LaVonne Friedrichsen, age 91, of Mapleton passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Maple Heights Nursing Home of Mapleton.
    A Visitation with a Rosary and a Vigil Service were held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton.
    A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mapleton. Father David Esquiliano will officiate. Committal services will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    LaVonne Bertha Friedrichsen, the daughter of Clifford and Mercedes (Reinbold) Uhl, was born on April 2, 1935, in Mapleton. LaVonne received her education from Mapleton High School, graduating with the class of 1953.
    On November 15, 1954, LaVonne was united in marriage to Raymond Friedrichsen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mapleton. They were blessed with the birth of 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. LaVonne and Ray spent their married life farming in rural Mapleton. Upon their retirement in 1990 they moved to town.
    In 1995, LaVonne accompanied Ray as he drove (she navigated) the Iowa Voyager across the United States with 300 bicyclists and a support group to promote tourism in Iowa for the 1996 Sesquicentennial. In 1996 they couple spent seven months attending many school and community events celebrating this commemorative event in Iowa's history. These two years were a blessing in their lives as they met so many wonderful people and saw so much of our great land.
    LaVonne was a woman of faith, family, friends, and food. She was a lifelong member of the St. Mary's parish having served as a lector, rosary leader, Eucharistic minister, and was a CCD teacher for 10 years. She was also active in St. Mary's Guild. She loved reading, playing Bridge, crocheting, and especially baking and sharing her baked goods with others. LaVonne treasured her time with her husband, Ray at home and traveling. Her children and grandchildren were the source of much happiness; she was immensely proud of them and their many accomplishments. She especially enjoyed sharing her love of baking with her grandchildren.
    Her husband, Ray, who kept her laughing for so many years and all of her family, were, along with her faith, God's greatest gift to her. LaVonne treasured all of them.
    Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 71 years, Ray Friedrichsen of Mapleton; children Michael (Becky) Friedrichsen of Danbury, Father Timothy Friedrichsen of Sioux City, Steven (Crystal) Friedrichsen of Wittman, AZ, Craig (Liz) Friedrichsen of Overland Park, KS, Gary (Susan) Friedrichsen of Overland Park, KS, Lynne Friedrichsen of Mapleton, and Lisa Westphalen of Schleswig; grandchildren Renae, Kathy Jo, Bradley (Stephanie), Stephanie, Jennifer (Clayton), Anne (Dan), Patrick (Addyson), Erin (Drew), Shane, Matthew (Megan), Daniel, Paul (Emily), Isabelle, and Noah; 9 great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Mercedes Uhl; grandson Ryan Friedrichsen; siblings Robert, Alan, Kenneth, Clifford Jr., Elaine Collins, Joan Glassel, Colleen Tjaden, and Sharon Juelfs.

    Marlene D. Phillips, age 90, of Mapleton passed away on July 31, 2026, in Vista, CA.
    A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on October 23, 2026, in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton. Pastor John Stacy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

    Bryce Alan Lee, 88, of Danbury passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
    A private family memorial service will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa.
    Bryce Alan Lee was born on August 25, 1938, in Danbury, the son of Charles "Hoy" and Charlotte (Henry) Lee. He grew up in the area and graduated from Mapleton High School with the class of 1956. During his younger years, Bryce enjoyed playing basketball. Following high school, he continued his education at the University of Nebraska where he earned a bachelor's degree. Bryce proudly served his country in the United States Army from April 8, 1958 and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1960.
    Bryce and Janyce Gosch were united in marriage on November 7, 1957. Three children were born to this union: Brenda, Bret, and Becky. Bryce and Janyce shared many years together raising their children. The couple later divorced.
    On November 21, 1987, Bryce and Roseann (Johncox) Blackwell were united in marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada. They shared many years together until Roseann's passing on April 23, 2020, in Onawa.
    Throughout his career, Bryce worked in the oil and gas industry, specializing in pipeline management and natural gas sales. His career began in Omaha, NE, and later took him to Denver, CO, and eventually Las Vegas, NV, where he continued working until his retirement. In the later years of his life, Bryce was fortunate to return home to Danbury where he was able to spend his remaining years surrounded by the familiar people and community he had always called home.
    Bryce enjoyed a variety of hobbies and pastimes, including playing basketball, darts, golfing, shooting pool, and playing cards, especially cribbage and gin rummy. He also had a special love for animals and was particularly fond of the many dogs he had throughout his life.
    Survivors include his children, Brenda (Peter) Flood of Wyckoff, NJ, Bret (Paula) Lee of Parker, CO, and Becky Edington of Mapleton; eight grandchildren, Richard (Jeanette) Edington, Stephen (Brittany Jubenville) Flood, Ethan Flood, Alex Edington, Garrett (Ashley) Lee, Kaitlin (Daniel) Burns, Shannon (Maverick DeMarais) Lee, and Brennan Flood; six great-grandchildren, Lina Jubenville, Levi McKenzie, Kasen Lee, Brecken Lee, Phoenix Flood, and Declan Burns; former spouse, Janyce Lee of Mapleton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Hoy" and Charlotte (Henry) Lee; brother Charles "Chuck" Lee; sister Annabelle Borg; and two nieces, Kimberly Borg and Colleen Borg.
    Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com.

    Roger V. Nelson, age 81, of Anthon passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Downtown in Sioux City.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with visitation held prior in the Anthon Community United Methodist Church in Anthon. Rev. Todd Schlitter officiated. Committal Services followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Anthon.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Roger was born on November 22, 1944, in Sioux City to Victor E. and Dorathy (Hansen) Nelson. He grew up in the Anthon-Oto area and graduated from Anthon-Oto High School with the Class of 1963.
    On March 6, 1964, Roger married his longtime sweetheart and classmate, Shirley Brant. Their story began many years earlier as the two had known each other since the third grade. Together, Roger and Shirley built a life centered around family, faith, and farming, and in March of 2026, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
    Roger began his working career with Wilson Trailer Company before following his lifelong passion for farming. He later farmed in partnership with his son, Wade, raising cattle and hogs along with corn, soybeans, and hay. Roger was happiest working on the farm and had a natural talent for mechanics, always enjoying the opportunity to work on and repair machinery.
    In addition to farming, Roger worked as a janitor and maintenance person for the Anthon-Oto School District. He took great pride in his work and continued in that role until back surgery prevented him from working. Even then, his love for farming and mechanical work remained an important part of who he was.
    Roger enjoyed traveling and made several memorable trips throughout the years, including visits to Louisville, Kentucky, and California. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he always looked forward to their visits to the farm. Some of his favorite memories were made taking them fishing at neighborhood ponds and simply enjoying time together.
    Roger was a faithful member of the Anthon Community Methodist Church. He was also a steadfast and devoted supporter of Shirley throughout her ministry, standing faithfully beside her and encouraging her in her service to others.
    Farming may have been Roger's lifelong passion, but his greatest joy was found in the family he loved and the life they shared together.
    He is survived by his wife, Shirley Nelson of Anthon; children, Mark (Dixie) Nelson, Wade Nelson (special friend, Brenda Bills and Family) of Anthon, Rebecca (Dave) Mogensen of Sioux City, and Tony (Dezeri) Nelson of Lawton; sisters-in-law Rebecca Nelson of South Sioux City, NE and Linda Brant of Charles City, IA; grandchildren: Josh (Ashley) Nelson of Moville, Laken Nelson of Sioux City, Will Mogensen of Lake Park, Jack Mogensen and Aidan Mogensen of Sioux City, Nick Nelson of Lawton, Kaylie Murray of McCook Lake, SD; and great grandchildren: Shaelyn Nelson, Karsen, Jaxsen and Leigha Cooley.
    Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Dorathy Nelson; sisters Gaylene Nelson and LaDonna Greenfield; brother Steve Nelson; sister-in-law Alene Johnson; as well as his in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and his very special canine friend, Mickey.

    Kenneth A. "Kenny" Paulsen, 85, of Sioux City passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at a Sioux City hospital.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation with the family was held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors was held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Danbury.
    Kenny was born on August 26, 1941, in Danbury, the son of Andrew and Hilda (Kollbaum) Paulsen. He grew up on a farm near Oto and attended schools in Anthon and Oto. His years on the farm helped shape the strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and ability to fix just about anything that would remain with him throughout his life.
    In November of 1963, Kenny was drafted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in October of 1965. Shortly after returning home, he began the next chapter of his life. On November 20, 1965, Kenny married Janice Burton in Danbury, beginning a marriage that would span more than 60 years. Together, the couple had two children and built a life centered on hard work, and commitment to one another.
    Just two days after their wedding, Kenny went to work helping with the construction of IBP. In 1966, he moved inside the plant and began what would become an extraordinary 57-year career with the company. Known for his loyalty and tremendous work ethic, Kenny remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2023.
    Kenny was truly a jack of all trades. There was very little he couldn't figure out how to repair, and he especially enjoyed working on and fixing lawnmowers.
    Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 61 years, Janice Paulsen of Sioux City; his son, Rob Paulsen of Sioux City; along with his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, and many dear friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Hilda Paulsen; a sister; and 2 brothers.