IOWA COUNTY OBITUARIES: Feb. 1, 2012

Irene Slaymaker, 80

Irene Slaymaker

Celebration of life service for Irene A. Slaymaker, 80, Guernsey, was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Smith Funeral Home, Victor. She died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
The Rev. Doug Dauenbaugh, Guernsey United Methodist Church, officiated at the service
Burial was in the Ohio Cemetery south of Ladora.
Memorials may be made to the Guernsey United Methodist Church.
Memories and condolences may be left at http://www.smithfh.com.
Irene A. Slaymaker was born March 3, 1931, near Millersburg, the daughter of Menzo and Agnes Pawlak Davis. She was raised on the family farm near Millersburg and attended country school near her home. She assisted her parents on the family farm following her education.
She married Johnny E. Slaymaker Dec. 9, 1967, at St. James Lutheran Church, Victor. The couple resided in Guernsey, where they lived all of their married lives together.
She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Victor; the Guernsey United Methodist Church and the Friendly Neighborhood Club, Guernsey. She was a loving and tender-hearted wife who was always very thoughtful and enjoyed sending birthday, anniversary and greeting cards to family and friends. Her husband Johnny felt very fortunate and proud to have her hand in marriage. She loved to make sure he was taken care of as she sewed and fixed many of his clothes.
Slaymaker is survived by her husband of 44 years, Johnny Slaymaker, Guernsey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Dorothy Davis.

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Shirley Fetzer, 84

Shirley Fetzer

Funeral services for Shirley J. Fetzer, 84, were held at noon Friday, Jan. 6, at Sunset Funeral Chapel, San Antonio, Texas. She passed away in her sleep into the Lord’s hands Jan. 1, 2012, in San Antonio.
The Rev. David Ebbs, assistant pastor, and John Kammrath, director of pastoral care, officiated at the service.
Music was provided by Vickie Lautner.
Entombment was in Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio.
Memorials may be made to Any Baby Can, Animal Defense League, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Shirley Jean Fetzer was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Williamsburg, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C.F. Howe.
She was the loving wife of James while he served in the military and spent many years caring for their home and her children during his absence on alert and on overseas duties. When James retired, she received a certificate of appreciation for her own unselfish, faithful and devoted service. Her unfailing support and understanding helped make possible her husband’s lasting contribution to the nation, signed 1 September, 1974, by David C. Jones, USAF Chief of Staff.
She was great at volunteering to help others in need. She spent several years with Methodist Hospital as a Bluebird and served two years as president of the Bluebird Auxiliary, 1997 to 1999. She was also a member of the Texas Auxiliary Hospital Organization since 1999.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all those who knew her.
Fetzer is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, six months, James; one sister, Betty Jo Sherwood; one daughter, Marcia Musselman; one son and his wife, Douglas and Sandra Fetzer; grandchildren, Karston Musselman, Kelly Douglas and Shannon Fetzer, and a brother-in-law and his wife, Les and Jean Fetzer, Williamsburg.

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Dennis Strasser, 45

Dennis Strasser

Memorial services for Dennis E. Strasser, 45, Hiawatha, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, North English. He died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at his home.
The Rev. Jim Bringman officiated at the service.
His ashes will be buried in the North English Cemetery.
A general memorial fund has been established.
Messages and tributes may be left at http://www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Dennis Eugene Strasser was born May 6, 1966, near Sigourney, the son of Larry and Rose M. Brown Strasser. He grew up in the South English community, graduated from English Valleys High School, North English, and attended the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.
He married Elizabeth M. Conner Oct. 26, 1991. They later divorced. He made his home in Homestead, Shellsburg and most recently in Hiawatha.
He worked in sales most of his life. He worked at Slumberland, All Seasons John Deere and Greene Valley Ag and Turf most recently. He loved sports and watching his son’s activities.
Strasser is survived by one son, Nicklaus Strasser, Homestead; his father and his wife, Larry and Joan Strasser, South English; his mother, Rose Coffman, South English; one sister and her husband, Francine and Terry Clubb and their children, Whitney and Cassie, Hedrick; stepbrothers and their wives, Mark and Lori Miller and children Lauren and Lexie, and Steve and Tina Miller, Mesa, Ariz.; Brent Coffman, South English; Brad Coffman, South English, and Kim Coffman, Houston, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jack Coffman, and a special aunt, Tammy Mast.

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William Hahn, 84

William E. Hahn, 84, Marengo, died Jan. 24, 2012, in Mission, Texas, after years of struggling with Parkinson’s disease, with his partner and companion Betty Mouchka by his side.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Marengo Cemetery.
William E. Hahn was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Rupert, Idaho, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Cook) Hahn.
His early years were spent in Britt, Iowa. He later moved to Swaledale, where he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served two years of active duty. Following his discharge, he returned to Swaledale and married his high school sweetheart, Maryann Ingham. They had two children, Michael J. Hahn and Nancy A. Hahn (Graybeal).
Bill, Mary, Mike and Nancy lived in Colorado and Iowa while Bill worked in the oil fields and tried his hand at motel ownership. Their travels brought them to Iowa City, where he worked for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
As he retired from his position at the hospital, he met his partner and companion, Betty Mouchka. Together, they owned and operated a wood refinishing/framing shop in Marengo.
There was a creative side to Bill. Whether it was building a sunroom, refinishing a piece of furniture or building a motor home from a 1947 Greyhound bus, he was happiest when tinkering.
Above all, he was most proud of his children. Their achievements in family and life provided him both pride and comfort knowing they were well.
In his final years, he and Betty enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas, and summers in Iowa. As his health deteriorated, the travels diminished and Texas became home.
Mike and Nancy will be forever grateful for Betty’s support during the final years of Bill’s life.

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Emaline Ruff, 74

Emaline Ruff

Funeral services for Emaline L. Ruff, 74, Middle Amana, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Middle Amana Community Church. She died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at Mercy Hallmar, Cedar Rapids.
Church elder Eleanor Hoehnle officiated at the service.
Burial was in the Middle Amana Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at http://www.klosterfuneralhome.com.
Emaline Louise Ruff was born May 29, 1937, in Middle Amana, the daughter of Raymond and Lina Geyer Dietrich. She received her education in the Amana Schools. She worked as a clerk for the  Amana Society retail stores for many years.
She married Jim Bryson Oct. 3, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Marengo. He died in 1981.
She married Henry Ruff Nov. 4, 1983, in South Amana. She was a member of the Amana Church and was a lifelong resident of the Amana Colonies.
She loved order – absolute order – in everything. This suited her military-oriented husband perfectly. Everything was always in its place and she knew exactly where that place was, even from her hospital bed when her help was needed in finding something. She took great pleasure in decorating her home, discreetly, tastefully, observing the seasons, holidays and special occasions. This and many other memories will make her sorely missed.
Ruff is survived by her husband, Henry Ruff; her children and their spouses, Deborah and John Vande Voort, Shawnee, Kan.; Dianne and Robert Schlesselman, Williamsburg; Douglas and Angelika Bryson, Middle Amana; Jamie and Susie Bryson, Middle Amana, and Ida Bryson, Iowa City; one stepson and his wife, Eric and Sherry Ruff, Redding, Calif.; eight grandchildren and their spouses, James and Stefani Schlesseman, Eric Vande Voort, Erin and Austin Nichols, Carissa Bryson, Reese Bryson, Renata Bryson, Gina Bryson and Levi Bryson; one step-grandson, Austin Ruff; two great-grandchildren, Isabella Schlesselman and Samantha Schlesselman; one sister and her husband, Norine and Larry Magee, Middle Amana, with daughter Melissa Mills and son Greg Mills; one brother, Dennis Dietrich, Iowa City, and one sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson, Belle Plaine.
In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Tagged as: Dennis Strasser, Emaline Ruff, Irene Slaymaker, Shirley Fetzer, William Hahn

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IOWA COUNTY OBITUARIES: Feb. 1, 2012