Woods Funeral Home

Jodi Sue Fischels age 58 of Fairbank passed away, Thursday May 16th, 2024. She was born March 4th, 1966 in Independence, Iowa the daughter of John and Beverly (Strempke) Wroten. She lost her mom at the age of six but was fortunate enough to gain another one when her dad married Kathie Oberheu. Unfortunately, she was taken too soon as well in 2006. Jodi grew up in Fairbank, attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools in 1984. After high school she went on to Hawkeye Community College for nursing. She worked as a home healthcare nurse/ LPN until 2008 when her battle with Lupus forced her to retire. Jodi had her first child in April of 1990, Allyssa Nourse. Soon after that she met Troy Fischels. They were married on August 28th, 1993. In December of 1995 they added a son, Layne Fischels. Despite her ongoing struggles with Lupus since she was a teenager and many other complications, Jodi lived her life to the fullest. She went on many trips with her husband and family no matter how she was feeling and never complained. Jodi was able to see the birth of her first grandchild, Gage Fischels in 2010 and see both of her children grow and go on and marry amazing people that she knows will take care of them in her absence. She was and will always be a loving wife, amazing mother, doting grandmother and best friend anyone could ever have. Her family and friends were everything to her and she will be forever missed.

Jodi is survived by her husband, Troy, one daughter, Allyssa (Daryl) Nourse and one son, Layne (Olivia) Fischels, one grandson, Gage Fischels, her father, John Wroten, one brother, Nick (Leah) Wroten, one sister, Justina Wroten (Brett), her father and mother-in-law, Pete and Nancy Fischels along with numerous nieces and nephews as well as her dog Nevaeh and her cat Sergio. Jodi was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly and her step-mother, Kathie Wroten.

A Celebration of Jodi’s life will be held on June 2nd 2024 at the Fairbank American Legion from 12:00-3:00 pm. In her memory we ask that you wear something purple to support Jodi and others who are battling life with Lupus.

Karen Betts age 79 of Palo and formerly from Fairbank passed away Friday, May 10, 2024. She was born August 31, 1944 the daughter of Kenneth and Myrtle (Cummings) Betts. Karen grew up in Fairbank where she attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools. She continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College graduating with an Associates Degree focusing on Social Work. Karen worked for a number of years at Goodwill helping others with mental challenges. She also worked at Parkview Assisted Living in Fairbank while her mother was a resident there. Karen loved to travel so she took to the open road as an over the road truck driver for a number of years. She tried retiring for a short time and decided that just wasn’t for her so she went back to work at Full Circle in Independence doing just what she went to college for helping others. Karen was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved reading old westerns and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her son Kory (Kim) Betts, four grandchildren; Joshua (Krystal) Betts, Ryan (Megan) Loe, Austin Betts and Nicholas Betts, eight great-grandchildren and one brother, Howard Betts. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Glen Larson.

Visitation: 10:00 am-12:00 pm Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Woods Funeral Home with an 11:00 am Memorial Service.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials: May be directed to the family for later designation.

Dennis Dwayne Ott, 65 of Fairbank, entered into rest Saturday, March 30th at home surrounded by family. Dennis was born on December 9th,1958 in Germany to Dwayne and Geraldine (Fisk) Ott. Dennis was raised on the family farm near Fairbank. He attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools with the Class of 1977. On March 18th,1989 Dennis was united in marriage to Roxanne Nystrom at St. John’s Lutheran Church and together they raised two daughters, Darcy and Amy, on the Ott Century Farm. Dennis was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank, a dairy farmer and worked for Oran creamery. Dennis was a hardworking, honest, simple man. He was dedicated to the dairy farm, helping his father since he was a kid, and eventually taking over operations in 2003. He passed on a passion for agriculture and a love for animals, especially his “hairy cows”. It was often joked that he “never left the farm” as he was very punctual about getting back in time for milking or checking on the cows. Undoubtedly though, Dennis’s favorite hobby was snowmobiling, even owning multiple snowmobiles at one time. He could hardly wait for winters arrival and hoped for enough snowfall to ride around the farm, the local trails, and the Volga River recreation area. Dennis loved winter, the snow and cold, and was always telling those he was parting with to “think snow”. Dennis excelled at every title he was given: son, brother, farmer, husband, father, and grandpa. His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and he would do anything to fill their requests and make them smile.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Roxanne Ott, two daughters, Darcy (Christian) Kroemer of Kalona, and Amy Scott of Fairbank, four grandchildren; Charles Scott, Melanie Scott, Bristol Kroemer and Conroy Kroemer and a sister, Donna (Randy) Brown of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dwayne and Geraldine Ott, a step-mother Laura Heilmann-Ott, along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Thursday, April 4th at Woods Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday, April 4th at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Oran Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Mary Lou Fink age 87 of Fairbank passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Harmony Nursing Home in Waterloo. She was born September 30, 1936 in Cresco, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Ferrie) Joerger. Mary Lou attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Fairbank. On September 17, 1955 she married Darwin Fink at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank. Mary Lou and Darwin made their home and raised their children in Fairbank. Besides being a homemaker Mary Lou was a bookkeeper for several businesses during her working career, including the family business, D & D Texaco and for the City of Fairbank. Mary Lou was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Church where she was also was a member of the choir. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxillary. Mary Lou enjoyed crocheting, playing Solitaire on the ipad and had a love for owls and enjoyed collecting anything that had to do with owls. Most of all Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her two children; Kathy (Dave) Byron and Denny (Rachelle) Fink, six grandchildren; Gary (Catelyn) Feldmann, Quincy (Courtney) Sproston, Jessica Feldmann, Nicole Fink, Mitchell (Nikki) Mastin and Mason (Haley) Mastin, six great-grandchildren, one brother, Charlie (Cleo) Joerger, two sisters; Patty Bentley and Betty Sturm along with many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Douglas in infancy, two brothers-in-law; Gordon Bentley and Bill Sturm.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, March 26th at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 27th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Lunch will be served at the Parish Center following the service.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Leona Ann Kleitsch age 90, passed away on March 2, 2024, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living. Leona was born July 24, 1933, at Stanley, the daughter of Andrew P. and Mathilda M. (Federspiel) Michels. She graduated from Stanley High School in 1950. She attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana and graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Dubuque with the class of 1954. She worked at People’s Memorial in Independence, Iowa, and Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Iowa, later in life she worked at Grandview Nursing Home in Oelwein. Leona and Edward C. Kleitsch were united in marriage on October 12, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hazleton, Iowa. To this union six children were born, Julie, Michael, Monica, Maria, Mark and Marcia. Leona and Ed farmed together in the Dunkerton-Fairbank area until 1991 when they moved to Hazleton, IA. Leona was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Fairbank and the Fairbank American Legion Auxiliary. She loved her quilting group, flower gardens and bingo. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leona is survived by five children; Michael (Jackie) Kleitsch of Brooklyn, IA; Monica (Steve) Ortner of Harmony, MN; Maria Delagardelle of Independence, Mark (Angie) Kleitsch of Fairbank and Marcia (Doug) Sickles of Cresco,16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and one expected in the spring and one brother, James Michels. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie at birth, her parents, Andrew P. and Mathilda M. Michels, her husband, Edward C. Kleitsch in 2002; a sister, Sister Mary Dianne Michels; a son-in-law, Randy Delagardelle and a granddaughter, Jenifer (Ortner) Dahly.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, March 5th with a 3:00 pm Rosary at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank.

Funeral Mass: will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank on Wednesday, March 6th at 10:30 am with interment in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Fairbank American Legion in Fairbank following the burial.

The family would like to thank Prairie Hills Assisted Living of Independence for caring for Leona along with Cedar Valley Hospice, which aided in her care later.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Beverly Hill age 81 of Jesup passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born January 23, 1943 in Independence, the daughter of Charles and Marcella (Gruber) Clayton. Beverly grew up in rural Fairbank and first attended rural school in Littleton and then continued her education at the Jesup Community School. She was baptized at the American Lutheran Church in Jesup and was in the Confirmation Class of 1956, she also was a member of the American Lutheran Church. Beverly loved growing up on the Clayton farm with her parents and five brothers; Robert, Charles, Cecil, Harold and John. Beverly loved playing on the old tire swing that hung from a tree in the yard which still happens to be there. She was a tough farm girl who loved swimming in the cow tank and loved to bet her brothers on who could eat the most pie and she would win every time. Beverly loved gardening and learned the art of canning from her mom. As she got older she worked at Corn Blossom and A&W Root Beer (as a car hop) in Independence, Bricks Cafe and Morg’s in Waterloo as a waitress, loving life in her little apartment. She met her future husband, Eugene at Zingg’s Restaurant in Littleton. Beverly and Eugene Hill were united in marriage on June 8th, 1961 in Washburn. Beverly was a stay at home mom and homemaker raising their five children while Eugene worked at John Deere. Beverly loved to collect salt and pepper shakers, pens & pencils, Avon bottles and elephants which were collections handed down from her mother and grandmother. Beverly also owned and operated several businesses in Jesup, B&D Bait Shop, The Snack Hut Lunch Wagon, traveling to auctions serving her famous maidrites. Beverly and Eugene also owned and operated Hillcrest Machine Shop in Jesup. Together they were quite the team! They enjoyed travelling in their Winnebago with their five children, going to South Dakota site seeing, salmon fishing in Manitowoc, WI a yearly trip. Boating on the Mississippi in their cabin cruiser and snowmobiling in the winter time. In 1981 they moved the family to Littleton, they then owned and operated Apple Hill General Store, Beverly loved her store and was there every day from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, selling groceries, crafts and other unique items. During her retirement Beverly enjoyed time spent with her family especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren going camping, bon-fires and doing puzzles. She loved to cook for her family, her specialty was potato soup and her homemade carmel corn. Beverly will be greatly missed by many and we will cherish all the loving memories she gave us, especially the smile on her face as she was looking at those who were waiting for her. Beverly is survived by her husband of 62 years; Eugene “Ralph” their five children; Bonnie Duffy of Jesup, David (Karen) Hill of Independence, Brian Hill of Jesup, Chad (Cori) Hill of Jesup and Tami Hill of Cedar Falls, one brother, Charles (Sandra) Clayton of Waterloo,11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers; Cecil, Harold, John and Robert a grandson, Curtis Bate.

There will be a private funeral with the family.

A Celebration of Beverly’s Life will be held, June 9th, 2024 from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Fairbank American Legion

Michael ‘Luke’ Rochette, 47 of Fairbank, IA passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Luke is survived by his 2 daughters Logan and Lariaunna, and their mom Courtney. His mom Candee of Fairbank,  IA, brother Jarod (Chris) of Bloomington, NE along with several nieces, nephews and many friends.  

He was preceeded in death by his step dad Mike Thomas, dad Dick Rochette, and his nephew Grayson Flack.

Luke was born in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, April 20, 1976. He was raised in Lebanon, Maine until age 11. He graduated from Portales, New Mexico in 1994. Following high school Luke went to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he graduated with a BS in Zoology.

Luke and Courtney met at Eckerd Youth Wilderness Camps in North Carolina in 2001. They were united in marriage in 2003 in Iowa,  where they stayed and started their family. 

Luke loved his family, especially his girls.  He loved to teach them how to cook and garden, watch them in their various activities,  and spend time with them. He loved listening to music, especially Bluegrass/rockabilly, dancing the ‘hippie shuffle’, camping, and playing in the ocean.  He was known for telling stories of his time in college,  specifically ‘this one time in Arkansas floating down the river’ stories.

Luke’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Fairbank American Legion on February 15th 4p-7p, please use the West door. There will be a few words said at 5:00PM.

Glenda Jean Kaufman age 83 passed away peacefully, Sunday February 4th at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, Iowa. She was born September 16, 1940 in Waterloo the daughter of Leroy and Helen (Place) Gallup. Glenda grew up in rural Fairbank and attended and graduated from Fairbank High School. After high school she went on to get her Cosmetology License and began a career that she loved.

Glenda Jean was a vibrant, compassionate and confident person who loved life, had a gorgeous smile, a contagious laugh that could light up the room! Her heart was light but as big as a mountain that could always make room– especially for family. She loved her daughters and their husbands, kids, grandchildren, cats, dogs, chickens and any other critter that came around her. We witnessed how quickly she made friends with everyone who met her. She loved this country, from the Oregon and Washington forests, mountains and ocean to the Iowa farm life and fishing in Buck Creek to the warm Florida beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Glenda was full of love, life and adventure, she dared to take chances and would laugh when it was a close call! She was a very special lady and will be missed by so many.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Kaufman and a daughter, Linda Brule. She is survived by her four daughters; Deljean (Dan) Winkelman and children, (Matthew, Frank and Shelby) Kimberly (Steve) Schultz and children (Ragina and Corey) Kristine Gomis and her daughter, Sadie, Erika (Kent) Green and children (Sydnie, Lucas, Ivy, Leah and Noah) and their grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Tim Brule and children (Jessica and Jeffery).

Glenda’s family would like thank Hillcrest Living Campus and Community Memorial Hospital their attentive love and care during her stay.

Celebration of Glenda’s Life will be held on April 6, 2024 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm with a 11:30 am memorial service at Woods Funeral Home.