Person Page - 2842

     Carolyn Ann Bensmiller was buried at Sigourney East Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.⁴ She was born on August 28, 1936 at Iowa.⁴ As of July 31, 1960,her married name was Kerkove.³ She married Frank Lavon Kerkove on July 31, 1960 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^3,4 Carolyn Ann Bensmiller died on November 26, 2016 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa, at age 80.⁴

     Frank Lavon Kerkove Frank Lavon Kerkove, 85, died April 12, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. He was born January 23, 1936 to Loupy and Lelia (Beasley) Kerkove in Hayesville. He graduated from Sigourney High School in 1954. On July 31, 1960 Frank married Carolyn Ann Bensmiller at the Sigourney Christian Church, where they were members. Frank served in the United Stated Navy. He worked at John Deere in Moline, IL, Hometown Dairy in Sigourney, Bill and Ray’s in Sigourney, Century Motors in Sigourney, and Buckwalter in Wellman. He enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. He was preceded in death by his parents and lovely wife, Carolyn. He is survived by children Craig (Pirjo) Kerkove of Argyle, TX; Paul Kerkove of Sigourney; Tracy (Mikki) Kerkove of New London; Steve (Julia) Kerkove of Sycamore, IL; Candy (Chris) Shroyer of Cedar Rapids, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sisters Leta Mae Chitttick of Muscatine and Ellen Eversole of Missoula, MT.¹ He was buried at Sigourney East Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.² He was born on January 23, 1936 at Hayesville, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2,3 He married Carolyn Ann Bensmiller, daughter of Frank Ivan Bensmiller and Laura Viola Jacobs, on July 31, 1960 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2 Frank Lavon Kerkove died on April 12, 2021 at Iowa City, Johnson Co., Iowa, at age 85.^1,2

     Leona Belle Reynolds was buried at Pennington Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,5 Her Social Security Number was 478-36-7759.⁶ She was born on February 24, 1910 at Warren, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,4,6,5 As of June 30, 1931,her married name was Bensmiller.² She married Fred Elmer Bensmiller, son of Peter Bensmiller Jr. and Barbara Ann Conner, on June 30, 1931 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2,3,5 Leona Belle Reynolds died on May 15, 1992 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa, at age 82.^1,5 She SIGOURNEY - Leona B. Bensmiller, 82, of Sigourney died May 15, 1992, at Manor House Care Center. She was born Feb 24, 1910, in Ollie to Lloyd and Pansy Jacobs Reynolds. She married Fred E. Bensmiller on June 30, 1931. He died July 12, 1990. She had lived in Keokuk County all her life and was head cook for Sigourney Elementary School for more than 20 years. She was a member of Sigourney Christian Church, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Faith Circle and West Laffer Neighborhood Club. She is survived by three daughters, Virginia Wood of Des Moines, Mona Nichols of Hedrick and Donna Clubb of Chandler, Ariz; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Hollis and Richard Reynolds. The service was May 18 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel in Sigourney, the Revs. James Roberston and Dan Sanford officiating. Burial was in Pennington Cemetery near Sigourney. on May 19, 1992.⁵

     Monalee Charleen "Mona" Bensmiller Mona Nichols, 82, died July 16, 2020 at her home in Hedrick, Iowa. She was born May 1, 1938 to Fred E. and Leona Reynolds Bensmiller in Sigourney, Iowa. She graduated from Sigourney High School. On June 13, 1959 she married Carl “Nick” Nichols at the Sigourney Christian Church. She was employed at Century Motors and later at Vaugh Motors in Ottumwa and remained there until her retirement. She was a member of the Hedrick Methodist Church. Mona enjoyed gardening and making salsa. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nick on February 4, 2002 and son Dan Nichols. She is survived by her daughter Deb Richey of Hedrick, five grandchildren Ashley Nichols, Taylor Nichols, Chelsea (Austin) Fett, Adam Nichols, Dylan Richey, three great grandchildren Emmaleigh Haynie, Jason Fett, Shyann Fett, two sisters Virginia (Loren) Wood of Altoona and Donna (Don) Clubb of Maricopa, Arizona.³ She was buried at Pennington Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.⁶ She was born on May 1, 1938 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^2,3,6 As of June 13, 1959,her married name was Nichols.³ She married Carl "Nick" Nichols on June 13, 1959 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.³ Monalee Charleen "Mona" Bensmiller died on July 16, 2020 at Hedrick, Keokuk Co., Iowa, at age 82.³

     Carl "Nick" Nichols was buried at Pennington Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^2,3 He was born on April 14, 1931.² He married Monalee Charleen "Mona" Bensmiller, daughter of Fred Elmer Bensmiller and Leona Belle Reynolds, on June 13, 1959 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.¹ Carl "Nick" Nichols died on February 4, 2002 at Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa, at age 70.^1,2,3 He Carl "Nick" Nichols, 70, of Hedrick, formerly of Sigourney, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Mercy Hospital Medical Center, Des Moines, after a sudden illness. Services: 11 a.m. today, Holm Funeral Home, Sigourney, by the Rev. Norman Channel. Burial: Pennington Cemetery near Sigourney. Survivors include his wife, Mona; a daughter, Deb Richey of Hedrick; and a son, Dan Nichols of Zebulon, Ga. on February 7, 2002.³

     His Social Security Number was 481-28-8532.⁶ Delmar Henry "Bud" Richman was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,3 He was born on November 11, 1902 at Sheridan, Poweshiek Co., Iowa.^4,5,7,6 He married Gladys Christena Barbara Bensmiller, daughter of Peter Bensmiller Jr. and Barbara Ann Conner, on November 11, 1954 at Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., Iowa.^2,3 Delmar Henry "Bud" Richman died on March 13, 1963 at Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., Iowa, at age 60.^2,3,7 He SIGOURNEY- Delmar H. Richman, 60, of 914 Third Ave. E. in Oskaloosa, died Wednesday at 11:58 a.m. at Mahaska Hospital. He had been ill with a heart ailment three months. He was born in Poweshiek County. After his marriage to the former Gladys Bensmiller, the couple lived in Sigourney she was until two years ago, when they moved to Oskaloosa. He was employed by Van Gorp Implements in Oskaloosa. Survivors besides his widow include two sisters and three brothers. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Powers Funeral Home in Oskaloosa with the Rev Richard Goins of the First Christain Church officiating. Burial will be in Conner Cemetery southwest of Sigourney. on March 15, 1963.³

     Leota Jean Bales was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^4,5 She was born on October 26, 1933 at Plank Township, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^3,4,5 As of July 11, 1953,her married name was Wolfe.⁶ She married Henry Duane Wolfe on July 11, 1953 at Lancaster, Schuyler Co., Missouri.^1,6,4 Leota Jean Bales died on April 22, 2014 at Allerton, Wayne Co., Iowa, at age 80.^4,5 She Leota Jean Wolfe, Allerton. Leota passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. She has been cremated and per her wishes a joint graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Conner Cemetery in Sigourney, IA. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Henry Wolfe who passed away on October 16, 2007. She was born October 26, 1933 in Sigourney to Kenneth and Minnie (Smithart) Bales. Leota loved her family, gardening, baking and was an avid bird lover. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Leota is survived by her children, Michael (Sondra) Wolfe of Allerton, Richard (Maureen) Wolfe of Des Moines, Lee Ann (Marty) Martin and Runnells and Debbie Kile; 17 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. on April 27, 2014.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 479-34-8521.⁵ Henry Duane Wolfe was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^4,6 He was born on July 25, 1933.^4,5 He married Leota Jean Bales, daughter of William Kenneth Bales and Minnie Jane Smithart, on July 11, 1953 at Lancaster, Schuyler Co., Missouri.^1,2,3 Henry Duane Wolfe died on September 14, 2007 at Mitchellville, Iowa, at age 74.^4,5,6 He Mitchellville - Henry Wolfe, 74, passed away Friday September 14, 2007 at Mitchell Village Care Center. His body has been cremated and burial will be held at a later date at the Connor Cemetery in Sigourney, Iowa Henry is survived by his wife, Leota Wolfe; his sons, Michael (Sondra) Wolfe and Richard (Maureen) Wolfe; his daughters, LeeAnn (Marty) Martin and Debbie Kile; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Henry was a marvelous man who touched the lives of many and asked for little in return. on September 16, 2007.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 398-12-4173.⁵ Keith Ward Kleinschmidt was born on October 20, 1912 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^3,4,5,6,7 He married Belle Arlene Smithart, daughter of John Wilson "Willis" Smithart and Bessie Elizabeth Conner, on February 25, 1936 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2 Keith Ward Kleinschmidt died on July 10, 1996 at Iowa at age 83.^5,6

     Helen Marie Homan was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2 She died on July 19, 1923 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2 She was born on July 19, 1923 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,2

     Richard Lee Homan Richard Homan, 82, of Keswick, died at home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, February 25, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in What Cheer. Burial will be in the Conner Cemetery near Sigourney. Military honors will be conducted by the James Murphy American Legion Post 319. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Keokuk County Hospice or James Murphy American Legion Post 319. Richard Lee Homan was born on February 23, 1936 in Sigourney, Iowa. He was the son of David and Jessie Bensmiller Homan. He was a 1955 graduate of Webster High School and he enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. Dick spent 21 years in the military, during which time, he served two tours in Viet Nam. He was also stationed in Ft. Gordon, GA, Ft. Riley, KS, Ft. Hood, TX, Alaska, Schofield, HI, Mannheim, Germany, Anderson, IN and Izmir, Turkey. After retiring in 1976 as a Master Sergeant E-8, Dick returned to What Cheer working as a self-employed electrician. Dick also worked as maintenance personnel at Tri- County High School. On March 27, 1987, he was united in marriage to Sharon Cox at the Little Brown Church in Nausea. He is proceeded in death by his parents, a sister, Maxine Lemley; two brothers, Ed and Dale Homan; and a granddaughter, Ciera Homan. Dick is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Keswick; a son, Dick (Connie) Homan of Cascade; four daughters; Rhonda (Tom) Dykeman of Lancaster, TX, Brenda (Jeff) Landers of What Cheer, IA, Pam (Bryan) Krogmeier of Coralville, IA, Debbie (Steve) Wedgewood of Keswick, IA; four step-daughters; Susie (Deke) Wood of Sigourney, IA, Barbie (Scott) Linder of Hedrick, IA, Beckie (Dan) Appleget of Sigourney, IA, Julie (Jeff) Thompson of Webster, IA, a sister and special friend; Margorie Thrasher of Staples, MN. He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren; Crystal and Tiffany Edmunds, Katy Street, Lana Reed, Stevie Connor, Josh Homan, Abbie, Jon and Megan Wedgewood, Nathan Wood, Amanda Seeley, Ben, Ryan, Ginny Schmidt, Jacob and Josh Edmundson, Jordan Widmer, Jackie Maxwell, Mattie and Luke Dillon, and Jenn Hanson; 21 great grandchildren; Taylor Landers, Makayla Johnson, Makenzie Street, Conner, Kylee and Colton Reed, RJ Torres, Brayden, Masen and Ainslee Wood, Brody, Drake and Trey Seeley, Lawson, Baylor and Crosby Schmidt. Ella, Emmet, Paisly, and Elliott Edmundson, and Brooklyn Maxwell.³ He was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,3 He was born on February 23, 1936 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,3 He married Sharon Cox on March 27, 1987 at Iowa.³ Richard Lee Homan died on February 20, 2019 at Keswick, Keokuk Co., Iowa, at age 82.^3,1

     Floyd Lynn Lemley was buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Primghar, O'Brien Co., Iowa.^1,3 His Social Security Number was 485-18-2375.⁶ He was born on February 17, 1923 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^6,1,5,4 He married Edna Maxine Homan, daughter of David Henry Homan and Jessie E. Bensmiller, on September 1, 1946 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^7,1,2,3 Floyd Lynn Lemley died on October 25, 2001 at Primghar, O'Brien Co., Iowa, at age 78.^6,1,2 He Funeral services for Floyd L. Lemley were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2001 at the United Church of Primghar, Primghar, Iowa with Rev. Ginger Moore officiating. Congregational hymns included "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." Organist was Mary Lou Wittrock. Casket bearers were Stewart Strubbe, Shawn Strubbe, Shane Strubbe, Glenn Roos, Ron Kurth, and John Ney. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Primghar, Iowa. The Flag Presentation was by Chateau-Thierry Post #36 of the American Legion of Primghar. Arrangements were under the care of the Gaudian-Eldridge Funeral Home. Floyd L. Lemley, the son of Omar and Ona Bell Lemley, was born February 17, 1923 in Sigourney, Iowa. He received his education in schools in Sigourney. He served in the Marines during WW II in the Pacific. On September 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Maxine Homan in Sigourney, Iowa. He was the administrator of the Davis County Care Facility in Bloomfield, Iowa for 1952 and 1953. The couple moved to Primghar in 1954 where he served as the administrator of the O'Brien County Care Facility for 32 years before retiring in 1986. After their retirement the couple made their home in Primghar. Floyd passed away at his home in Primghar on Thursday, October 25, 2001 reaching the age of 78 years, 8 months and 8 days. He was a member of the United Church of Primghar, also the V.F.W. of Primghar and the Chateau-Thierry Post #36 of the American Legion of Primghar. Floyd is survived by his wife Maxine of Primghar, one daughter, Linda Strubbe of Primghar, three grandsons, Stewart and Brenda Stubbe of Sanborn, Shawn and Dannelle Strubbe of Paullina and Shane Strubbe of Fort Gordon, Georgia, a great-granddaughter, Jordan Strubbe, the daughter of Stewart and Brneda, a brother and his wife, Carrold and Charlotte Lemley of Libertyville, Iowa, one sister Deloris Patterson in Colorado, also a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. on November 1, 2001.¹