Teresa Lynn “TA” Adair, 72, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at her home.
TA was born November 30, 1950 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth and Ruby (Campbell) Adair. On January 31, 1981 she married James “Jay” Johnson. He preceded her in death on February 4, 2013.
She worked as a school psychologist for over 30 years in the schools of Hancock and Henderson Counties. She enjoyed entertaining friends, camping, playing cribbage, reading, trying and doing new things and cooking, especially with Dutch Ovens over coals. She was the co-author of a published cookbook that was shared with family and numerous friends.
TA was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City and served on the Parish Council for several years. She was also a member of the MAC Group (Monday Afternoon Chicks) gathering in Niota and the Pirates of the Cure-Ibean Relay for Life Team.
Survivors include one brother: Joe (Rhonda) Adair, one sister: Yvonna (Ray) Massie; one step-daughter: Jocelyn (Michael Hopper) Johnson; one step-son: Eric Johnson; two nieces, three nephews, two great-nieces and one great-nephew. Also surviving are two aunts: Wanda McDowell and Kay Dempsey, one uncle: Paul Obert, many cousins and a special friend: Doug Twyman.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Fr. Tony Trosley officiating. Burial will follow in Appanoose Cemetery, near Niota.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Pirates of the Cure-Ibean Relay for Life Team or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Teresa’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Max LeRoy Cunningham, 83, of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Max was born September 1, 1940, at home, near Sciota, Illinois, the son of Kemper and Olka (Tharpp) Cunningham. On August 14, 1976 he married Carol Hartman Gapen at the First Christian Church in Dallas City. She survives.
Mr. Cunningham was a 1958 graduate of LaHarpe High School and served in the U.S. Army following high school. He worked as a truck driver all of his life. He began his career with Truck Transport before beginning a 32 year career with Winegard Company in Burlington. He received an award for driving 2 million miles safely. Following his retirement he drove truck for many local farmers. His CB Handles were Streak & Squirrel.
He was a member of the NRA, LaHarpe American Legion and a 43 year member of Burlington Moose Club. He enjoyed participating on the Yellow Rose Saloon’s Pool Team and was an avid collector of guns.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two children: Theresa (Tammy Hayburn) Middleton of Monmouth, Illinois and Rod (Patty) Cunningham of Coal Valley, Illinois; two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one sister: Paula Cunningham of West Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Carol Kurth.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Maxine Dennison officiating. Burial with Military Rites by the LaHarpe American Legion will follow in Crane Cemetery, near Lomax.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Max’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Doug D. Heiniger, 66, of Wapello, Iowa, died Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born January 17, 1957, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Harvey and Leola (Frank) Heiniger. He was a 1975 graduate of Mediapolis High School and later graduated Lincoln Technical School.
He married the only love of his life, Tari Hardin on January 21, 1978.
Doug worked as a mechanic for Hawkeye Motors, Bobs Standard & Deery Brothers. He was a farmer on the family farm, Heiniger Agri Corp. He managed shipping at S&J Tube and he also engraved tombstones for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. He most recently worked in the parts department at H&L Mack.
He attended Cornerstone church in Mediapolis.
Farming was Doug’s passion, and he was born and raised a CHEVY guy. He loved being a mechanic and was literally a master of all trades. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking and most importantly time spent with his family, his girls and his grandchildren. Doug was always concerned for others, above himself.
He is survived by his wife Tari Heiniger of Wapello; two daughters, Kandi Heiniger Jenkins (Jody Jenkins) of Waterloo, Iowa and Kristen (Bryan) Brown of Mediapolis; two grandchildren, Brystol Brown and Brylee Brown; brother, Tim Heiniger of West Burlington; sister, Sandy Heckenberg of Georgia and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Larry Heiniger and Mike Heiniger.
The funeral service for Doug will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 3rd at Lunning Chapel. Friend and Brother in Christ Chuck Ealey will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2nd at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends.
A memorial has been established for the Cornerstone Church.
Bertha Irene Hecox King, 90, of New London, formerly West Burlington, died Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at New London Specialty Care. She was born January 22, 1933 in Rockton, Illinois to Leon C. and Mary Seitz Hecox. She was a 1951 graduate of Burlington High School and was a member of New London United Methodist Church. In 1981 she married Bruce King at the “We’ve Only Just Begun Wedding Chapel” in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She was a secretary with the G2 Army at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; was employed at the United Mine Workers; secretary for International Resistance; and “Make Today Count” which was inspired by Wanda Kelley. She enjoyed fishing, bingo, Riverside Casino, playing cards, and especially gardening, as she once owned and operated a greenhouse in West Burlington.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce B. King of New London; stepson Dennis King of Houston, Texas; stepdaughter Mary Eddings of Dennison, Texas; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sister Myrna (Dale) Speidel of Vinton; and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Debbie; sisters Mary and Nellie; and brothers Donald “Jake”, Dale, Robert, Francis “Butch” and Lorin “Sam”.
According to her wishes, she has been cremated and graveside funeral services will be held at a later date at Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to “Make A Wish Foundation”. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Bertha’s family would like to thank the staff at both New London Specialty Care and EveryStep Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion shown to her over the past weeks and months. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten.
John Lee Vass, 76, of Burlington, IA, died Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Born August 6, 1947 in Keokuk, IA, he was the son of Ralph and Helen (Logan) Vass. John graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School in 1965. He graduated from trade school in Rock Island, IL. He married Jean Petersen on October 26, 1968 in Davenport, IA. John was a heavy construction equipment designer for J.I. Case and Cedarapids-Terex. He loved photography and could often be found at the local race tracks taking photos. He had many photos published in race magazines and papers over the years, including some cover shots. He was an announcer for Burlington softball games for several years and enjoyed watching his daughter play. He spent his free time reading, gardening, putting together model cars, and watching the Hawkeyes and any type of racing on TV. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean of Burlington; two children, Jennifer (Rick) Vass-Kerns of Omaha, NE; Jeffrey Vass of Burlington; two grandchildren, Carter and Austin Kerns; and sister Marilyn (Robert) Mocella of Thorton, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of John’s life will be held on December 2, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington from 1:00-3:00 p.m. A memorial had been established in honor of John, with the Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County
John Elliott Harris, 86, of Burlington, died Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
Born April 3, 1937, in Little Rock, AR, he was the son of John Huskey and Obelia Harris. On May 12, 1980, he married Sharon Kaye Shaw in Burlington, IA.
John moved to Burlington with Armour Dial. He then worked for the UA Local Union 125 as a plumber/pipefitter and worked in Aurora, IL, Muscatine and Cedar Rapids.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving for 10 Years.
John loved cooking to the point he had a BBQ restaurant in Galesburg, IL and ran a few taverns over the years, including; Dixie Tavern, John’s, and DJ’s Bars for a combined 30 years. He had a big heart and was glad to help anyone, from cars to handyman work. John also enjoyed golf and watching Bull Riding.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Kaye Harris; four sons, John Camper of Tulsa, OK, Donald C. Hunt, John W. Hunt and Michael E. (Kim) Hunt all of Burlington; two daughters, Tiffany Lynn Harris of Burlington and Sheila Renee (Lonnie) Jones of Quincy, IL; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Evette Harris and her daughter, Shanielle Clorid, Charlotte Johnson, and Doris Mack Ray all of Little Rock, AR; two sister-in-laws, Marilyn Milam of Fayettville, NC and Raye Bramlett of Burlington; brother-in-law, DeEdwin Shaw of Burlington, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Eddy Mack, two sisters Brenda Hodges and Ida Rose Brown.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The memorial service for Mr. Harris will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 6, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Marcus Timmons officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in Union Baptist Church following the service.
A memorial has been established for his family.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Lester E. Plath , 71, of West Burlington, died Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
Born August 25, 1952, in Centerville, IA, he was the son of Virgil Edward and Ethel Loree Bartusek Plath. On July 21, 1972, he married Debra Sue Long in Burlington.
He worked for J.I. Case and retired after 30 years at the age of 49 to which he enjoyed his retirement very much. Lester was a lifetime member of Union Local 807. He was an avid motorcycle rider and builder, loved golf, gardening and mowing his lawn. Family was extremely important to him and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Lester was very proud to have worked hard in his life and built himself the American dream.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Debra Sue Plath of West Burlington; daughter, Jennifer (Nathan) Anthony of LeClaire, IA: son, Brian Plath of West Burlington; five grandchildren, Madison (Chane) Anthony, Quinlynn Anthony, Dalton Icenogle, Bella and Lexington Plath; siblings, Robert Plath, Darlene Shankle, Sharon Willits, John (Jacque) Plath, Carol Forrester and Randy (Lori) Plath; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sandra (Don) Marlette.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A private Graveside Committal Service will be held at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Lester’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Mary Evelyn “Diane” Hostetter, 76, of Burlington, died Saturday, October 28, 2023, at her home.
She was born March 26, 1947, in San Bernadino, California. She married John D. Hostetter Jr. on January 15, 1966, in Bloomington, California. He died August 6, 2022.
Diane worked for Midwest Biscuit and more recently in housekeeping for AmericInn.
She was a great mother and cherished her family. She loved playing bingo and cards and going to the casino. She enjoyed watching game shows, Yellowstone and Bones and crossword puzzles. She loved harassing her boys and most important to her was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Diane is survived by her two sons; John (Billie) Hostetter of Burlington and Frank (Jennifer) Hostetter of Collins, Georgia; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; her father-in-law John D. Hostetter Sr. of West Burlington; her sister-in-law Pam Bergquist of West Burlington and niece Lydia Bergquist and nephew Brian Bergquist.
She was preceded in death by her husband and son Roy Hostetter.
Per her wishes, there will be no funeral services and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.