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Sarah Elizabeth Wherry
Passing of Mrs. James Bowler
"In the midst of life, we are in death." How true this is and how strikingly we are being reminded of this as the aged who have reached life's utmost limit and the infants who have just begun life's journey are being taken from us."
The subject of this sketch, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Wherry was born in Fairview, Ohio on the 27th day of October 1822. She was married to Mr. James Bohler on the 1st day of Dec. 1842. To this union eight children were born five of whom are still living. Two children died in infancy and one, Mrs. J. B. Hutton, later in life. Those living are: -Mrs. J. M. Paul, Mr. Ross Bohler and Mrs. H.V. Haddock of Onslow, Mrs. T.K. Paul of Dallas Center Ia., and Mr. Wm Bohler of Center Junction Ia. She emigrated with her husband from Ohio to Indiana in the year 1851 where they remained for three years. They then came by wagon to Jones County Ia. in 1854, where they located on a farm between Wyoming and Oxford. At the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Bohler enlisted as a volunteer and faithfully served his country till June 17th, 1865 when honorably discharged. On Feb. 18th of the following year he died. During the absence of her husband in the army and after his death Mrs. Bohler exhibited her sterling worth and christian character by the way she provided for and brought up her children. In early life she united with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church and during her residence of 25 years in Onslow she became a member of the Presbyterian church at this place. At one time while living near Wyoming there being no church near she threw open her home for religious services and has ever shown an active interest in the service of her Lord and the church. She fell asleep on the 9th of March 1904 trusting in the promise of her Saviour and his atoning blood for salvation. The funeral left the home of Mrs. Haddock for the church where the service was conducted by her pastor Rev. P.A. Tinkham who spoke from John 14:1-2-3. Mrs. Bohler was laid to rest in the Wyoming Cemetery.
Transcribed & Submitted by: John Kahl
Source: Wyoming Journal, 17 February 1904.

Eliza Salina White
Mrs. George G. Platner
January 18th, 1899, at her home in Center Junction Iowa, Eliza Salina (White) Platner passed from earth to her eternal home. She was born at Scotch Grove, Iowa, December 12, 1866. At the age of fifteen she professed her faith in Christ and united with the United Presbyterian church at Scotch Grove. She was married Oct. 24th, 1888, to Geo. G. Platner, which was indeed a happy union. Quiet and retired she won the respect and admiration of all who knew her. Though not demonstrative, she was exceedingly sympathetic. She was a cheerful and unassuming Christian. Except when illness prevented, she was always in her place in the Lord’s house. She died of pneumonia, after an illness of five days, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Scotch Grove. At the time of her death she was a member of the United Presbyterian congregation in Wyoming.
Her husband and two children, Inez and G. Robert, survive her. To them and the wide circle of friends, we say weep not as those who have no hope. Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.
Submitted by: Chlona Hanken Hoppe
Source: Wyoming Journal, 26 January 1899.
Barrett Whittemore
Of Old Age & Physical Exhaustion

Whittemore—Friday morning, March 11th, 1880, at his residence at Bowens Prairie, in this county. Barrett Whittemore, Esq., aged 74 years of old age and physical exhaustion.
. . . The peaceful and painless death of one who lived a stainless life-a life of honor and usefulness and who went down to his grave full of years—. . .
Mr. Whitemore was born in Cheshire county, New York, February 26th, 1808. He was a man of more than ordinary intellectual endowments and his tastes were always toward literature, but the tendency of his mind was specially in the direction of mathematical and philosophical study. He was born schoolmaster, and to the profession of teaching he very naturally devoted the grater portion of his life. In the spring of 1830 he removed from the ancestral New England home to Bureau county, Illinois. A year later he moved to Jo Davis county in the same Sate. In 1834 he commenced teaching school in Dubuque, then a mere village. This was the second school opened in Dubuque.
In 1838 Mr. Whittemore first came to Jones county, and in 1811 he taught the first school ever opened in the county. Fifty years of his life were devoted to the work of teaching. He taught forty terms in Jones county, most of them in his own township-Richland. He was not only the first school teacher but also the first school Superintendent in this county, having been elected to that office in 1858. In 1864 he married Miss Louisa Blodgett, also a native of New Hampshire, who still survives. She is a sister of E. S. Blodgett, who is one of the oldest residents of the Prairie. Mr. And Mrs. Whittemore were childless; but the parental instinct and impulse in them found expression in kindly interest and helpful service to the children of others.
Mr. Whittemore was a life long member of the Congregational Church, and for many years, with his brother Otis, whose death we chronicled two weeks ago, was one of the main supports of the church and Sunday school. In his social relations he was one of the truest and best of men. In all his long life there was never a shadow of a stain upon his character. He was one of those plain, wholesome, thoroughly clean handed, clean natured men whom the tongue of gossip and the whisper of slander never touch. As a thinker and observer he took more comprehensive views, and looked deeper into things, than most men. He was a graceful writer, and with his unusual endowment of moral sentiment he was always earnest in his convictions, which were invariably on the side of truth and right. Yet he was not an aggressive man, nor what would be considered radical in any direction. He made no noise, but walked the quiet ways of life without ostentation, discharging all his duties, skirting no responsibility, but with simple fidelity performing whatever work fell to his hand as became a man. The world was the better for his having lived in it. He has left an example to all who knew him, of simplicity of character, of sincerity of purpose, of honesty and manness. The manner of his death was an appropriate ending of a well rounded and truly balanced life. His sickness was only the slow, natural, painless process of physical decay. . . .
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, March 18, 1880, page 3
Otis Whittemore
Gone to His Rest

The heart of this entire community was touched with the pain of a common sorrow by the announcement yesterday of the death of Hon. Otis Whittemore, at his residence in this city, after a brief but painful illness. As late as Wednesday of last week, he spent two hours in this office,--a friendly visit, during which he recounted many of the incidents of his past life, and spoke confidently of his hope and plans for the future. At the same time he complained of feverishness, and other unfavorable symptoms, which, however, he attributed to the impure atmosphere in the crowded Opera House, where he had been listening with interest to the proceedings of the Dairy Convention. We advised him to hasten home, and take precautions against sickness. He did so, and informed us the day before his death that it was with the intensest difficulty that he reached his home. We saw him on Monday night and were shocked at the terrible change in him. It was apparent that his work was done and his journey ended; that the silver cord was loosened, and the pitcher broken at the fountain.
Mr. Whittemore was born in Fitzwillam, Cheshire Co. N. H., and was lineally descended from good old Pilgrim stock. His ancestors were men of distinction in the old Revolutionary days-the stormy epoch when the Republic was being born into the family of Nations. Mr Whittemore received a thorough education in the public schools of his native town. He was there married, Aug. 31st, 1841, to Miss Harriet M. Eaton. In 1843, he removed with his wife to Iowa, locating a "claim" on Bowen's Prairie, which he afterward increased to 200 acres. Here in few years he erected a commodious frame house, which for years had a reputation throughout all this region of country, for generous hospitality such as few private houses ever achieve. In 1854 the town of Bowen's Prairie was platted by him. He was foremost in every undertaking of a public, philanthropic or religious character, and Superintendent of the Sunday school, and leader of the choir in the Bowen's Prairie church, to which he was ardently attached for many years. He was a member of the Iowa House of Representatives during the years 1862 and '63, and was conspicuous in debates on the bill to repeal the prohibotory liquor law. To his untiring efforts the defeat of the bill was largely due. He was one of the earliest anti-Slavery advocates, and contributed time, work, and money to the work of freedom. He was throughout his whole life esteemed for his unwavering loyalty to his honest convictions of right and duty. He was not a great man, or man of unusual breadth or brilliance in any special direction, but he was an exceptionally pure and good man, who squared his conduct by the everlasting moralities, and took for the "man of his counsel" the gentle Nazarene, whom he loved and reverenced as the Savior who bore the sorrows and burdens of our common humanity.
Some nine years ago Mr. Whittemore's failing health compelled his abandonment of his farm. He removed to Monticello where he built the handsome and comfortable house in which he died. Mr. And Mrs. Whittemore were never blessed with children of their own' but they have adopted several who have grown to maturity, and taken honorable and useful places in the world. Mr. Whittemore was an ardent Republican from the birth of that organization to the last day of his life. During his last conversation with us he expressed with the utmost warmth his devotion to the great principles upon which the party was founded.
His life since he came to Monticello has been an open book, which all could read. He was so simple in his tastes, so hospitable and frank, and generous, that no man was repelled from him, and all men respected him. In the Congregational church he was a strong pillar. In the painful controversy through which it has just passed, or is passing, he was deeply interested on the side of his young pastor for whom he had an affection that was paternal. Almost his last words were an expression of hope for the speedy termination of the unseemly strife, and mild reproaches for the instigators of the troubles.
Not alone the church that loved him, but the community that knew his worth-feel the loss of such a man; and every heart is touched with the tenderest sympathy for the sorrowing wife left desolate in her declining years, and for all the many friends. Voiced regret or spoken eulogy, in the presence of such a loss, mocks only the grief which it can neither depict or lighten.
Mr. Whittemore's disease was pleuropneumonia, and until the last his sufferings were intense. "This pain shoots through me like a dagger," he whispered to the writer, the last time we saw him. Dr. Russell, who was both family physician and an old personal friend, was constant in his attendance upon the dying man. But many years of failing health had wrecked his constitution and wasted his vital force. Recovery was hopeless from the first. One of the touching incidents connected with his death, was the purchase of a large and elegantly upholstered arm chair by his friends in Monticello with which to surprise him on his 65th birth day, which occurs tomorrow (Friday the 5th inst). The chair arrived the day he died. It is easy to imagine how the old man's face would have lighted up with pride and pleasure over such an expression of the love and confidence of his old friends and neighbors. . . .
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Monticello Express Monticello, Iowa, March 4, 1880, page 3
Sarah S. Whittemore
Aged 73
Died—At her home in Bowen's Prairie, suddenly, on Feb. 15th, 1883. Mrs. Sarah S., wife of Mr. William S. Whittemore, aged 73. Her disease supposed to be neuralgia of the heart.
Her health had not been very good during the past year, and during these cold winter months she seemed to be growing feeble. She had occasionally a poor spell, which, though short, awakened some alarm. Still she was able generally to perform her round of duties. She retired to rest Wednesday evening as usual. At four o'clock in the morning she awakened her husband, as she was suffering pain in the region of her stomach. Remedies were given, but all in vain; in about half an hour she ceased to breathe. During part of this half hour, she was unconscious. Friends were immediately present, but her pleasant voice was forever hushed on earth. All needful help was shown the bereaved husband, for which he returns his warmest thanks.
The funeral on Saturday was well attended. Prayer was first offered at the house, where the relations and friends had assembled, then the remains were borne by gray headed men to the Congregational church just across the road, where a sermon was preached by her minister, Rev. H. Adams, from the text, "The time is short." 1 Cor 7:29. Among the hymns sung, was the one commencing, "asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep," to the tune of Zephyr. Mrs. Whittemore seemed to be sweetly trusting in Jesus. She expressed the hope of renewing grace many years before. She loved the house of God, and listened with interest to the preaching of the Word. She was a member of the pastor's Bible class, and prized the publications of Cook, taken by the Sunday school. Seldom did she fail of being present at the monthly missionary concert. Among her last gifts to the needy, was a choice bundle to the colored Orphanage, New Orleans. The family at the parsonage can testify to the nice gifts which found the way to their table. She was a model of industry, neatness, prudence, patience, and quietness. She was a peacemaker; there is a blessing for such. Not "lifted up with pride," but "Clothed with humility," "in lowliness of mind esteeming others better than" herself. As a gentle, faithful night watcher at the bedside of the sick, she will be gratefully remembered.
She was like the modest violet, blooming sweetly, yet half hidden; diffusing fragrance in her own quiet sphere.
Mrs. Whittemore was born in Marlboro, Cheshire Co., N. H., Aug 20, 1810. She was married Dec 27 1838, which makes her married life a little over 44 years. In Nov. 1854, Mr. And Mrs. Whittemore removed west to Bowen's Prairie, where they have remained. Their children were three sons and one daughter. Two sons survive her death. Austin B., a farmer in Otis Township, Hamilton Co., Neb., and Henry O., telegraph operator of Sand Spring, Ia. The mother gave two sons in the time of our own country's great need, Austin and William . . .
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, February 22, 1883, page 3

Elizabeth Wickersham Brogan
Burned to Death
Grandmother Brogan, mother of Mrs. Wm. Fisher, was burned to death last Thursday evening. Her husband died a good many years ago and for the last 29 years she has been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Fisher. Last Thursday evening she was taken to her room to retire for the night. She had removed her clothing with the exception of her shoes and stockings and had put her nightgown on, and it is thought she got too close to the stove, which set fire to her nightgown and she was soon enveloped in flames. Her screams attracted the attention of Mr. Fisher and wife and they ran to her room and with a bucket of water soon had the flames put out but not until they had performed their deadly work. The accident happened at about 8 o'clock in the evening, and she died early the next morning.
Grandmother Brogan was the oldest person in town, and since her fall about seven years ago, she has been unable to walk, but has been tenderly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. Although she was badly burned, it is thought she would have recovered had she not been in such feeble health.
Elizabeth Brogan was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania on the 4th day of July, 1811, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Fisher in Olin, on the 11th day of December, 1903, aged 92 years, 5 months and 7 days. She was a Quaker and always lived closely to that faith.
The funeral services were held at the house last Saturday afternoon, conducted by Elder Nathan Potter, assisted by Rev... (the rest is missing).
Submitted by: Kathryn Robinson Benson
Source: Unknown
Note: Grandmother Brogan is buried in the Olin Cemetery along with the daughter and son-in-law (my GGG grandparents) mentioned in her rather terrifying obit. (KB)
Leroy Emmett Wiese
Born 8 August 1908
Funeral services for Leroy Emmett Wiese of Morley were scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday in the Morgan Funeral Home with burial in the Mt. Vernon cemetery. The Rev. Charles Q. Wallace officiated. Pallbearers were Jerry Clark, Ray Jayne, Paul Baty, Paul Maaske, Charles McCright, and Fred Wright.
Mr. Wiese, 62, died last Thursday in Mercy Hospital after along illness.
Born August 8, 1908 at Keystone, he attended a military academy in Missouri for two years and then Keystone High School.
He was married to Dewessle Wright, who died January 1, 1958, and on October 10, 1958 was married to Leola Stivers in the Federated Church at Lisbon. He was a member of the Mt.Vernon Methodist Church.
Mr. Wiese operated the Shell service station in Mt. Vernon for several years, and then worked for a construction company. For the past three years he was sports equipment manager at Cornell College. He was a veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his wife, a son, Don of Santa Monica, Calif., who was here for the services; three stepsons, Charles, Ronald, and Richard Stivers, and seven step-grandchildren.
Submitted by: Charles R. Stivers
Margaret Jane Wilkinson
Mrs. Samuel Moyer
Margaret Jane Wilkinson was born in Allen Co. Ohio, June 12, 1850 and died at her home in Anamosa, Sept. 7, 1931, at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 25 days.
She came to Iowa when a child of six years and has lived in Linn and Jones counties since that time. She was married to Samuel Moyer, January 18, 1876, by Rev. B. F. Hills, at the home of Daniel Moyer in Linn county. Three children were born to them: Tressa C. Moyer and Emmar Pavin of Anamosa and Mary E. Leinen of Center Junction.
She is survived by the three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all of whom were with her to the last.
For a number of years she was a member of the Christian Science church and a member of the Mother church in Boston, Mass., at one time. She spent a large part of her married life on a farm 4 1/2 miles south of Anamosa and twenty years in Anamosa.
Funeral services were held at the home September 9, conducted by Miss Twogood of Cedar Rapids. Burial at Forest Hill cemetery by the side of her husband, who preceded her to to heavenly home fifteen years ago. The pallbearers were Clayton Hartman, Harry Alspaugh, Lemanuel Gage, T. E. Watters, Walter Pearson and Harry Holcomb.
Submitted by: Laura Comley
Amos Wood
16 April 1829—26 May 1898
An ex-Canadian Who Made Many Friends in This Vicinity Passes Away
Death has entered our community again, and taken one of our oldest pioneers. Amos Wood was born in Canada, April 16, 1829, and died in Hale township, May 26, 1898, where he lived until the time of his death.
He was married to Sarah Smith in 1850 and to them was born nine children, six of whom, together with his wife, survive to mourn his death.
Your correspondent has known Mr. Wood for over a quarter of a century, and he was always known as an upright, honest man in all his dealings.
By hard work and economy he had gathered, together a considerable amount of property, and a few years ago he retired from active work to enjoy the fruits of his early struggles, in the far west. Death came so sudden that we can hardly realize that he has gone.
The funeral sermon was preached on the beautiful lawn at the old house where Mr. Wood has lived for forty years. After the funeral services were over, a large procession of friends and neighbors followed the remains to the Hale Cemetery, where they were laid away to rest, he being the first member of the family buried there.
In the death of Mr. Wood, our community, as well as the county has lost a much respected and valued citizen and the community will deeply feel his loss. Mr. Wood was a son of the late James and Nancy Wood, and resided on the Howard and Harwich Townline, near Troy, where he spent his childhood days. He was a brother of Mrs. James Craig, near Morpeth and of Phillip Wood of Chatham township and of Mrs. S. Kerby, of Corunna, Mich.
Submitted by: Kathy Anthony
Source: Olin Recorder
Note: Extracted from a Chatham Newspaper dated June 29, 1898.

Arthur LeRoy Wood
Born 23 July 1886
ARTHUR WOOD DIES WHILE DRIVING CAR
Arthur LeRoy Wood, 62, passed away suddenly Monday, April 5, while driving his automobile. Mr. Wood had been making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ed Wacker of Scotch Grove. He had formerly lived in Olin.
Wood was born July 23, 1886, the son of Phillip and Lucy Skipton Wood in Cass County, Iowa. He spent his active life farming.
Funeral services will be held from the Campbell funeral home at Olin on Thursday afternoon, April 8. Burial will be at Mayflower cemetery, Oxford Junction.
Mr. Wood is survived by the following children: Delbert N. Wood, Olin; Mrs. Ed (Ida) Wacker, Scotch Grove; Mrs. Emery Wood (Hazel), Olin; Mrs. Lou Reynolds (Grace), Anamosa; and Mrs. Donald Wood, (Geraldine). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters: Amos Wood, Marion; Mrs. Russell Bowers, Wilton Junction, and Mrs. William French, Wyoming. Also by a step brother, Gerald Skipton, Mason City. Mr. Wood's wife and a son preceded him in death
Submitted by: Kathy Anthony
Source: Monticello Express, 8 April 1948.
Philip H. Wood
19 July 1857—19 December 1923
There occurred at his home in Hale township, Jones county, Iowa on December 19, 1923, the death of Philip H. Woods, after a months sickness of pneumonia followed by weakness of heart. He was the son of Amos and Sarah Woods and was born in Madison township, Jones county, Iowa, July 19, 1857, and at the time of his death, had reached the age of 66 years and five months.
His life during childhood and young manhood was spent at home. During this time he graduated from the Olin High School and from Lenox College, Hopkinton, Iowa. Following his graduation he taught school in Cass county, Iowa, where he met the young woman, Lucy Skipton, who became his bride on December 23, 1882 and who preceded her husband from this world on Dec. 20, 1913.
After a few years of farming in Iowa and Kansas, the family moved to the present home in Hale township, Jones county, Iowa. Here were spent the rest of his years during which time the energies of the father were given to secure a home and caring for the interests of the family of growing children. The children were four: two boys and two girls. Amos of Marion, Iowa; Arthur of Hale, Iowa; Mrs. Belle Bowers of Olin and Mrs. Millie French of Wyoming. On Sept. 26, 1915, he was married to Stella Skipton who died May 5, 1918.
Mr. Woods was an industrious farmer and a friend to his neighbors assisting them in their work and helping to care for them in time of sickness and distress. For many years he was a regular attendant of the services of the M.E. Church, but during the later years his Hearing became so impaired that he was unable to hear and share in the order of services, so did not attend. During the last few years the deceased has been in poor health, and four weeks ago pneumonia developed resulting in weakening of the heart action and which was the final cause of his death. Two brothers and one sister had preceded him in death.
Besides the family who mourn the loss of this father, there is one brother and two sisters who join the children in their sorrow. These are C. C. Woods of Olin, Iowa; Mrs. Josie DeLarm of Albion, Neb.; and Mrs. Ethel Shapland of Richmond, Virginia. Also there are fourteen grandchildren and a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Funeral was held in the M.E. church of Olin, Saturday afternoon December 22, 1923, conducted by the pastor, Rev. James Baltz. The songs of the service were sung by Mrs. Louis Rohwedder, Mrs. Jay McCormick, A. B. Dahl, and Guy Macomber. A large number of relatives and neighbors was present to pay the last tribute of love to the departed. At the close of the services the body was interred in the Olin cemetery.
Submitted by: Kathy Anthony
Source: Olin Recorder, 20 December 1923.
Note: The obituary was published with "P. H. Wood" in the headline and "Woods" in the body.
Robert F. Woodard
December 17, 1928 – February 10, 2009
Robert F. Woodard, 80, of Onslow died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion, Iowa, following a long illness.
Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming. The family will honor his wishes and the body will be cremated following visitation. Memorials are preferred.
Robert F. “Bob” Woodard was born on December 17, 1928 in Ottumwa, Iowa, son of Fred and Vertha (Smith) Woodard. He married Janice Ellison on January 24, 1995 in Jones County, Iowa. He served in the U. S. Army.
Bob worked with electronics. He enjoyed fishing, camping and motorcycling.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Woodard of Anamosa; three sons, Nick (Crystal) Woodard of Warrensburg, New York, Robert D. (Martha) Woodard of Onslow, and Steven Woodard of Ottumwa; one step daughter Penny (Joe) Woodard of Wyoming; three step sons, Jimmy (Nancy) Butler and Laurel (Linda) Butler, both of Ottumwa, and David (Michele) Parmenter of Naples, Florida; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joann Wise of Ottumwa and June McDonald of Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Helen, one brother, Paul and a brother-in-law, Butch Wier.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Source: Midland Times, Wyoming, Iowa, 13 February 2009
Donald D. Woodley
May 14, 1955–October 14, 2008
Donald D. Woodley, 53, of Wyoming, died Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at Jones County Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, Iowa.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming, with Shepherd Karmen Jamison officiating. Burial will be in the Wyoming Cemetery, Wyoming, Iowa. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming.
Donald D. Woodley was born on May 14, 1955, in Hampton Iowa, son of Donald Dean Woodley, Sr., and Donna Jean (Shroeder) Woodley. He grew up in the Fort Madison – Nauvoo area and graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School. He married Cheryl Ploof on August 1, 1981 in Coralville, Iowa.
Don attended Kirkwood Community College and Xavier Mortuary College in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in 1985, and moved to Wyoming in 1986.
Don joined Hayden Funeral Homes in 1986, becoming a full partner in 1992. He retired from the funeral business in August of 2003. In 2004, Don began working at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He also received his real estate license and worked with Wortman Realty in Anamosa.
He was a member of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors, Iowa Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. He was on the board of the Wyoming Housing Corporation, the Wyoming City Council, was mayor pro-tem, a past member of the Wyoming Library Board, and had been a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He actively participated in many community activities and projects.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Woodley of Wyoming; one son, Nicholas Woodley of Tokyo, Japan; one daughter, Kathryn Woodley of Omaha, Nebraska; three sisters, Tonia (Ralph) Farmer of St. Louis, MO, Tracy (Orville) Krogmeier of West Point, Iowa, and Robin (Joe) Arledge of New London, Iowa, one brother, Rick Woodley of West Point, Iowa; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben and Carol Ploof of Coralville; two brothers-in-law, Steven (Dyana) Ploff of Round Rock, Texas, and David (Chris) Ploof of Eldridge; a sister-in-law, Janell Michel of Coralville; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Donna Woodley, and two infant siblings, Rhonda and Lisa.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Source: Midland Times, Wyoming, Iowa, October 17, 2008
Selim Worster
26 May 1822—14 January 1907
Mr. Selim Worster died at his home near Langworthy, January 14, 1907, aged 84 years, 7 months and 18 days. Mr. Worster had been in a failing condition of health for several months, but he was not confined to his bed until a week or so previous to his demise.
Mr. Worster could properly be regarded as one of the pioneers of Jones County. He resided upon the farm where his death occurred for fifty-four years. He was born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, May 26th 1822.
He was married in that state June 26th, 1815, to Lucy S. Ripley, a native of Winchester, who survives the deseased at the advanced age of eighty-one years.
They came to Jones County in 1855, and purchased the farm which ever after remained their home. Mr. and Mrs. Worster were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom survive, one dying at the age of 2 years and although widely scattered, everyone of the survivors was present at the funeral, which was conducted at the family residence on Wednesday forenoon, the 16th, by Rev. M. A. Breed, Pastor of the Congregational Church of Monticello.
These children are: George C. Worster, Ottosen, Iowa; John M. Worster, Neushe Rapids, Kansas; Waldo A. Worster, Fort Scott, Kansas; Alden E. Worster, Algona, Iowa; C. S. Worster, Emporia, Kansas; Miranda S. Dunn, West Bend, Iowa; W. J. Worster, Ottosen, Iowa; Hattie J. Clark, Cass Township; Cora Walters, Cass Township; Henry F. Worster Langworthy
The remains were laid to rest in Oakwoods Cemetery, Monticello. The deceased was a kindly, social gentleman, a hard worker and a good manager. After he passed the four score mile post, he worked as energetically as a young man. He has a brother living who is 87 years old. His mother lived to be 91 years old. Mr. Worster was an honest man, and very justly respected by his acquaintances.
Submitted by: Gary Worster
Note: There is a conflict about date of death. One source says July and the obit says January.
John R. Wurst
September 17, 1936–April 28, 2009
John R. Wurst, 72, of Onslow, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion American Lutheran Church, Wyoming, with the Rev. Bob Wessels officiating.
Burial will be in the Wyoming Cemetery, Wyoming, Iowa, with military honors accorded by the American Legion Wyoming Post 259. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming.
John was born September 17, 1936 in Anamosa, Iowa, son of Carl and Frances (Buchholtz) Wurtz. He graduated from Wyoming High School and was crowned homecoming king in 1954. John married Betty Bahnsen on December 28, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Wyoming. He served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. He started farming in 1957 in Jones County, in the Wyoming area, retiring in 2003.
John was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council for 12 years. He served on the Wyoming Fair Board for 6 years, the Senior Housing Board where he served as president for several years, and the Midland School Board for 6 years. He was president of the Wyoming Cemetery Board. John helped start the Little Bear Country Club and enjoyed bowling, fishing and tractor rides.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Wurst of Onslow; two children, Lorie (Kevin) Dunne of Wyoming and Cliff (Sonia) Wurst of LaVerne, California; four grandchildren, Haley, Ryan, Chloe and Aubree; and one brother, Harold (Evonne) Wurst of Marion, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Source: Midland Times, Wyoming, Iowa, 1 May 2009

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