Gloria "Jeanne" Meier, age 79, of Danbury passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at her residence of Danbury.
    A Visitation with Rosary and a vigil service were held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury.
    A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury. Father William McCarthy officiated. Committal services followed in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Gloria Jean Meier, the only child of Clarence and Kathleen (Koenig) Osweiler, was born on December 2, 1943, in Fort Dodge. She grew up in Pocahontas and attended Pocahontas Catholic School graduating with the class of 1962. After high school she attended St. Vincent School of Nursing in Sioux City, graduating in 1965 as a Registered Nurse. Gloria began working at the St. Vincent Hospital and for Dr. George Spellman.
    On May 4, 1968, Gloria was united in marriage to Dennis Meier at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas. Dennis was activated with the Army National Guard during the Pueblo Crisis in 1968 and they lived at Fort Carson, CO, for a year and then returned to Danbury. Gloria worked at the Hartley Memorial Hospital in Battle Creek. The couple was blessed with three children: Michael, John, and Julie. Gloria then took a break from health care and worked as a teacher's assistant at Danbury Preschool. In 1994 she began a 22-year career in mental health, working in community support services for Siouxland Mental Health until her retirement in 2016.
    Family was the most important thing in Gloria's life. She treasured time spent with them. She also enjoyed baking, gardening, and canning, and she was a devoted Hawkeye fan.
    Left to cherish her memory include her husband Dennis Meier of Danbury; children: Michael (Ann) Meier of Sioux City, John (Laura) Meier of Missouri Valley, and Julie (Michael) Scott of Plainview, NE; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Stewart of Mapleton; brother-in-law Ralph Kieffer of Andover, MN, special cousins and friends Dr. Neil and Bev Peterson; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Kathleen Osweiler; grandparents; in-laws Philip and Helen Meier; brother-in-law Duane Meier; sister-in-law Phyllis Kieffer; and a special cousin Carol Weiss.

    Michael M. "Mike" Kruse, age 67, of Mapleton passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Unity Point Health - St. Luke's Hospital of Sioux City.
    A Visitation was held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Armstrong – Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton.
    A Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Mapleton. Reverend Nathan Peitsch officiated.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Michael M. "Mike" Kruse was born on December 17, 1955, in Sioux City to Marvin H. and Joyce M. (Bierwirth) Kruse. He grew up on a farm south of Danbury and lived in the area all of his life. Mike was baptized, confirmed, and a life-long member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton. He attended Maple Valley Community School, graduating with the class of 1974.
    Farming had been Mike's passion since he was young. He started his career working with his dad, later farming on his own. Mike had just finished his final harvest using his trusty John Deere combine.
    In 1983 Mike met Sharon Weflen while getting his trucking license. The couple married on January 4, 1988, in Jackson Hole, WY. Mike enjoyed being a long-haul trucker for many years, hauling cattle/hogs, dry freight and Farmland meat to the West Coast.
    As soon as he was able to ride a bike, Mike would escape to local fishing holes with his friends from school. Later he came to love the "big water" on numerous vacations to Akaska, South Dakota and Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, with many good fishing buddies from Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
    Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sharon (Weflen) Kruse of Mapleton; mother Joyce Kruse of Mapleton; sisters Susan Kruse of Mapleton and Brenda (Greg) Wilkins of Missouri Valley; nephews Paul (Beth) Wilkins of Missouri Valley and Clay (Jaiden Buller) Wilkins of Missouri Valley; great niece Maeve Wilkins; brothers-and sisters-in-law Marleen Weflen of Mesa, AZ, Colleen (Don Weber) Weflen of Bismark, ND, Cathy Weflen of Wylie, TX, and Norris Weflen of New Town, ND; aunts Delores Boysen of LeMars, Delores Gosch of Mapleton, and Lucille Kruse of Denison; uncle Bud (Rita) Birwirth of LeMars; and many nieces and nephews-in-law.
    He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Kruse, maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

    Melissa Madeline (Erlemeier) Goodman, age 54, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, with her beloved family at her side in Dallas, TX.
    A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Faith Family Church of Harlan. Rev. Jeff Erlemeier officiated. There will be a celebration of Melissa's life in Dallas, TX, at a future date.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton & Danbury were in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Melissa was born in Sioux City on March 13, 1969, to Roger and Mary Erlemeier. The oldest of six, Melissa grew up on the family farm in Danbury where she was a natural leader and example to her younger siblings. At Maple Valley High School, she was a standout student, a star basketball player, and showed calves with the 4-H Club.
    In fourth grade, Melissa announced she was going to be a lawyer. Her parents immediately bought her a briefcase, and so began her journey to the law. After obtaining an English degree from the University of Iowa, she graduated with honors from Creighton University School of Law, where she was an editor of the law review. In 1994, she moved to Dallas to join Haynes and Boone, LLP.
    Melissa would spend her entire 29-year career at Haynes and Boone, where she became a respected litigation partner and trusted advisor to many clients in complex labor/employment matters. The combination of her sharp intellect, talent, work ethic, and spot-on judgment would propel Melissa to the top of her field, as well as many leadership roles at Haynes and Boone. She chaired the firm's Labor and Employment Practice Group, served on the Board of Directors, and filled the critical role of employment counsel to the firm. A trailblazer for diversity in the legal profession, Melissa generously shared her time and wisdom with countless lawyers at the firm and beyond, many of whom considered Melissa to be one of their most influential mentors and role models.
    Everyone who knew Melissa – whether professionally, through her church, on the running trail or at the gym – was captivated by her magnetic personality, impeccable sense of style, and boundless strength, resilience and optimism. But Melissa saved her greatest gifts for her family. She met the love of her life, John Goodman, at the North Church in 1995, and together they raised two wonderful girls, Jordyn (23) and Kate (19), who were Melissa's greatest pride and joy. Nothing mattered more to Melissa than her faith and her family – those defined her above all. She held fast to family traditions throughout her life, including cherished twice-yearly reunions in Iowa with her large, devoted family.
    Melissa is survived by her husband, John Goodman and their daughters Jordyn Goodman and Kate Goodman of Dallas, TX; father Roger Erlemeier (Joyce) of Harlan; siblings Sue Rosener (Brian) of Sioux City, Dan Erlemeier (Denine) of Lincoln, NE, Jeff Erlemeier (Rebecca) of Harlan, Elizabeth Enke (Todd) of Dakota Dunes, SD, and Thomas Erlemeier (Chrisy) of Johnston; and 20 nieces and nephews.
    Melissa is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Kobernusz Erlemeier.
    For those who would like to make a gift in memory of Melissa, please consider UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now), Faith Presbyterian Hospice (https://www.faithpreshospice.org/support/), or Trinity Christian Academy of Addison, Texas (https://www.trinitychristian.org/give/give-now).

    Robert A. Owens, age 88, of Sarasota, FL (formerly of Mapleton) passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Brookdale Colonial Park of Sarasota, FL.
    A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton.
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal services will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton. Military Rites will be conducted by the Loren Hollister Post No. 496 of the American Legion 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.
    Robert Allen Owens and his twin brother, Raymond, were born in Sioux City to Elizabeth (née Staugaard) and Gustav Owens on April 25, 1935. The twins were welcomed home by their older siblings Gorden, Beverly, and Harold; younger sisters Mary and Dona later completed the family. Robert began his education at St. Clair # 5 walking a quarter mile. After his parents bought a farm west of Ute, he changed school districts to St. Clair # 8 extending his walk to 1.5 miles. Robert attended St. Paul's Lutheran School during the 7th and 8th grades until he was confirmed. He then attended Ute High School, graduating in the class of 1953.
    As a young child, Robert enjoyed watching the passenger trains go past his grandparents' farm wondering where the passengers were from or where they were going. At the age of 19 a U.S. Navy poster promising to show him the world was difficult to resist. His enlistment in the Navy was the beginning of a 26-year adventure which brought him as far north as the Arctic Ocean, as far south as Cape Town, South Africa, through both the Panama and Suez Canals and even 500 feet below the ocean's surface.
    Robert married Edna Kotrola in December 1957. They had five children: daughters Eve (Kevin) and Heidi (Bryan), sons Norman (Rebecca), Andrew (Judie), and David (LeeAnn). The couple later separated.
    Upon retiring from the Navy, Robert continued his education at NTCC in Norfolk, NE, studying building construction, industrial maintenance, as well as certifying to be a commercial and residential electrician. While continuing his education, Robert began working as a sorting clerk at the Norfolk post office learning other positions until becoming the field maintenance technician for smaller post offices in 22 counties in northeast Nebraska.
    On October 11, 1984, Robert and Lou Ann (Hupke Rowan) were married. Through this union, Robert gained four stepchildren: Lisa, Mary, Raymond, and Timothy (Mila). The couple lived in Norfolk while Robert worked for the U.S. Postal Service. In 2001, the couple relocated to Sarasota, FL, in the winter and Mapleton during the summers until they decided to settle in Sarasota year-round.
    Robert traveled to 6 of the 7 continents, 23 countries, all 50 states, and resided in 16 states. After retirement Robert and Lou Ann enjoyed summer time visits with family and friends in Iowa and Nebraska. When they were in the Mapleton area, Robert could not resist the Beef-N-Brew's pan fried chicken or homemade pies.
    Robert was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Gustav Owens; his wife of 37 years Lou Ann; one step-daughter Lisa and her husband Case; his brother Gorden; a sister Beverly; six brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; a sister and brother in infancy; and two nephews.
    Cherishing his memory along with his children are his brothers Harold (Pat) and Raymond; his sisters Mary and Dona; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

    Randall "Randy" Newlon, age 74, of Anthon passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, as the result of an automobile accident.
    A visitation will be held one-hour prior to the mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Anthon.
    A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Anthon with Father Randy Schoen officiating. Committal Services will follow in the Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Anthon. Military Rites will be conducted by the McNiff Post No. 389 of the American Legion of Anthon and the L.A. Wescott VFW Post 2253 of Cherokee.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Randy was born Randall Edward Rasmussen, the son of Bob and Jeanne (Mummert) Rasmussen in Chilicothe, MO, on December 4, 1948. His parents divorced in 1962. Both parents remarried and his stepfather adopted Randy and his siblings, their last name becoming Newlon. The family lived in Colorado until his dad was discharged from the military. They relocated to Fairfield, IA, where his dad attended college and became a history teacher. When he obtained a teaching job in Beaver Dam, WA, the family settled there and this is where Randy attended school. For the first half of his senior year of high school, Randy moved in with his biological dad's family but he returned to Beaver Dam for the last semester of his senior year and graduated in 1969. He received his draft notice three days after graduation.
    Randy joined the Army late in 1969 and was sent to Vietnam in January of 1970. In December of 1970 he got a Christmas drop of 43 days and was able to come home for the holidays. After being discharged from the service in 1971, he joined his friend Gary Otto working with the carnival. There he met Vicki McDermott. The couple were married in October of 1971 and they continued in the carnival business for over 50 years.
    Randy and Vicki were blessed with two children, Shannon and Zack. The family lived in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Colorado, and Florida before finally settling back in Aurelia, IA, where they made their home for 40 years. In 2017 they decided to call Anthon home. They lost their son and grandson in an accident in January of 2019.
    Randy was very proud of his military service and was an avid and active member of Legion Post #389 in Anthon and the VFW in Cherokee where he served as an honor guard. He was honored to go on a freedom flight to Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2023 and really enjoyed his trip. He was also a member of NRA and liked to follow politics.
    He was a great husband, father, papa, friend, and one of the most caring and loving people ever.
    He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vicki (McDermott) Newlon of Anthon; daughter Shannon Hagberg of Anthon; grandchildren Lawton (King), Logan, Lara (Corey), Lennon, Dannie, Sydney and Sophie; great-grandchildren Kayson, Grant, Brielle, Sophia, Blayre, Oaklynne, and Lillie; siblings Kent Newlon of Beaver Dam, WI, Rob (Marie) Rasmussen of Waverly, Kurt (Michelle) Rasmussen of Cedar Rapids, Gloria (Kelly Yactus) Rasmussen of Portage, WI, Eve (Darin) Freeman of Spencer, and Sivi Powers of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law Delores McDermott of Anthon; brothers and sisters-in-law Lawrence (Audrey) McDermott, Dan (Muriel) McDermott, Deb Tarbill, Lauri Chase, Dean (Darlett) McDermott, Cindy (Randy) Thompson, and Shane (Tracey) McDermott.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; son Zack Newlon; grandson Blair Newlon; brother Blair Newlon; Grandpa and Grandma Mummert; Uncle Don and Aunt Jeanette Mummert; Uncle Herbie and Aunt Pat Rasmussen; and father-in-law Vinnie McDermott.

    Todd C. Sulsberger, age 72, of Hornick passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, in Hornick.
    A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Hornick.
    A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Hornick. Pastor Catie M. Newman will officiate. Inurnment services will follow in the Westfork Township Cemetery of Climbing Hill.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made at armstrongfuneral.com
    Todd C. Sulsberger, the oldest son of Marvin and Alice (Faverty) Sulsberger, was born on October 25, 1951. He was raised on the family farm north of Hornick and graduated from Westwood High School with the class of 1969.
    After graduation, Todd furthered his education in animal science at Western Iowa Tech Community College before enlisting into the United States Air Guard. The summer after completing tech school in Colorado, Todd returned home to the family farm in Hornick and met the love of his life Deborah Fox. On October 21, 1972, the couple were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church of Hornick. They settled on the family farm and welcomed their two children Amy and Walter.
    A true steward of the land, Todd had a passion for farming, especially cattle. He was dedicated to his profession and through hard work, grew his livestock business to what it is today. Leading by example, Todd passed his passion for farming, livestock, and exemplary work ethic down to his future generation.
    Todd was a lifelong resident of Hornick and the United Methodist Church of Hornick. He was an active member of the Woodbury County Cattlemen's Association and enjoyed regular Saturday morning breakfast with his fellow cattle feeders.
    Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Deborah "Deb" Sulsberger of Hornick; daughter Amy (Charles) Sulsberger-Sattler; daughter-in-law Kim Sulsberger of Hornick; grandchildren: Bailey, Casey, Elizabeth, Thomas, AmberLynn, Zach, Tyler, and Alexis; brothers-in-law Mike (Kathy) Fox of Piedmont, SD, and Manuel Balingit Ocala, FL; sisters-in-law Colleen Sulsberger of Mapleton and Evelyn Holmes of Huron, SD; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    Todd is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Alice Sulsberger; and brother Dr. Steve "Doc" Sulsberger. Todd's son, Walter Sulsberger passed away shortly after him on October 30, 2023.

    Walter M. Sulsberger, age 44, of Hornick passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, in Hornick.
    A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Hornick. Pastor Catie M. Newman will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Westfork Township Cemetery of Climbing Hill.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made at armstrongfuneral.com
    Walter M. Sulsberger, was welcomed into the world on October 7, 1979, by his parents Todd and Deborah "Deb" (Fox) Sulsberger. He grew up on the family farm north of Hornick and received his education in the Westwood Community School District.
    From a young age, Walter was very interested in how machinery and things worked. He enjoyed reading tech manuals and fixing whatever needed to be fixed (and sometimes fixing things that did not need to be fixed). Walter attended the sale barn regularly with his father Todd, which created his appreciation for trucking. Shortly after, Walter began his career hauling livestock and grain.
    On July 8, 2006, Walter married Kimberly Van Owen in the Hornick United Methodist Church, lovingly embracing both Kim and her son Zach as part of the family. Later, the couple welcomed two more children, a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Alexis.
    Walter enjoyed spending time with his children. He could be found assisting with 4-H livestock projects and teaching a wide variety of lessons from welding to how to deer hunt. As an avid sportsman, Walter enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and animals. In most recent years, Walter had taken an interest in preparing fine cuisine. With his newly developed love of cooking, Walter relished sharing his home cooked meals with his family. Walter was also known for his quiet disposition, quick wit, and good sense of humor. He could be found making something out of nothing, tinkering on machinery, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
    Survivors include his wife Kim Sulsberger of Hornick; children Zach Allen, Tyler and Alexis Sulsberger; mother Deb Sulsberger of Hornick; sister Amy (Charles) Sulsberger-Sattler of Hornick; parents-in-law Charlene (Scott) Richardson of Whiting; sisters-in-law Kristine (Mitch) Fairchild of Frisco, TX; Kyla Collison of Onawa, and Kara (Brad) Purgett of Bellevue, NE; nephews Blake, Owen, Bailey, Casey, Avin, Liam, and Thomas; nieces Elizabeth, Reese, Makayla, Brooklyn, and AmberLynn; aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
    Walter was preceded in death by his father Todd Sulsberger; father-in-law Richard Van Owen; grandparents Marvin and Alice Sulsberger, James Fox, and Lucille Fox.