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Luann Harris
Born: December 16, 1962
Died: December 17, 2003
Services: Funeral services will be held 11: 00am on Saturday at Parkview Free Church, Iowa City. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial cemetery , Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Visitation: Visitation will be on Friday from 4: 00 to 8: 00pm at Lensing Funeral Service.
Luann Harris, 41 of 127 Patton Dr, West Branch, died Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness and now she is at peace walking with Jesus.
Luann was born December 16, 1962 the daughter of Vernon R. and Elsie Ruth (Hoobler) Zimmerman. On October 16, 1982 she married
John Harris in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her life was devoted to her children and family. They were her pride and joy. Luann had a smile that could light up aroom. She was a member of Parkview Free Church and belonged to a small group bible study.
Survivors include her husband, John Harris of West Branch and her three children, Mandy, Noah and Maggie Harris all of West Branch, Iowa. Her parents, Vern and Ruth of St. Louis, MO, one aunt Harriet of St. Louis, MO and her mother-in-law, Lois Harris of North Port, FL.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Luann Harris Memorial Fund.
Jeannine M. Symmonds
Born: September 04, 1957
Died: December 09, 2003
Services: The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 10: 00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City with Reverend Walter Helms officiating. Burial will be in Oakland cemetery in Iowa City.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4: 00 to 7: 00 PM Friday at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City. A parish wake service and rosary will be held at 7: 00 PM Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Symmonds Children Catholic Education Fund (to be established at Hills Bank & Trust Co.).
Jeannine M. Symmonds, 46, of 29 Lakeview Drive NE in Iowa City, died peacefully in her home among family and friends on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.
Jeannine was born September 4, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Jack & Edna (Moore) Murrell. She graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis in 1975. Jeannine graduated with honors with a degree in dance from Indiana University in 1979 and her MFA in Dance from the University of Iowa in 1990.
Jeannine married
Scott A. Symmonds June 19, 1982 in Indianapolis. She was a dance teacher and educator – most recently serving as a dance education administrator for the Dance Forum at the University of Iowa. She was a principle soloist with the Louisville Ballet from 1982 to 1987 and a featured soloist with the University of Iowa Dance Department from 1987 to 1990. Jeannine taught dance at Shortridge middle School in Indianapolis from 1997 to 1999 and also at McKinley Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1999 to 2002.
Jeannine was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City.
Survivors include her husband Scott of Iowa City; her two daughters, Victoria and Olivia, both at home; her father Jack Murrell of Indianapolis; two sisters, Denise Farrell & her husband Bill of Indianapolis and Dianne Mitro & her husband Greg of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Five brothers, Tom Murrell & his wife Susan of Columbus, Ohio, Bob Murrell & his wife Kathy of Bement, Illinois, Ed Murrell of Salt Lake City, Utah, Matt Murrell & his wife Stacey of New Palestine, Indiana and Michael Murrell of Stone Belt, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.
Jeannine was preceded in death by her mother and a brother Barry.
Gretchen Hersman
Born: August 11, 1950
Died: December 17, 2003
Services: There are no services planned at this time with burial to be at a later date.
Gretchen Hersman, 53, of West Branch, died of breast cancer at her home Wednesday, December 17, 2003.
Gretchen was born in Albia, Iowa on August 11, 1950 the daughter of Vernon and Betty Stevenson Hersman.
Her family moved to Iowa City in 1956 where Gretchen spent her formative years.
She attended Iowa City High School and the University of Iowa.
She was baptized in the First Christian Church.
In 1980, Gretchen answered her lifelong passion and co-founded the Johnson County Humane Society and began her life’s work in animal protection.
Gretchen’s journey in art and in animal protection began at a very early age.
Throughout her life she rescued many homeless and abused animals both domestic and wild.
In 1996, Gretchen went to work as the director of the Midwest Regional Office for the national group, In Defense Of Animals.
Her duties included managing the IDA 1-800-Stolen Pet Hotline and investigation of the nationwide theft of companion animals.
She was also active in exposing the plight of breeding animals in facilities known as “Puppy Mills.”
She coordinated the nationwide action alerts program for IDA which reached thousands of caring people across the nation and around the world.
Through her work, Gretchen sought to educate the public about the cruelties of greyhound racing.
As a visual artist, Gretchen produced a large body of works featuring scenes of nature and animals in pastel, watercolors, and oils. Her dedication to her art, her efforts on behalf of the animals and the environment were known to all her friends and associates. She was also vocal in her support of cruelty-free products. She found much inspiration during her many visits to the beloved Mississippi River and their festivities. She did her work with diligence, heart, and grace. She stayed on the front lines, listened to the most plaintive weeping and stood her ground in the face of evil. She stood her ground and fought with courage. She was in the breath of every animal she saved and in the prayers of every person to whom she gave solace.
Gretchen is survived by her mother, Betty Hersman of West Branch, and her aunt, Marion Jeffries of Iowa City along with numerous cousins living around the world. She was preceded in death by her brother Jeffrey who died in infancy and her father, Vernon Hersman who died in 1997.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Animal Lifeline of Iowa, Inc., The Washington County Humane Society, The Muscatine Humane Society, or In Defense of Animals’ Project Hope Sanctuary.
But Westward, look. The land is bright. God Bless.
Dr. George Robert Carlsen
Born: April 15, 1917
Died: December 13, 2003
Services: A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 3: 00 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City with Nancy Haley officiating. Dr. Carlsen chose to be cremated.
George Robert Carlsen, 86, of 817 North Gilbert Street in Iowa City, died suddenly in his sleep on Saturday, December 13, 2003 at Crestview Nursing & Rehab Center in West Branch.
Bob was born April 15, 1917 in Bozeman, Montana, the son of Charles E. & Carolyn M. (Mason) Carlson. He married
Ruth Christoffer on April 5, 1941 in Minneapolis. He received his B.A. M.A. and PhD., all from the University of Minnesota. Bob began his career at the University of Colorado, serving there for five years; the University of Texas (Austin) for six years and at the University of Iowa for twenty five years, retiring in 1982 as Professor of
English & Education. He & his wife have been residents of Iowa City since 1958.
Bob was a member of Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City.
He was active and published numerous articles for the National Council of Teachers of English, of which he served as president from 1961-1962; he received Distinguished Service Awards from both the National Council of Teachers of English and the University of Iowa. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the Assembly for Literature for Adolescents – a major contributor to the field of adolescent literature. He published a number of books, including Books and The Teenage Reader, which went into three editions. In addition, he was the general editor of the Themes and Writers Series for the McGraw Hill Publishing Company.
Survivors include his wife Ruth; two sons, Christopher Carlsen & his wife Ioanna of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Peter Carlsen & his wife Sylvia Frank of St. Paul, Minnesota; two daughters, Kristin Rowley of Sante Fe and Jane Meidlinger & her husband Dr. John Meidlinger of Grand Island, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Tasio, Clea, Wim, Kristoffer, Robin, Michaela, Peter & Talia; three great-grandchildren, Michael, Finn & Kate; two sisters in law, Katy Carlsen & Mary Carlsen, both of Minneapolis.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles Jr. & Theodore.
Bob was a partner to his wife, generous beyond reason to his children and their children, a great teacher of teachers, a craftsman; a maker of things. He was a force in life and will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City.
Mary Adelaide McGinnis
Born: July 31, 1915
Died: December 16, 2003
Services: Services will be held Friday, December 19 at 1: 00 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City with Reverend Peter Sanderson officiating. Entombment will be in Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Iowa City.
Visitation: The family will greet friends Thursday from 5: 00 to 7: 00 PM at the funeral home.
Mary Adelaide McGinnis, 88, of 117 3rd Street in Hills and formerly of Iowa City, died unexpectedly Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Mary was born July 31, 1915 in Sharon Center, Iowa, the daughter of Elza M. & Mary E. (Winborn) Means. Mary graduated from Iowa City High School.
She worked for more than 20 years at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in the Ophthalmology Records Department, retiring in 1980. Mary was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City. She was a former member of the American Business Women’s Association and she very much enjoyed being an Iowa Hawkeye fan, especially Hawkeye basketball.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay Flannery & her husband Dale of Iowa City; four grandchildren, Patrick Flannery, Michael Flannery, Joelle Miller Kingdom and Chad Miller; eight great-grandchildren, Cory, Liam, Brendon & Aidan Flannery, Zachary & Nicholas Kingdom and Nathan & Trinity Miller;
a son in law, Joel Miller of Loveland, Colorado; two nephews and one niece.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Patricia Miller in November of this year and a brother Bud Means.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Atrium Village.
Robert L. Speed Dahnke
Born: August 11, 1923
Died: December 13, 2003
Services: Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 10: 30 AM at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City with burial at Memory Gardens cemetery .
Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8PM Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established in Speed’s name.
Robert L. ‘Speed” Dahnke, 80, of 1 Apollo Place, died Saturday, December 13, 2003 at Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.
Born in Oxford, Iowa on August 11, 1923 he was the son of George and Beulah Henderson Dahnke. He was married
to the late Edith Evans. In September 1975 he married
Rosemary Roskup.
Speed and his family moved to Iowa City from Oxford in 1951. He owned and operated Speed’s Tavern in Iowa City for many years. His business was first located at the corner of Dubuque and Burlington Streets, then moved to Gilbert Street where the Sanctuary is now located. Later the business moved to the present sight of Fitzpatrick’s.
Speed was a longtime member of the Iowa City Moose Lodge, where he had bartended for 20 years. He had also worked at Sears and as the Coralville K Mart as a greeter.. Presently he was working at Cub Foods.
Speed was a people person who never forgot a face. He was well known for his pleasant smile and cheerful disposition. Dancing, antiques, antique cars and fishing were some of his favorite pastimes. During the 1950’s Speed and his family enjoyed weekends at their cabin on Lake Delhi.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary of Iowa City
One Son; Bob Dahnke and his wife Cindi of North Liberty; Eight stepchildren including John Jones and his wife Carole of Coralville, Sandy Stephenson and her husband Daryl, and Dale Jones and his wife Shiloh, both of Iowa City;
Three grandchildren; Rob, Ron and Rachelle.
Six great grandchildren, Four Brothers; Doc Dahnke of Coralville, Lyle Dahnke and his wife Joann, Kenny Dahnke and his wife Grace, Jack Dahnke and his wife Susan, all of Muscatine. Five Sisters; Betty Bartholomew and Virginia Poggenpohl, both of Iowa City, Delores Curtis and her husband Gene and Diane Littrel and her husband John, both of Muscatine, Ramona McCleary and her husband Richard of Milan, Illinois.
Speed was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Rita Hobbs Williams and two brothers Dale and Bill.
Barbara Clymer Hubbard
Born: September 23, 1934
Died: December 20, 2003
Services: Barbara chose to be cremated. A greeting time and memorial service will be held the first week of January.
Barbara Clymer Hubbard, 69, of Bickford Cottage in Iowa City, died Saturday, December 20, 2003 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a lengthy illness.
Barbara was born September 23, 1934 in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Al & Blanche (Ritter) Clymer. She was raised in Denver & Iowa City and in 1952, graduated from Iowa City High School. Barbara received a B.A. in English, a M.A. in Theatre Arts and a M.F.A. in both Theatre and Literature, all from the University of Iowa.
Barbara was a teacher and drama director at West Liberty High School for 26 years, retiring in 1992. She was a past member of Iowa City Pilot Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, nine aunts and three uncles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The U of I Foundation or The Iowa City Public Library.
Clara Virginia Byers
Born: November 09, 1917
Died: December 18, 2003
Services: Funeral Services will be held Monday at 10: 30 AM at Coralville United Methodist Church with Reverend Doug Williams officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery in Coralville.
Visitation: Friends may call Sunday from 4: 00 to 7: 00 PM at Lensing’s Oak Hill in Coralville.
Clara “Virginia” Byers, 86, formerly of 616 10th Avenue in Coralville, died Thursday, December 18, 2003 at Iowa City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center following complications of pneumonia.
Virginia was born November 9, 1917 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of John W. & Anah D. (Bonesteel) Austin. She was raised in the Cedar Rapids / Marion area and graduated from Marion High School. Virginia married
Edward Byers on May 27, 1941 in Cedar Rapids. The couple moved to the Coralville area in 1956. Virginia was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband Edward of Coralville; a son Edward J. Byers III & his wife Sue of Coralville; a sister Esther Thompson & her husband Harold of Cedar Rapids; a grandson Troy Byers & his wife Roma; a granddaughter Kimberly Rosenberg & her husband Shane of Amana; two great grandsons and one great granddaughter
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to The Coralville United Methodist Church or Coralville Noon Optimists.
Scott Allen Weber
Born: March 15, 1966
Died: December 01, 2003
Services: Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Visitation: Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, December 10,2003 at 5: 30PM at the Mitchellville American Legion Hall, Mitchellville, Iowa. Fellowship will follow.
Scott Allen Weber, 37, of Brown Street died Monday December 1st, 2003 at his home.
Scott was born March 15th, 1966, the son of Bruce and Jeanine Weber in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised in Mitchellville by Paul and Patty Weber along with their children Stephanie Weeks, Kevin Weber and Craig Weber. He was a 1984 graduate of S.E. Polk High School.
Scott is survived by his daughter Jessica Cole and his brother Todd Weber.
He was preceded in death by his father Bruce, Paul and Kevin.
He will be missed by family and friends.
