News Center newsletter

Lynn E. Kerker, age 97, of Dubuque, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully August 10, 2021 surrounded by her family. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, August 14 at St. Luke’s UMC in Dubuque. Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke’s UMC, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Lynn was born in Millboro, SD to Guy and Alice (Dick) Clover. Her family moved to Council Bluffs when she was a baby. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She married her first love, Earl J. Kerker, in Hiawatha, KS November 23, 1946. Their first date was the day before he left for the Army, and they wrote letters for three years during the war.

Harold B. Marti, 87, of rural Lansing died Monday, August 9, 2021 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 14 at the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall in Waukon with Pastor Rick Vis officiating. Burial was at Lansing Ridge Cemetery, rural Lansing.

Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Lansing Ridge Cemetery or Trees Forever.

Harold Benjamin Marti was born February 13, 1934 in Waukon, the son of Benjamin and Flora (Schellhammer) Marti. He was baptized at the Lansing Ridge Presbyterian Church, attended Lycurgus School in rural Waukon through eighth grade, and graduated from Waukon High School in 1952.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon will be sponsoring its annual 5K Cardiac Classic Run/Walk Saturday, August 21 in conjunction with the Waukon Corn Days celebration. Again this year, the event welcomes a shorter, 1.5-mile walking route with an optional 5K (3.1-mile route) to offer distances that will please everyone of any age or ability that wishes to participate.

The event will begin and end at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 8 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m. This is a free wellness event for all ages. New this year, costumes are encouraged to be worn at this event by adults and youth with the top costume in both categories earning a prize.

Another generous donation was recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in support of the new Waukon Medical Clinic. Dale Byrnes of Waukon made a donation to the renovation project in honor of his teacher, Margie Van Horn, pictured here at back right with her entire classroom of students in the Hanover #3 school house. Dale is pictured in middle front with the birthday cake, celebrating his birthday with the class in December of 1957. Dale also made this donation in honor of all teachers as they get ready to return for another school year of dedication to area youth. Donations are still being accepted by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible Appointments are available each day and can be made by calling the new clinic phone number of 563-568-5530. Submitted photo.
 

Two forms of at-home COVID testing kits are now available locally. The Test Iowa self-administered kits, which take the place of the Test-Iowa drive up testing sites, are available for pick-up at Veterans Memorial Hospital in home or may be sent home at no cost.

Each test kit includes step-by-step instructions including how to activate the test kit, collect the test sample, return the sample the State Hygienic Lab and when to expect the results.  Kits are available at the main entrance of the hospital, from the receptionist desk, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Another option of at-home testing kits are available for purchase from local pharmacies. These kits are purchased at the store and taken home and give immediate results, which is beneficial for those wanting to know if they are safe to attend public and family events.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, August 19 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital in Waukon. Masks will be required to be worn.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes.  For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call  Angie Mettille, RN at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Dorothy Stika by Beth Baxter, Alan and Ruth Hageman, Dave and Karen Mathis, Rita Newton, Lynn O’Hara, Randy and Pam Smith, Theresa Smith, Nick and Deb Zuercher, Steve and Becky Welper, Lori Bresnahan, Brad and Erin Berns, and Fred and Geralyn Smith.

Memorials were also received in memory of Dale Stika by Alan and Ruth Hageman, Dave and Karen Mathis, Rita Newton, Theresa Smith, Nick and Deb Zuercher, Lori Bresnahan, Brad and Erin Berns, and Fred and Geralyn Smith.

In addition, memorials were received in memory of Norma Bloxham by JoAnn Peake, Wayne and Nona Sawyer, Meg Schaller, Betty White, Diane Regan, Patsy Kerndt and Cheryl Bollman.

The family of Harold and Connie (Roling) Pronga of Waukon is celebrating the couple’s golden wedding anniversary August 14. The couple was united in marriage August 14, 1971 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen.

The couple has three sons, Derek (Stacy) of Rochester, MN, Nicholas (Emily) of Chanhassen, MN and Justin (Jennifer) of Eagle, CO. Their grandchildren include Jacob, Braden, Kaden, Kaleb, Ashlyn, Corah and Adelyne.

In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple will be traveling to Mackinac Island and celebrating with their family.

In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to 431 Fourth Street NE, Waukon, IA 52172.

Chase Pladsen and Makenzie Olson of Waterville announce the birth of their son, Walter Chase Pladsen, born July 12, 2021 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. He weighed 7 lbs. and measured 19 inches in length at the time of his birth.

Tyler and Ashley Manning of Lansing announce the birth of their son, Colton James Manning, born August 2, 2021 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He weighed 6 lbs. 7 ozs. and measured 20-1/4 inches in length at the time of his birth. He joins siblings, Madison (10) and Liam (2).

Grandparents are Sue Guyer of Waukon, Jeff Brink and Bobbie Young of Waukon, and Tim and Laurie Manning of Lansing. Great-grandparents are Arnold and Deb Guyer of Clermont, Kathy and George Brainard of Waukon, and Harold and Linda Everson of De Soto, WI.