News Center newsletter

The 2021 Kee boys track and field season will bring an abundance of new into a mix of returning veterans - most of whom have been waiting to return to the track for nearly two years following the cancellation of last spring’s Iowa high school sports seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just one senior and five juniors are returning with at least one full season of varsity competition experience for the Hawks to lead a team of 17 young men reporting for early-season track and field duty, with all of them being led by a new head coach this season who brings his own bit of veteran and first-time experience, Ray Rankin.

The 2021 Kee girls track season has been looked forward to for a variety of reasons, as 14 young ladies have reported for early-season duty for the Lady Hawks this spring. Not only are the Hawks likely in the vast majority of teams wanting to get back into track and field competition after last spring’s season was canceled by the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Kee girls also have plenty to look forward to with the return of some strong remnants of State Championship accolades on this spring’s squad, both from the last completed Iowa high school track season in 2019 and just this past fall at the State Cross Country Meet.

James Matthew Reed, age 42, of Waukon, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away March 21, 2021 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Services are being planned for a later date.

James was born February 20, 1979 to Jim and Rebecca (Briggs) Reed. He moved to Waukon in July 2020. James was a loving brother and friend to all who knew him well. He loved the outdoors, bonfires, camping and fishing. He was truly a great mentor to all his friends and to many others who hold him dear.

James was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar if you needed something. He was always there to lend a helping hand when needed and always wore his heart on his sleeve. He made friends with everyone he encountered. He was also a big fan of the Detroit Lions football team.

Arlene Ann Welper Ritter, 87, of Prairie du Chien, WI died Monday, March 22, 2021 at her home in Prairie du Chien, WI. A graveside service was held Friday, March 26 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor. Cards and condolences may be sent to her sister, Lois Evans, 428 Fourth Street NE, Waukon, IA 52172.

Arlene was born November 9, 1933 in Waukon to Alfred and Ruth (Dresselhaus) Welper. Arlene was confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon and graduated from Waukon High School.

Arlene was united in marriage with William Ritter June 1, 1974. Throughout the years, Arlene worked at the Soil Conservation Office in Waukon, Fisher’s in Marshalltown and also helped at the family-owned tree farm.

Thomas Francis Weipert Jr., 57, of Farmersburg died Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, WI. A public visitation was held Tuesday, March 23 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lansing. Inurnment followed the visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in New Albin.

Thomas Francis was born September 13, 1963 to Thomas Sr. and Velma (Merchant) Weipert in Iowa City. He attended Kee High School in Lansing through the ninth grade.

Throughout the years, Thomas worked as a carpenter in construction and also at Monona Wire Corporation. Thomas was an avid outdoorsman and a handyman. He enjoyed fishing, camping and mushroom hunting. He was a throat cancer survivor.

Delois Louise Flage, 96, was born June 29, 1924, the daughter of Walter and Esther (Hansmeier) Fiet in rural Postville. She died peacefully March 23, 2021 at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah with family at her side. Services will be held in April with burial at Bethlehem Presbyterian Cemetery.

Lois was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, rural Postville. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1942 and attended junior college. Lois taught at rural Ludlow #5 school until her marriage to Irvin E. Flage August 9, 1948 at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. They were married 65 years. To this union two children were born.

Irvin and Lois farmed in Ludlow township for 40 years. They raised purebred Jersey cows. Upon retirement they moved to Postville and later Decorah. Lois continued to work as an associate librarian, substitute teacher and sold real estate.

Janet Palmer, 66, of Waukon died Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Thursday, April 1 at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church, or to Robey Memorial Library, all in Waukon.

Janet Palmer was born November 8, 1954 in El Paso, TX, the daughter of Robert and Mary Ann (Wehr) Miller. She graduated high school in North English in 1972, graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly in 1976, and then from Luther College in Decorah, where she received her teaching degree.

Neil and Jodi Gerot announce the birth of their twins, Hunter James Gerot and Jessica Rose Gerot, born February 6, 2021 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City.

Jessica weighed 4 lbs. 15 ozs. and measured 18.31 inches in length and Hunter weighed 6 lbs. 2.5 ozs. and measured 19.5 inches in length at the time of their births.

Grandparents are Jens and Jane Kallevang of Waukon and Denny and Barb Gerot of West Branch.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic fundraising campaign recently received a generous pledged donation of $20,000 from Systems Equipment in Waukon.  Pictured above: Left to right - Front row: Michael Coyle, CEO of Veterans Memorial Hospital; Mark Bolduan; Nancy Grangaard, Owner/President of SYSTEMS Equipment Corp.; Tina Folsom; Jackie Halverson; Gloria Hennessy; Vickie Winke; William Chacon; Mike Conway; and Spencer Spain.  Back row: Brad Benzing; Fred Axmear; Matt Miller; Peter Grangaard; Tim Lennon; Mitch Duncklee; Dylan Bork; Bill Halvorson; Jack Lange; and Bruce Benzing. Not pictured: Gerald Conway. Needed renovations to the clinic building are currently underway and mostly include new flooring, countertops, paint, and a new registration area, plus the needed technology throughout the building including a new Telehealth consulting room. Donations are currently being accepted by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation.

by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Before a meal, think about what foods you are going to eat. Choose foods that provide the nutrients you need. Build a healthy plate with foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein foods. Consider the following tips to help you get started on your way to eating right.

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of different colored vegetables, including dark-green, red and orange. Beans, peas, and lentils are also good choices. Fresh, frozen and canned vegetables can all be healthful options. Look for “reduced sodium” or “no-salt-added” on the labels. Add fruit to meals and snacks. Choose fruits that are dried, frozen or canned in water or 100% juice, as well as fresh fruits.