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.

William “Bill” James Richman, Sr 87William “Bill” James Richman, Sr 87 of San Benito, TX passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at his home. Memorial services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church with Minister Beth Carion officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 am Wednesday at the church until the time of service. Burial will be at the Humeston Cemetery, Humeston, Iowa at a later date.  

Bill is survived by his wife Gail, sons Jim (Laura) Richman of Fort Dodge, Jerry (Nancy) Richman of Barnum, stepsons Terry (Barb) Wingerson and Tracy Wingerson of Fort Dodge, stepdaughter Tammy (Bob) Coiner of Marion. He had 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great-granddaughter, sisters Jean Larson of Gowrie and Karol (Tom) Nordstrom of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Oneda Mae (Roe) Richman, aunt/mother Clela Fern Richman, sons Jay Richman, Joel Richman, and stepson Tim Wingerson.

William James Richman Sr. was born August 13, 1938 on his grandparent’s farm near Humeston, Iowa. Bill spent many summers on his grandparent’s family farm. He grew up in southern Iowa, graduating from Numa High School in 1956. On April 25, 1980 he was united in marriage to Gail Wingerson in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Bill was the owner/operator of Richman Seamless Gutter Service in Fort Dodge for several years. He loved hunting and fishing before retirement. After retiring he loved spending time with family and friends. He loved traveling, playing games, and was an awesome craftsman. He will be missed by many.

Jennifer Sue Sorenson Morrill, aged 80, went to be home with the Lord on March 4, 2026, after a long health battle. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep, on her birthday. Being with her Lord and Savior Jesus - what a wonderful birthday present for her.

She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and grew up on a farm with her three sisters. She later graduated from Luther College in Iowa, where she met her future husband, Bill Saetveit. They married in 1968, moved to Indiana, and then to Denver, Colorado.

Jennifer was a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful daughters, Amy and Stacy. She then eventually worked as an Administrative Professional in the Pulmonary Division at the University of Colorado Medical Center. 

She is survived by her two daughters: Amy and Stacy; her four grandchildren: Logan, Blake, Simon and Alex; her two sisters: Jeri Peffer and Jane Mosher; and many other loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Bethel Sorenson, and her sister Judy Sorenson Paski.

Jennifer enjoyed time with family, traveling, sewing, painting, and other crafts, and loved shopping on QVC!

The family will be having a small, private service, and thanks you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.

If so led, those wishing to honor Jennifer’s life can make a donation to the Alzheimer’s research organization of their choice.