News Center newsletter

When a caregiving role ends after a loved one dies, moves into residential care, or recovers, daily life may suddenly feel unfamiliar.

Former caregivers may experience grief, relief, guilt, loneliness, or uncertainty. These emotions can occur together and may change from one day to the next. Adjusting to the loss of familiar responsibilities can take time.

A new routine can begin with manageable steps, such as eating regular meals, following a consistent sleep schedule, planning one activity each day, and spending time with supportive people.

Reconnecting with interests, relationships, and community activities can also help former caregivers develop a renewed sense of structure and purpose.

When emotional changes persist or begin to interfere with daily life, additional support may help.

Measles cases are on the rise and are highly contagious.  Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of the hospital.     

Scams are becoming more common, and sometimes  difficult to distinguish. This month, Deanna Hageman, director of Northeast Iowa RSVP will be at the  meeting to discuss the Top 10 Red Flags for Fraud and Scams.

Medicare scams are going to be even more prevalent during Medicare open enrollment. Vicki Bloxham, SHIIP volunteer will also be present to briefly discuss Medicare Open Enrollment and the importance to participate in this every year. This year, the open enrollment period for Part D plan is October 15-December 7. Mettille will also update everyone on medication assistance programs that are available to those who qualify.

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Kathy Fossum by Gladwin and Darlene Anderson, Mary Axmear, Brad and Erin Berns, Carl and Betty Christianson, Marilyn Clark, Ann Fossum, Bob and Karen Fossum, Frank and Patty Goltz, Mary Ann Hager, Gil and Sherrie Hunstad, Helen Johnson, Pat Pettingill, Dave and Gail Prestemon, Diane Regan, Beth and Bil Shafer, Margo Sweeney, Chuck and Lois Votsmier and Barb White.

Memorials were also received in memory of Gary Johanningmeier by Dan and Traci Byrnes, Beverly Gavle, Don and DiAnne Haler, Ann Rademaker, Chuck and Lois Votsmier and Arlen and Karlene Wonderlich.

Additional memorials were received in memory of John Simmons by Carl and Betty Christianson, Linda Siegrist and Chuck and Lois Votsmier; and in memory of Daryl Rognss by Carl and Betty Christianson, Marilyn Clark, Eunice Kolsrud, Diane Regan, Margo Sweeney and Chuck and Lois Votsmier.

Wilfred Cyril Ament of Waukon passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, after a lengthy illness. A celebration of life will be held at the Empty Nest Winery in Waukon Friday, October 16 from 4-7 p.m. A time of remembrance and sharing of memories will be held at 5 p.m.

It is with deeply saddened hearts we announce the passing of Patrick (Pat) Joseph Burke Saturday, October 3. Funeral Mass was held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Waterloo Monday, October 12.

Memorials may be made to the family and/or Hope Lodge at 750 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246-2505, or cancer.org/HopeLodgeIowaCitydonate.

Pat joined humanity August 13, 1951, one of seven children born to James and Rita (Hancock) Burke. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1969. He went on to earn an AA degree from NIACC in Mason City in 1974 and a Bachelor of Science degree from UNI in 1976.

Pat was a proud Veteran, joining the Army in August 1969 in Fort Polk, LA. He was discharged from Negarsulm, Germany as a Sergeant March 17, 1972.

For 31 years, Pat was employed as a Mail Handler for the United States Postal Service, retiring April 1, 2008.  He was the Administrative Vice President of Local 333 Mail Handlers for most of his time at the Post Office.

Rebecca Helen “Becky” (Westerfield) Wilke, 69, of Elkader, passed away Monday, October 6, 2026, at home. Funeral service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, October 16 at Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf, with Pastor Marshall Hahn officiating. Burial and a time of fellowship will follow the service. Interment will be at Norway Lutheran Cemetery, St. Olaf.

Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 15 at Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf. Friends may also call from 2-3 p.m. Friday at the church, prior to the funeral service.

It was Becky’s wish that family and friends attending the visitation Thursday wear bright colors, or simply something they know she would have loved. She envisioned the visitation as a celebration of her life with the people she loved so dearly, while bringing smiles to the faces of her family.

Sharon K. Koth, age 68, formerly of Waukon, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at her home in Colorado Springs, CO. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Sharon Kay Koth was born March 15, 1958, at the Postville Community Hospital. She was the daughter of Harold and Caroline Koth. Sharon attended Cora B. Darling and Aber Hendrickson Schools. In 1982, Sharon became part of the TASC community in Waukon. In November of 2006, she relocated to live in Kansas City, MO, with her brother. Her final home was in Colorado Springs, CO.

Sharon enjoyed making friends, doing art and craft projects, bowling, remembering your birthday, and family gatherings. Birthdays and Christmas were of special interest to Sharon. She was a Beloved Rose to all who knew her.

Dwain Marlin Wolter, 92, of Luana passed away peacefully October 3, 2026, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Luana. Visitation will take place at the church from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service. Coffee and baked goods will be served following the service in honor of Dwain always enjoying coffee with friends/family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Born March 31, 1934, on a farm north of Elgin, Dwain was the son of George and Agnes (Ames) Wolter. Dwain had one brother, Donavon. Dwain married the love of his life, Jean Corlett, January 31, 1953 in McGregor. They were happily married for 73 years - 73 YEARS!

Mr. George Juris Prieditis, age 85, passed away October 2, 2026, in Grand Rapids, MI. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 15 at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes (717 Sheldon Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417). The Memorial Service will also be live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel (www.umcdunes.org) for anyone who is unable to attend.

Memorials in memory of George may be directed to Special Olympics or the Bucs Care Food Pantry at Grand Haven High School. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.