OBITUARIES

Please accept our condolences to those who recently lost family members.

The Oneonta NY Daily Star, Wednesday, 15 Sep 2004; Fairbanks, Alaska-Elizabeth (Betty) Munson Eldridge, 79, passed away quietly in her sleep Feb. 25, 2004, at her home in Fairbanks, Alaska.  Following cremation at Fairbanks Funeral Home in Fairbanks, a memorial service with a Mass of Resurrection was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 2501 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska.  Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at 1p.m.  Elizabeth was born in Oneonta on May 12, 1924, to Margaret and John Delaney.  Following her mother's death in 1929, Elizabeth was adopted by her maternal grandparents, Mary Elizabeth and Frank Munson.  In May of 1946, she married her beloved husband of 52 years, Arthur Eldridge [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser, his mother, Pauline Elizabeth Fisk Eldridge, Mildred Alice Smith Fisk, Jeremy Almiron Smith, Elizabeth M. Albro Smith, Sabra S. Morse Albro, Alithea Wiser Morse, Benjamin Wiser], in Oneonta.  Following Art's retirement from Bendix Corporation, Sidney, in 1978, they moved to Alaska to join their daughter and her family.  Elizabeth was preceded in death by her son, Timothy, in 1974; her husband, Arthur, in 1998; and her brother, Jack Delaney, in 1999.  Elizabeth is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and Chuck Elwood of Gakona, Alaska; her granddaughter and husband, Terri and Michael Dukes; and four great-grandchildren, Riley, Maggie, Emily and Timothy Dukes, all of North Pole, Alaska; as well as her former daughter-in-law, Laura Hansel of Maryland.  Betty's family would love to hear from anyone who has any memories to share and may do so by writing to Peggy Elwood at PO Box 213 Gakona, AK  99586.  Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Binghamton NY Press-Bulletin, Tuesday, 11 Jan 2005; Dawn Marie (Wiser) Warner of Belden Hill, N.Y. -Dawn Marie (Wiser) Warner, 71, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2005. She was reunited with her parents, Edwin [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser; his father, Edwin Ernest Wiser Sr., Levi Wiser, James Wiser, Benjamin Wiser] and Nettie Wiser; brothers, Robert and Donald Wiser; and her children, Edwin and Maureen. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Raymond Warner; daughter Rae Marie Warner, Belden Hill; four grandchildren, David, Joe, Bethany and Eryn; son-in-law, David F. Warner; special sister-in-law, Grace Thomas; and special friend, Florence Klopf; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews and cousins. We would like to send a special thank you to Dixie and MaryAnn in the Hospice Program. She was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post 1596. She enjoyed traveling around the country with Raymond to the 5th Regimental Combat Team Reunions until her health prevented her from traveling. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, 1 p.m. at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson, with Rev. Michael Rowe, officiating. Burial will be in the Glen Castle Cemetery in the spring. Friends may call at the funeral home, Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing kindly consider memorial contributions to Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905, or Animal Care Council, 131 Washington Ave., Endicott, N.Y. 13760.

Mason City, IA Globe-Gazette, Friday, 14 Jan 2005; Charles City, Iowa — Funeral service for Claire Russell "Red" Adams, 71, of 1702 Ohio Ave., Charles City, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Marble Rock Community Center with Pastor Dave Werges of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City officiating. Burial will be in Westside Cemetery, Marble Rock, with military rites conducted by Stroud Gates Post No. 387, American Legion of Marble Rock. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 423 Bradford St. in Marble Rock. Visitation will continue at the Community Center one hour before services. Claire Russell Adams was born Feb. 21, 1933, in Aureola, Union Township, Floyd County, a son of Clarence Clifford [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser; his father, Louis Eli Edwin Adams, Byron Sidney Adams, Temperance M. Wiser Adams, Samuel Wiser, Benajmin Wiser] and Marie Catherine (Bohl) Adams; and died Wednesday (Jan. 12, 2005) at Floyd County Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home. He received his education in Marble Rock public schools, graduating in 1950. Red was instrumental in helping the Marble Rockets advance to the 1950 state sub finals. He lettered in baseball in high school and college. He attended Upper Iowa at Fayette and Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, where he received his B.A. in 1958 and his M.A. in 1963. He later earned his sixth year specialist degree in 1976. On Feb. 10, 1953, he was inducted into the United States Army, where he served with the service battery, 246th field artillery, as a cook. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 9, 1955. Following his discharge, he worked for Decker and Sons meat packing plant in Mason City. He taught schools in Shelbyville, Mo., Cylinder, and Riceville. He served as principal of schools at Dows (1976-1979), superintendent and elementary principal at Thompson (1979-1996), superintendent at Lakota (1990-1992) and superintendent at Buffalo Center (1996-1997). He was united in marriage to Mary Louise Cleveland on Sept. 7, 1956, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua. To this union were born six children. Red's interests included fishing, hunting and bowling. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to tease them terribly, and was always willing to take them to ball games. He was a life member of the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 409 of Crystal Lake and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose No. 1328 in Mason City. Living family members include his loving wife of 48 years, Mary, of Charles City; two daughters, Shari Lynn (Greg) Knopf of Clear Lake, and Saundra Lou (Chad) Gifford of Burt; four sons, Steven (Brenda) Adams of Palatine, Ill., Stanton Adams of Thompson, Shawn (Peggy) Adams and Scott Adams all of Des Moines; 10 grandchildren; one sister, Fern Chambers, of Mason City. Also surviving include several brothers and sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Eugene Adams (1934); a brother-in-law, Roy Chambers; and a sister-in-law, Jane Testroet. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the "Red" Adams Memorial Fund in care of the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, (641) 823-4457.

Logan UT Herald-Journal, Friday, 14 Jan 2005; Big Water, Utah -- Our beloved husband, father, brother and son, Jerry Arnold Olson, passed away Jan. 11, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born Nov. 23, 1939, to Neil W. Olson [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser; his mother, Leda Pearl Wiser Olson, John Harvey Wiser, John McCormick Wiser, Samuel Wiser, Benjamin Wiser] and Hazel Andrews Neilsen in Logan, Utah. He was raised in Logan. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in San Diego, Calif., where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Ann Herrera. After exploring the country with his family, they decided to call the Lake Powell area home for over 30 years. Jerry was a simple man, whose morals never wavered. He was thoughtful, loving and kind, with a wonderful sense of humor. He took great pride in everything he did. He went about his business, with no expectation of thanks or applause, and always gave respect and had the respect of others. Jerry instilled his values in his children and grandchildren. He loved and was loved by his family tremendously and will be greatly missed. He was a pipe-fitter welder with Local 57, and well known for being one of the best welders in the country. He attended Weber State University, accomplished much by teaching at CEU College, being a private pilot, restoring vintage cars, and building homes. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty Ann Olson; children, Vince Olson of Phoenix, Ariz., Norman Olson of Las Vegas, Nev., Frances (Steven) Kinross of Beaver, Utah, and Ken (Melissa) Olson of Moses Lake, Wash.; his mother Hazel Nielsen; sisters, Myrna (Paul) Maughan, Alice (John) Bosworth; brother Kendall (Colleen) Olson; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Olson in November of 2004, and one grandson, Baby Jeremy. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, at The Immaculate Heart Of Mary Catholic Church in Page, Ariz. with a viewing at noon. Interment will be at the Page City Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.

Logan, UT Herald Journal, Thursday, 20 Jan 2005; Barbara Wiser Plowman, 81, died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. Barbara was born in Logan on June 5, 1923, the oldest of five children to Wayne T. [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser Sr; his father, Samuel Frost Wiser, John McCormick Wiser, Samuel Wiser, Benjamin Wiser] and Eva England Wiser. The first few years of life, Barbara and her mother lived with her grandparents in Logan while her father served a mission in New Zealand. Following his return, they moved to the family farm in Lewiston, Utah, a community Barbara loved and where she spent most of her remaining years. Barbara graduated from North Cache High School, beginning nurse's training shortly afterward. She spent several years during World War II working as a nurse for Dr. Ezra Cragun in Lewiston. She married her high school sweetheart, Rex Gibson Plowman, on Oct. 6, 1942, in the Logan LDS Temple. These two best friends enjoyed traveling and just spending time together for 52 wonderful years until Rex passed away on Dec. 29, 1994. Active in community affairs, Barbara served in the Jaycee Jills and the American Legion Auxiliary, especially working to raise funds to sponsor Girl's State Delegates. She also enjoyed working with young people as a 4-H leader. Barbara was first and foremost a wife and mother, dedicating herself to providing a loving and happy home for her family. A very talented seamstress, she also did beautiful knitting and other handiwork and loved to cook. Despite incapacitating injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 1969, she continued to support her family, especially her husband in his many church, civic and business responsibilities.

The Primary organization was her great love, as she served as teacher and president in both the ward and stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Barbara's faith and testimony in Jesus Christ and the Gospel were displayed to her precious children and grandchildren by her example of love and service.Preceding Barbara in death were her husband, Rex G. Plowman; her parents; and two sisters, Gayle (Jack) Leavitt and Marilyn (Wes) Poole. She is survived by her three children, Boyd Rex (Carol) Plowman of Glen Ivy, Calif., Patricia Harris of Lewiston and Carol (Grant) Hanson of Highland, Utah; as well as 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Visick and the staff at Terrace Grove and Sunshine Terrace for their loving care and service to our mother for the last several years. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 22, in the Lewiston 4th Ward Chapel. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center, Logan, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to the LDS Church Humanitarian or Perpetual Education Fund.

Neosho, MO Daily News, 1 Nov 2004; Virgil Augusta Wolfe, 92, Granby, died at 12:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, at an area nursing home following several months of ill health. She was born Aug. 31, 1912, in Waldron, Okla., to Jacob and Ada (Thornburg) [ancestry to Benjamin Wiser Sr; her father, Nathan Thornburg, Cloe Wiser, James Wiser, Benjamin Wiser] Butz. Mrs. Wolfe came to the Neosho area 32 years ago from Denver, Colo. She was a homemaker as well as a Boy Scout den mother and a wonderful grandmother. She also was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Neosho. She is survived by five children, Laura McSorley of Neosho, Bob Swem of Neosho, Melvin Swem of Seneca, Don Swem of Neosho, and Bill Swem of Seneca; one sister, Agnes Beach of Wichita, Kan.; 16 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Thelma Lennick, and three grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Clark Chapel of Memories with Pastor Herb Waterhouse officiating. Burial will follow at King Cemetery, northwest of Neosho. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons: Jay Swem, Andy Swem, Ronnie Swem, Daniel Swem, Mike Harms Jr., Duane Chester, Mike Harms Sr., Jesse Harms, Tommy Harms, Gary Harms, Steve Swem, Phillip Swem, Ryan Swem and Scott deGroat. Friends may call from noon to 5 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, where the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Wolfe may be made payable to KNEO Radio, "Christ's Way Program," c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, 64850. Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.

Charles City, IA Press, Friday, 13 Jan 2005; Greene, IA-Funeral services for Otto E. Kielman, 87, formerly of 209 South Second Street, Greene will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Paul Uzel officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday, January 13, at Reid's Funeral Chapel in Greene, where there will be a Public Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday at the church one hour before service.  Otto Elvin Kielman was born November 18, 1917, near Bristow, West Point Township, Butler County, a son of George and Tillie (Miller) Kielman, and died Sunday, January 9, 2005, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville. He received his education in the rural Butler County Schools, and as a young man worked with his father to help support the younger members of the family. On November 18, 1938, he was united in marriage to Hazel Jeanette Boyd [her ancestry to Benjamin Wiser, her father, Robert Henry Boyd, Adelia Dorleska Cottle Boyd, Amanda Wiser Cottle, Samuel Wiser, Benjamin Wiser] at the Bristow Reformed Church. Following their marriage they lived with his parents until they started farming Southwest of Greene. For 30 years Otto and Hazel farmed in the rural Clarksville area until 1970, when they moved into Greene. For the next 10 years Otto worked for the City of Greene. In 1975 Otto and Hazel opened Kielman's Koffee Shop, which they operated for 16 years. In 1991 they sold the business and retired. In February 1994, Hazel entered the Community Nursing Home where she died on December 5, 1996. He entered the Community Nursing Home September 4, 2001. Otto had a great love for music. He played the concertina, and enjoyed going with Hazel to dances, and traveling to New Ulm to the Polka Fest. They also made trips to Nashville and Disney World. Otto's other interests included gardening and watching television. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greene. Living family members include his two sons: Donald (Judi) Kielman of Clarksville, Gary (Carolyn) Kielman of Waverly, eight grandchildren: Amy (Chris) Colton, Blake (Tera) Kielman, Stacy Ruyle, Dan (Jayne) Kielman, Torey Kielman, Joe (Julie) Kielman, Suzanne (Jeremy) Eick, Andrea (Matt) Ramker; nine great grandchildren: Courtney Ruyle, Jessie and McKenzie Kielman, Jacob, Kaylee, and Aubrey Eick, Donnie and Gracie Kielman, and Auerianna Ramker; four sisters: Lorraine (Melvo) Majewski of Greene, Berdine (Melvin) Majewski of Charles City, Tileen Litterer of Charles City, Caroline Schafer of Dougherty; and one brother Geroge (Darlys) Kielman of Rockford. He is also survived by several Sisters-in-law: Maxine Chesnut of Clarksville, Ruth Kiefer and Roberta (Darrell) Barth both of Greene, and Dorothy Roccanti of Belchertown, Mass. Otto was preceded in death by his loving wife Hazel, and daughter Marlene on January 18, 1939, his parents, and one brother, Henry Kielman. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Otto E. Kielman Memorial Fund for the First Presbyterian Church in care of the family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 North First, Greene, (641) 823-4457.

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