Steven Robert Beaver, 65, of LaHarpe, IL passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 at his home. He was born March 13, 1955 in Peoria, IL His parents were Arthur E and Mable I (Leighty) Beaver. He married Lynne Marie Little, June 11, 1977. To that union was born, Christopher Scott.
Steve graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School in 1973. He graduated from Spoon River College and continued his education at Western Illinois University. Steve taught Auto-Mechanics and served on the Vocational Advisory Board at LaHarpe High School in the 1970’s.
While in high school and college he raised, and showed, champion North Country Cheviot sheep at 4-H, and State fairs.
Steve was an Illinois Certified Crop Adviser. He was senior software trainer for Software Solutions Integrated LLC in Shelbyville,IL Steve loved drag racing and motorcycle racing, competing in the AMA District 17 Enduro Circuit.
He customized a JEEP to run off-road trails in CO, NC, and CA. Favorite trails led him to the 14ers on top of the Continental Divide in CO.
A life-long dream was realized when he earned his pilot’s license and purchased a Mooney aircraft.
He and Lynne enjoyed flying to Airventure at Oshkosh and camping with the plane. They both volunteered for the EAA Young Eagles program, giving young people their first airplane ride and introduction to aviation.
He was a member of the LaHarpe Union Church. He served on boards and was audio-tech for church services.
Steve had a friendly, out-going personality that made him a favorite. He, mercilessly, teased those he liked a lot. He was compassionate and kind and was adored by family and friends and his dog, Ranger.
There will be no formal family visitation, but friends may call at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe between 1:00 and 6:00pm Tuesday, July 7th. A private family service will be held Wednesday at the LaHarpe Union Church. Burial will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery, at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Union Church and the E.A.A. Young Eagles program. To leave a condolence, please visit Steve’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Patricia Elaine (Klaus) Brown, 84, of Danville, died at 8:36 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, surrounded by her family.
Born January 3, 1936, she was the daughter of Everett William Klaus and Virginia Ruth (Eads) Klaus. She married Jack Lee Brown on July 27, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa. Patricia was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1954. Patricia held several administrative positions in her early career in both Mt. Pleasant and Burlington, but she was most proud of the family she raised and was most often seen having fun with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Patricia was a community volunteer, from the early days as a Girl Scout Troop Leader to helping with church and school activities throughout the years. Most recently, she volunteered at the Fair Trade Market at the Loft on Jefferson in Burlington. Pat was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), James Harlan Chapter. She won state, regional, and national awards for her volunteer work, transcribing genealogy records into the DAR database. Pat was an active environmentalist and also worked on the DAR Conservation and Patriot’s Project Committees.
Throughout the years, she could be seen riding motorcycles, participating in bowling leagues, and was an avid golfer. Pat was always adventurous and ready to travel across the nation; in her eighties, she went to Hawaii, Colorado, Texas, California, New York, and Washington, D.C., creating many memories on adventures with her kids and grandkids. In her free time, Pat would be sewing or working on needlework, completing daily crossword puzzles, or enjoying computer games. Pat was most proud of the pranks she played on her family and reveled in the fact that she taught her grandchildren how to pull late-night hijinks without getting caught. In her later years, Pat spent many hours researching her family tree and has accomplished a comprehensive archive that is available online. One of her favorite things was living in the country, enjoying nature, and having the freedom to live life fully.
She is remembered for her grand support of others, especially as a champion for children. She shared her giving spirit, encouragement, and unconditional love. She will always be remembered for the twinkle in her eye as she shared her wit or her ornery spirit.
Survivors include her children Jackie Brockert (Robert) of Danville, Brenda Rozinsky (Scott) of Wylie, TX, Jeff Brown of El Dorado Hills, CA, and Kimberly Van Ginkel (Thomas) of Omaha, NE; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings David Klaus of Burlington, Sylvia Ridinger of Trenton, Zanythe Wibstad of Trenton, and Steve Klaus of Danville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Barbara Houston, and an infant son.
Due to the Corona Virus, a private family graveside service will be held at Brooks Cemetery, rural New London. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
William Zane “Bill” Staats Sr., 85, of Burlington died Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Great River Medical Center.
Born December 7, 1934 in Wapello, Iowa, he was the son of Elmer and Wanda (Lodwick) Staats. He married Jean Perry on December 17, 1994 in Burlington.
Bill was a commercial fisherman, a jack of all trades and worked as a production manager for PRP. He was of the Baptist faith.
He loved gardening, being outdoors, fishing/hunting, turtling and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Jean Staats of Burlington; his children, Randy (Carol) Tompkins of Grandview, IA, William Staats Jr. of Oakville, Deborah (Lonnie) Scheitlin of Burlington, Pamela (David) French of Lynette, AL, Brenda (Rob Schadt) Staats of Salem, IA, Lonnie (Tracy Hotop) Staats of Mt. Pleasant, Suzzane Staats, Barry (Julie) Staats of Sperry, IA, Kenny (Shelley) Agnew of Mediapolis, IA, Kimberly (Jeff) Nehring of New London, IA and Joshua (Megan) Agnew of New London, IA; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry, Stanley, Sandra, James and Jackie and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Terry Staats, two brothers Robert and Elmer and two sisters, Darlene and Diane.
The funeral service for Bill will be 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7th at Lunning Chapel. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Harrison Cemetery, rural Wapello. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Tuesday.
A memorial has been established for Kayla’s Cupboard.
Wilfred L. “Bill” Roberts, 93, of Burlington died Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born February 8, 1927 in Bentonsport, Iowa he was the son of Roy E. and Lottie (McElroy) Roberts. He married Mary Keller on September 20, 1954 and together they recently celebrated 65 years or marriage.
Bill was an Army veteran serving just at the end of WWII overseas.
He was a freight agent for the Rock Island Railroad for 28 years until they ceased business in late 1970. He then worked for I.A.A.P. for 10 years.
Bill was a member of West Burlington United Methodist Church.
He was an avid reader, loved history and to read and hear about American Indian stories (they had to be true, however). He was very generous with yearly donations to the Burlington School District school lunch program to provide for children in need of assistance and for scholarships for Southeastern Community College.
Survivors include his wife Mary Roberts of Burlington; two children, Gwen (David) Renner of Peoria, Illinois and Douglas “Doug” (Janice) Roberts of West Burlington; six grandchildren, Michelle Anderson, Nicole Crabb, Adam Roberts, Jonathan Renner, Alex Renner and Christina Banta; eight great grandchildren, Tristan Roberts, Brennan Creelman, Emma Creelman, Camden Anderson, Claire Crabb, Delilah Crabb, Levi Roberts and Lily Roberts and one sister-in-law Mary Jane Roberts of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Vincent Roberts, three brothers and one sister.
The graveside memorial funeral service for Bill will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11th at Green Glade Cemetery, Farmington, Iowa. The Rev. Randall Gearhart will officiate. The Farmington American Legion will conduct military rites.
A memorial has been established for the Great River Hospice House.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Judith Ethel Lear, 80, of New London, died Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at her home.
She was born March 1, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. She was put in an orphanage at a very early age. She married Donald Michael Lear, Sr. He died in 2000.
Judith attended high school and a beauty academy in Detroit; then in her late 40’s she got her GED at Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kansas. She and her mother owned and operated a beauty shop in Detroit. She was a member of New London Christian Church.
She was very artistic; enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening and canning, reading and music; loving on her family; and according to her children, she was the best homemaker ever.
Survivors include her children; Michael Lear Jr. of Kansas, Laura Lear (Nickie Paulk) of Louisiana, Tina Jenkins of New London, Katie (Neal) Lear-Worden of Larned, Kansas; grandchildren, Amber Jenkins, Judith Abigail Lear, Charlotte Worden, Damien Nelson, and Bella Fox, Sterling Lear, Kory Lear and Curtis Lear.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Toby Sappington, and brother Bob Derrick.
According to her wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. There will be no formal services at Elliott Chapel, New London. Memorials may be sent to Tina Jenkins, 301 S. Ash, New London, Iowa 52645. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.