Marlene DeRosa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and vibrant pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on September 8, 2025. While her family and many friends feel her absence deeply, her kindness and zest for life fill their hearts with enduring warmth and gratitude.
    Born in Danbury in 1952 to Marvin and Marie Albertsen, sister to Marc, Mary Lu, and Marla, Marlene's "farm girl" roots shone through her life—infusing every day with joy and a generous spirit that never faded —a spirit that would carry her through until her last days. She graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly and then the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy in 1975. Drawn by both opportunity and adventure, she moved to Flagstaff, AZ, in 1979 where she planted deep roots. From founding the physical therapy department at the former Flagstaff Medical Center to leading DeRosa Physical Therapy for forty years, Marlene touched generations, helping families heal and flourish.
    Above all, Marlene treasured her loved ones. She and her devoted husband, Carl, shared forty-nine wonderful years of laughter and partnership. Together, they built a family bound by laughter and affection—their three children, Sara (David), Christopher (Amanda), and Patrick (Haley) were the heart of Marlene's world, and she was both their greatest friend and steadfast "mom." To her grandchildren - Riley, Cooper, Braxton, and Brinley - she was lovingly known as "Noma," always ready with a story, a smile, and encouragement.
    Marlene's magic was most evident with children, where her remarkable talent as a pediatric physical therapist blossomed into lifelong friendships. She inspired and mentored generations of therapists and was recognized by all for her extraordinary love and compassion. Her presence in a room—always full of life, laughter, and warmth—was transformative.
    Her commitment to others extended beyond her professional life. Marlene served as a community leader, supporting organizations such as the Big Sisters Board and Victim Witness Services where her empathy and wisdom touched countless lives.
    Traveling the world fueled her curiosity and joy—she visited over forty countries, celebrating each new tradition and culture with enthusiasm. Of all her travels, her love for European Christmas markets became a cherished yearly ritual, with those visits culminating in a magical finish in New York City—a place she loved dearly.
    Marlene's joyful spirit and the sunshine she brought to everyone's lives will continue to inspire those who knew her. Because of her, we are reminded to live generously, hold family and friends close, and nurture the communities we cherish. Her laughter, her boundless love, and her uplifting spirit will be forever treasured.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of northern Arizona in remembrance of her life and love.

    Duane Donald Ruchti, 75, of Mapletonm beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the Dunlap Specialty Care Center in Dunlap. .
    A Funeral Service with a visitation was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton. Celebrant Mr. Jared K. Phillips Zobel officiated. Committal Services followed in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Born on January 6, 1950, in Mapleton, Duane was the son of Cornelius and Meta (Hauschildt) Ruchti. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Mapleton and attended school in the Maple Valley Community School District.
    From an early age, Duane demonstrated a natural talent for fixing and building things. He built a career as a skilled mechanic and over-the-road truck driver, always willing to get his hands dirty to solve a problem or lend a hand.
    In the 1980s, Duane married Penny (Sami) Crawford. Together, they built a life centered around family, raising three children: Tara, Jason, and Anea. Their hearts led them to open their home to many foster children over the years, welcoming each one with love and care. Among them, two honorary daughters, Torrie and Mindy, became lasting members of their extended family.
    Duane was a master tinkerer. Whether he was repairing engines, crafting custom neon and billboard signs, or restoring his cherished project cars: a 1929 Ford Coupe and a 1969 Chevy Impala. Duane's passion for mechanics and craftsmanship lives on in his children, to whom he proudly passed down his knowledge and skills.
    He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: Sunday family dinners, laughter-filled reunions, playing horseshoes, cooking one of "Dad's specialties," and the cherished chaos of "The Bouncy House" a memory known best by those who shared it. Above all, Duane treasured the time spent with his family and making memories that will be held close by all who knew him.
    Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tara (Pete) Wright of Onawa, Jason (Tammy) Ruchti of Mapleton, and Anea Ruchti of IL; grandchildren: Zoee Vanderweide, Drake Ruchti, Aiden Ruchti, Samantha Burgess, Dexter Davis, Justin Wright, Gregory Wright, Sami Jo Wright, Ayla Ruchti, Jordon Eviglo, Dovie Eviglo, Isabelle Eviglo, Joslyn Eviglo, Lasasha Eviglo, Madisyn Dunagan, Jessi Zimmerman, Tommy Zimmerman, and Austin Zimmerman; great grandchildren: Kamari Eviglo, Avery Vanderweide, Kevin Vanderweide, Ellie Burgess, Easton Burgess, Aubree Wright, Finley Davis, and (Myles Wright on the way); brother Bruce Ruchti of Mapleton, Jeff Ruchti of Swiss Home, OR, Deanna Lawson of Mapleton, and Donna Myers of Whiting; extended family and friends.
    Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Meta Ruchti; brothers Denny (Kum "Becky" Cha Pak) Ruchti, Larry (Judy) Ruchti, Leon Ruchti, and Mark Ruchti; brothers-in-law Albert Lawson and Lloyd "Shorty" Myers, Sr.; sister Cheryl Ruchti (in infancy), and ex-wife Penny (Sami) Anderson.

    Dale Leroy Hunwardsen, age 89, of Anthon, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Accura Healthcare of Cherokee.
    Private Family Services will be held at the Anthon Community Methodist Church of Anthon. Lay Minister Shirley Nelson will officiate. Committal Services will be held in the Oak Hill Cemetery of Anthon with Military Rites conducted by the McNiff Post No. 389 of the American Legion of Anthon.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Dale Leroy Hunwardsen, the son of Otto and Ella (Christophersen) Hunwardsen was born on January 18, 1936, in Danbury. He grew up in the Cushing-Correctionville area and graduated from Correctionville High School in 1955. After high school, Dale entered the work force before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.
    On November 27, 1955, Dale married the love of his life, Rosalie "Rosie" Clark, in the United Methodist Church of Washta. The couple moved to Amarillo, TX, where Dale was stationed on an Air Force base. They were blessed with four children: David, Kevin, Michael, and Michelle "Shelley".
    After receiving his honorable discharge from the service in 1961, the family settled in Sioux City where Dale began working as a tank wagon driver for Standard Oil Company. In 1966, they made their home in Anthon where Dale continued his tank wagon route until retiring in 1997. He also found great fulfillment in driving a school bus route for 31 years with the Anthon-Oto Schools and later the MVAO School District. In 2017, he completed his final route, treasuring the memories of the many students' lives he touched throughout those years.
    Dale was an active member of the Anthon Community Methodist Church. He enjoyed watching Westerns and sports with football being his favorite. He was always eager to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Dale had a fondness for motorcycles and cars; he loved taking off in the car on vacations. Above all, Dale cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
    Left to cherish his memory include children David (Pam) Hunwardsen of Gladstone, MO, Kevin Hunwardsen of Correctionville, and Shelley Boggs of Anthon; grandchildren Erica (Chris) Somsky, Nicholas Boggs, Nathan (Rachel) Boggs, Dillon (Heather) Hunwardsen, Alyssa (Seth) Goslar, and Josh Moore; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Lois Gotliebson of Colfax, WI; sisters-in-law Mary Hunwardsen of Kingsley and JoAnn Hunwardsen of Galt, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, as well as extended family and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Ella Hunwardsen; his wife of 62 years Rosalie Hunwardsen; son Michael Hunwardsen; son-in-law Jerry Boggs; granddaughter Sheri Moore; sister Vera (Burdette) Lorenzen; brothers Earl, Roy "Butch" (Janice), and Gary Hunwardsen; in-laws Roger and Kathryn Clark; and brother-in-law Gaylon Gotliebson.

    Grace E. Ford, age 88, of Mapleton passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Maple Heights Nursing Home of Mapleton.
    A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. John's United Methodist Church of Mapleton. Pastor Nikki Ahart will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Grant Township Cemetery of rural Rodney.
    Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. John's United Methodist Church of Mapleton.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Grace Ellen Ford was born on March 19, 1937, in Steelville, MO, the youngest of twelve children of Georgan and Rosa (Waugh) Gilmore. Sadly, she lost her mother when she was just two years old and her father when she was eight. Grace was lovingly raised by her siblings and went on to attend Cocoa High School where she graduated with the Class of 1954.
    In 1954, Grace met the love of her life, Jack Ford, who was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Cocoa, FL. The couple was married on July 31, 1954. Grace lived with Jack's parents in Rodney until his honorable discharge from the service in 1955. The couple called Mapleton their forever home where they raised their six children: Steve, Terri, Vicki, Cathy, Sandy, and Diane.
    In her younger days, Grace enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. She was active in church activities, ceramics, bowling league, and served as a Boy Scout leader. The family enjoyed taking summer vacations to Missouri and Florida to visit Grace's siblings. Grace and Jack enjoyed square dancing and motorcycle rides with their Thursday night bike club. When the children had all grown, Grace worked at Van's and Ben Franklin and was fondly known as the local Avon lady.
    In December 2021, the couple moved into Maple Heights Nursing Home together. They shared 70 wonderful years of marriage until Jack's passing in August 2024. Grace was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She found joy in the time spent with her loved ones and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
    Left to cherish her memory include daughters Terri (Louis C.) Reed of Castana, Vicki (Don) Dorn of Sioux City, Sandy Gripp of Sioux City, and Diane (Dean) Lansink of Danbury; daughter-in-law Joan Ford (Daryl Ingram) of Mapleton; son-in-law Les Rodenburg of Mapleton; 13 grandchildren: Nikki Ford, Kyle Ford, Louis P. (Mindi) Reed, Renae (Adam) Nichols, Clint Dorn, Lexy (Ken) Deemer, Nathan Rodenburg, Clayton Gripp, Darren Gripp, Austin Gripp, Mikayla (Tanner) DeVries, Brenna Lansink, and Collin Lansink; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws Gwen Gilmore and Verna Gilmore; and extended family and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents Georgan and Rosa Gilmore; son Steve Ford; daughter Cathy Rodenburg; in-laws Lee and Wanda Ford; seven brothers and four sisters; and many other extended family.