News Center newsletter

The Kee boys basketball team wrapped up its regular season schedule this past week in sweeping fashion in more ways than one. The Hawks not only swept both their opponents this past week for an undefeated week heading into postseason play, but also completed a regular season sweep of West Central to finish with its first winning season in Upper Iowa Conference play in 10 years. The Kee boys opened the week pulling out a 67-63 home win over East Buchanan Monday, February 8 before closing out the regular season with a 74-68 win at West Central Tuesday, February 9.

That final sweeping week improved Kee’s season marks to 11-10 overall that included a 9-7 record in the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC), marking the first time since the 2010-2011 season that the Hawks posted a winning record in UIC play, that UIC season mark also being 9-7 for the Hawks that year. This season’s 9-7 campaign placed Kee in fifth place in the final nine-team UIC standings.

Kathleen E. Saewert, 77, of Waukon died Thursday, February 11, 2021 at her home in Boyd, WI. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20 at 11 a.m. at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Lansing Ridge Cemetery, rural Lansing. Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Friday, February 19 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home. In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is encouraged.

Kathleen Elizabeth Saewert was born December 1, 1943 in Cheyenne, WY, the daughter of Earl Joseph and Marie Lavaun (Kelly) Kelly. When she was a young child, Kathleen’s family moved to the Wexford area of Allamakee County, where she attended Wexford and Harpers Ferry schools. Besides being a homemaker, Kathleen also worked for 37 years at Northern Engraving in Waukon.

Florence Diane Lea Flaherty of Fort Dodge passed away peacefully while surrounded by family Saturday January 30, 2021 in St. Paul, MN after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was a shining light in this world for all who knew her, recognized as a hard worker, never afraid of a challenge, generous with her time, and a person of strong faith who dearly loved her family and friends.

Florence Diane was born April 13, 1950 and grew up on a farm near Waterville, the fourth of nine children.  She learned the value of hard work early in life, and never forgot it. She attended Waldorf College in Forest City and Luther College in Decorah. She then attended the University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Michael. They married in 1978. She taught English at Fort Dodge Middle School for over 30 years and won the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching.

Edward W. Roed, 79, of Waukon died Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Private family memorial services will be held at Hauge Lutheran Church in rural Decorah with Pastor Nancy Solomonson officiating. Burial will be at Hauge Cemetery at a later date.

Cards may be sent to Ann Roed at 1026 Highway 9, Waukon, IA 52172. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Edward Walter Roed was born May 30, 1941 in Decorah, the son of Edwin and Edna (Sharp) Roed. He was baptized and confirmed at Hauge Lutheran Church in rural Decorah and graduated from Decorah High School in 1959. In 1962, he married Linda Sensor at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They had two children, Brenda and Brian. Linda died in 1985. Ed worked as a security guard at John Deere in Waterloo, retiring in 1998.

April 24, 1987, he married Ann Regan at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilbertville. They moved to rural Waukon in 1998.

Mark A. Miller, 66, of Waukon died Friday, February 12, 2021 at his son’s home in rural Waukon after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Mark always maintained a strong faith and positive outlook throughout his illness.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 16 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. A private family memorial service will be held at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in rural Waukon. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is encouraged.

Mark Allen Miller was born November 14, 1954 in Waukon, the son of Frederick and Marjorie (Bareis) Miller. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Postville, confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School.

Mark then graduated from college at Northeast Area One in Calmar with a degree in Farm Implement Mechanics in 1974.

Edward A. Lauerman, Jr. passed away peacefully January 31, 2021 at his home in Warrington, PA surrounded by his family. A Mass was held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church and burial will be later in Waukon.

Ed was born July 24, 1937 in Sparta, WI to Ed and Marguerite Lauerman. Following graduation from Sparta High School he and his parents moved to Waukon.

In 1957 he started his banking career at Waukon State Bank as a bookkeeper. Throughout his banking career he was associated with Luana Savings Bank, Fidelity Bank and Trust in Dyersville, and Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank in Waukon where he served as President and CEO until his retirement. Upon his retirement he was recognized by the Iowa Bankers Association for 50 years in banking.

Dorothy Dittman, age 85, living most of her life in Clinton but most recently of Waukon, died Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. Dorothy Ann was born January 8, 1936 to Herbert L. A. and Esther M. (Benzing) Schlitter in Waukon.

A memorial service is being held this Saturday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1704 Green Valley Road NW in Waukon, with Pastor Matthew Majewski officiating. Burial is at Clinton Lawn Cemetery, Clinton.
 

Wayne J. Hammel, 84, of Lansing, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, February 8, 2021 at Thornton Manor Care Center, Lansing. Private Family Funeral Service was held Saturday, February 13. Burial is at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

Wayne was born January 18, 1937 in Lansing, the son of Paul and Adeline (Troendle) Hammel. August 10, 1957, he married Karen Schulte at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Waukon. Wayne and Karen settled in Cedar Rapids, where Wayne had multiple jobs throughout the years and ultimately built his own business remodeling and building homes.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon began its own Cardiac Rehabilitation Department nearly three decades ago to help fulfill a need in the community - a need that has been and continues to be well utilized.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Half a million people die each year due to this disease. Many people develop symptoms of heart disease when they are in their 40s or 50s, interrupting a most productive time of life. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an important tool in the fight against heart disease. Rehabilitation involves monitored exercise, nutritional counseling, emotional support and education about lifestyle changes to reduce risks of heart problems.

Over 950,000 Americans die each year from cardiovascular disease. Since February is National Heart Month, Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon provides the following facts and tips on heart health: