otto, and the couple established their home in Gowrie. They were together for 61 years until Kay’s passing in 2020.

Also preceding Dick in death are his parents, Edgar and Matilda Learned; siblings, Doris, Bettie, Edgar, Howard, and Robert.

Dick is survived by his children, Crystal (Mike) Wilks of Gowrie, Cathy (Rick) Miller of Gowrie, Caryl (Dean) Cleveland of Badger, Carrie (Bergan) Dalley of Gowrie, Charles Learned of Fort Dodge, 12 grandchildren, Tanner, Bryant, Emily, Nick, Tyler, Kyle, Skyler, Heather, Abby, Jameric, Nina, and Izzy, 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Judy Allgood, and his beloved cat, Socks.

Memorials may be left to The Shriners Hospitals for Children.