Rosemary Ann “Annie” Harmon, 71 , of Burlington, died at 9:20 PM Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at her home in Burlington.
Born July 11, 1946, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Clifford and Florence Mary Core Ballard. On August 6, 1982, she married Antonio L. Harmon in Burlington. He preceded her in death on December 22, 1996.
Annie worked for St. Francis Continuation Care Center for 30 years, where she was the first recipient of “Employee of the Year” in 1992. After St. Francis closed, she worked at Bickford Cottage for 8 years. Annie obtained a CNA certificate from St. Francis and her CMA at Southeastern Community College.
She loved her little dog, and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include one daughter, Renee S. (Anthony) Baylark of Burlington; one son, Jamie (Michele) Lohmann of Burlington; one step-daughter, Brenda (Dave) Pillow of Perry, IA; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; her special dog, Jackie Boy; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Patsy Leasure and Shirley Price; and three brothers, Chuck, Roger and Clarence.
Visitation will be from noon until 5:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mrs. Rosemary Ann Harmon will be Monday, April 23, 2018 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bobby Langford officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the burial.
Memorials have been established for Des Moines County Humane Society and the local Homeless Shelter.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Annie’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
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Richard D. Baker, 72, of Burlington, died at 12:14 AM Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
Born August 17, 1945, at home, in Browning County, MO, he was the son of Walter Lynn and Clara J. Coffman Baker. Richard grew up in rural Green City, MO. His family relocated to Chicago where he met his first wife, Shirley Long. They married July 30, 1966. They had two children, Kimberly and Jeffrey. They later divorced. In later years, he met his current life partner, Patti Hasenclever.
Richard was an over-the-road trucker for 45 years. Currently he enjoyed his “well deserved” retirement.
He graduated from Green City High School in Green City, MO in 1963. He later graduated from DeVry Technical College in Chicago, IL.
Richard was a die-hard truck driver for most of his life. He enjoyed deer, turkey, and mushroom hunting, the outdoors, fishing, golfing, and tending to creatures on his mini farm. He was a great cook. Richard loved to spend time with his grandchildren and looked forward to becoming a great-grandfather. Richard never knew a stranger, and enjoyed listening to and sharing stories with anyone who had the time.
Survivors include his mother, Clara Baker Yardley of Kansas City, MO; life partner, Patti Hasenclever of Fort Madison; one son, Jeff (Jill) Baker of Mt. Pleasant; one daughter, Kimberly (Keith) Perron of Mt. Pleasant; two step-children, Justine (Tim) Marshall and Lennon Hasenclever; nine grandchildren: Galen, Tenley, Lauren Perron; Owen and Molly Baker; Vaughan and Cade Marshall; and Theron Blaise; one brother, Walter L. (Gloria) Baker of Virginia; three sisters, Joyce (Don) Moran of Illinois, Phyllis (Jim) Lockwood both of Illinois and Betty Grinage of Kansas City, MO; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, grandparents and one grandson.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM with the family to receive friends, Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Prugh’s Chapel.
The memorial service for Mr. Baker will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Prugh’s Chapel with Chaplin Randy Gearheart officiating.
Memorials have been established for Iowa Donor Network and Doctors Without Borders.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Richard’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
Shirley Bliven, 80, of Burlington, died at 5:45 PM Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Great River Klein Center in West Burlington.
Shirley was born August 23, 1937, in Kewanee, Illinois. Shirley was the daughter of Walter E. and Nora L. Gerber. She married David Bliven on March 29, 1958.
Shirley was a teacher in Alton, Taylorville and Edinburg, Illinois before coming to Burlington where she continued teaching at Oak Street Middle School and part-time at Burlington High School. Shirley also did substitute teaching in area elementary schools. She had a lifelong interest in art and taught art for many years. Shirley also served as the Director of the Art Center where she organized trips to Chicago and St. Louis to see major exhibits and wonderful stage plays. During her stint as Director, Shirley held the Designer Showcase as well as great Mardi Gras celebrations. Shirley took the special art displays to elementary schools and also hosted after-school art projects for the children.
Shirley changed careers after teaching for twenty years. The next twenty years were spent working in the ministry. Her first call was Christian Educator for the First Presbyterian Church. Later Shirley became a Licensed Minister of the First Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as Christian Educator and Assistant to the Burlington Congregation for several years where she was a member. Shirley guided the creation of many education programs including M and M Club for the children. She received Licensed Minister Emeritus standing in February of 2003. Shirley also served as Associate Chaplain at Burlington Medical Center. Chaplain Bliven worked with many people and did pulpit supply for several churches in the surrounding area. After retiring from the Medical Center, she did interim ministry serving Denmark Congregational, U.C.C., St. Luke U.C.C, and the First Congregational Church. She was awarded the Honored Ministers pin August 2011 by the Regional First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the Upper Midwest.
Her hobbies included reading, drawing, painting, writing poetry, listening to good music, craft projects, visiting with friends and family, attending live theatre, plays, and musicals. Her drawings and paintings include many scenes from the Burlington area. Shirley’s Snake Alley and Great River Bridge prints are in many countries around the globe. One of her paintings was in the All Iowa Show at the Des Moines Art Center, and her work is in public and private collections.
Shirley was a Cub Scout leader, RISE volunteer, member of the Norman Circle of King’s Daughters, member of the Art Guild, Chapter P, PEO, life member of the National Education Association, Professional Church Leaders, G.R.M.C volunteer and Welcome Center volunteer.
Rev. Bliven was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and brother.
Survivors include her husband, Dave; daughter, Laurie Noll (Tim); two sons, John D. Bliven (Renee) and Bryan Bliven (Nicole); grandchildren, Emily (Marc), Ian, Eileen, Noah, Brooke, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Zachary, Victoria, and Katharine; and brother, John Gerber of Canton, Il.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM with the family to receive friends, Sunday, April 22, 2018 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The funeral service for Rev. Shirley Bliven will be 10:00 AM Monday, April 23, 2018, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Rev. David J. Yonker officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the fellowship hall following the burial.
Memorials have been established for First Christian Church, and the Parkinson Disease Foundation, 1200 Pleasant St. E-524 Des Moines, IA 50309.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Rev. Bliven’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
Susan Claussen, 76, went to be with the lord Thursday, April 19, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
George Lee Downing, 59, of Burlington, died at 3:34 AM Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born January 22, 1959, in Highland City, FL, he was the son of Joe and Inez Downing. On June 1, 1996, he married his wife Tina in Shakespeare Garden in Crapo Park.
He worked at Garrett’s Sandblasting and Painting in Mediapolis as an industrial painter.
He was an animal whisperer and he enjoyed fishing. There wasn’t anything George couldn’t fix. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Tina Downing of Burlington; two daughters, Heather (Dustin) Dykes of Burlington, and Elizabeth Bowen of Ft. Madison; four grandsons, Phillip King, Coltin King, Jordan Sherman; and Jayden Bowen: two granddaughters, Madison Monaco and Mallorie Monaco; one sister, Mary of Tampa, FL; and one brother Bobby Joe Downing of Island City, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one nephew, on brother, and one sister.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
Services will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for his family.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting George’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.