Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA

Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA Pauley Jones - Harlan
1304 9th Street
Harlan, IA 51537

Pauley Jones - Avoca
1304 North Sawmill Drive
Avoca, IA 51521

Carol Fern WatsonCarol F. Watson was born on November 21, 1936, in Wayne, Nebraska to Walter J. Simonin and Lois (Corzin...
08/18/2026

Carol Fern Watson

Carol F. Watson was born on November 21, 1936, in Wayne, Nebraska to Walter J. Simonin and Lois (Corzine) Simonin.

Carol grew up the youngest of five children, her four older siblings being Joe, Don, Lois (Shultheis), and Bob Simonin. She loved growing up in Wayne in her big yellow house next to a little park across from the Willow Bowl — a place that remained a special memory in her heart.

Carol graduated from Wayne Prep and later from Wayne State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a minor in Home Economics. A teaching job in Persia brought this Nebraska girl to Iowa; it was there that she would meet and marry a farmer, Larry Watson. The two shared 66 years of marriage together. While she was originally a city girl, Carol came to embrace farm life. She created a beautiful home in the country. She loved spending time in her strawberry patch and tending to her irises, and she found joy in watching the birds that visited her yard.

Her love for teaching carried over from the classroom. Carol taught Sunday school programs for the Persia United Methodist Church, Abundant Life Church, and Fresh Encounter Fellowship. She loved to be productive so much so that she continued teaching as a substitute at Tri-Center and worked both at the Mustard Seed Bookstore in Harlan and in the offices of OPPD in Fort Calhoun. She later helped many families navigate homeschooling as their coordinator within several school districts. A nod to her love of arts and music, she volunteered with the Tri-Center Fine Arts Program to help keep its programs thriving in the schools. She and Larry volunteered together at the Open Door Mission in Omaha, often bringing grandkids along. The couple loved to travel, including taking trips together with the Tri-Center school board and the Commander's Club. Carol was a big football fan — forever a Nebraska Cornhusker as well as a Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes mostly) fan!

However, far beyond Carol’s many accomplishments and interests, her greatest love and focus were her family. She considered her roles as Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother her life’s calling.

The mother of four daughters, Carol poured herself into her girls. She loved her 1976 LTD Blue Station Wagon because it enabled her to chauffeur her girls to music lessons, church events, and sports practices. Her girls would tell you that “the teacher in her” never had an off switch whether it was teaching them how to work, how to cook and bake, proper manners, the art of ironing, or how to work in the garden. Carol was an accomplished seamstress, so it is a mystery (and perhaps a point of contention) that none of her girls sewed beyond the basics. A proficient pianist, Carol made sure all her girls took piano lessons as well (but with better results than sewing). The dinner table was a favorite place for family and friends. A place where love and laughter abounded. There was always more than enough food and seating at her table - she was a mother to whoever needed one at the time. Her girls (and grandchildren) would say she was the perfect balance between disciplinarian and their safe haven. Always mom/grandma first, then a trusted friend.

To her nine grandchildren, Carol was every bit as devoted a grandmother as she was a mother. She had a gift for making the little things feel special: a warm towel fresh from the dryer always waited after bath time, and no birthday passed without one of her famous chocolate bundt cakes. She decorated for every holiday, took her granddaughters to get their ears pierced, and never missed a grandchild’s activity. She delighted in hosting tea parties and “mimosas” with her long-stemmed crystal and polishing the silver alongside her grandkids, turning everyday moments into cherished memories.

Carol showed love through nurturing actions rather than grand gestures. And those who knew Carol will remember her dry wit and her love for the perfect quip.

Most importantly, though, were her faith in and her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was the deep well she drew from and the vessel she poured out from (Prov 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Larry Watson, and her siblings, Joe (Myrtle) Simonin, Don (Inga) Simonin, Bob (Ruth) Simonin, and brother-in-law Robert Shultheis. Left to cherish her memory are her children Jennifer (Bernie) Watson-Peters of Persia, IA; Suzanne (Jay) Handbury of Neola, IA; Rebecca (Mark) Eldridge of Terre Haute, IN; and Barbara (Shawn) Carter of Harlan, IA. Her nine grandchildren: Alivia (Davis) Jackson, Gavin (Nicole) Peters, James Handbury, Abigail Peters (Cameron Creek), McKenzie Carter (Adam Kajs), Sydney (Trey) Whitfield, Perri Carter, Jenna Handbury, and Avery Carter. Her four great-grandchildren (one on the way). Her sister, Lois Shultheis of Wayne, NE; sister-in-law, Lynette (Dr. Marvin) Dvorak of Omaha, NE; and many loved nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank you to Living Well Home Care and her nurses and CNA at Myrtue Medical Center.

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Nicolette Sue "Nicki" KleinNicolette Sue “Nicki” Klein was born on February 3, 1953, in Carroll, Iowa, to Doris and Clif...
08/16/2026

Nicolette Sue "Nicki" Klein

Nicolette Sue “Nicki” Klein was born on February 3, 1953, in Carroll, Iowa, to Doris and Clifford Klein. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Portsmouth and graduated from Harlan Community High School with the Class of 1971. She later attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Nicki spent many years working in the banking industry, helping both new and existing employees through changes that came with bank ownership transitions. She was known for her patience, kindness, and willingness to help others.

Helping others was an important part of Nicki’s life. Through her many years with Rotary International, she traveled to six of the seven continents and participated in projects such as building homes and wells for clean water and providing vaccinations in developing communities. She also volunteered with Girl Scouts and various women’s shelters.

Family was very important to Nicki. She cherished her siblings, nieces, and nephews and enjoyed bringing everyone together for family gatherings. She was often the one organizing meals and activities and was affectionately known as “The General.” Her cooking, humor, and love of bringing people together created many special memories for her family.

Nicki was also a talented dancer from a young age. She practiced in the basement of Ray and Jeanette Chipman’s home and later performed at the Iowa State Fair, where she won awards. She also appeared on the Bill Riley Talent Show.

Nicki died on August 14, 2026, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, following a short illness. She will be remembered for her generosity, her willingness to serve others, her love of family, and the many people she helped throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Clifford Klein, and her brother Marcus.

Nicki is survived by her brother, Curtiss and sister-in-law Jane; sister, Lucinda Klein-Lombardo and brother-in-law Russ; brother, Tim; sister Mary Beth Bladt and brother-in-law Wayne; and sister, Jodine Holloway and brother-in-law Tim; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers Nicki's family will distribute memorials in her memory to the various organizations she supported in her lifetime.

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Vicki Delores ClarkVicki Delores Clark was born to Joseph Lorren and Laverne Anna (Reussaat) Clark on August 24, 1950, i...
08/13/2026

Vicki Delores Clark

Vicki Delores Clark was born to Joseph Lorren and Laverne Anna (Reussaat) Clark on August 24, 1950, in Denison, Iowa. As a child, she attended country school outside of Irwin, Iowa, and later graduated from Irwin High School.

After graduation, Vicki lived and worked in Council Bluffs for a couple of years before returning to the area and beginning a decades-long career at WESCO in Denison. She worked on the moonshiners cleaning crew during the night shift and at the WESCO "Shop." Outside of work, Vicki enjoyed many activities that brought her happiness. She especially loved playing BINGO, which was her favorite pastime. She and her mom attended several weekly BINGO events together, making many special memories along the way. Vicki also enjoyed swimming, dancing, and coloring in coloring books. She was very artistic and often gave her hand-drawn pictures as gifts to family and friends to let them know she was thinking about them. Birthday gifts to her nieces and nephews were always coloring books with a picture or two already colored inside because she just had to!

In 2004, Vicki moved to Harlan and began working at Concerned Inc., where she loved being part of the workshop. Vicki was never one to sit idle and enjoyed keeping busy. She always kept a bag with colors, markers, pencils, and books with her, "just in case she got bored." She especially looked forward to the Friday night dinners at Pizza Ranch with her friends, which became a favorite part of her week.

After her time at Concerned Inc., Vicki moved to Elm Crest, where she spent many afternoons relaxing and coloring in the sunroom. Her love of coloring continued to bring her joy, and she even started a coloring group where she could share that enjoyment with others. Vicki also had a special love for her nieces and nephews and for all little children, especially babies.

Vicki passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 28, 2026, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa attaining the age of 75 years, 10 months, and 4 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorren and Laverne Clark and her brother-in-law, Kelly Fiscus.

She is survived by her sister, Joleen Fiscus of Harlan, IA; brother, Larry

(Shalkye) Clark of Audubon; nieces and nephews, Shilo (Jeff) Bladt, Seth Fiscus, Ashley (Roger) Schmidt, Cody (Brooke) Clark, and Cory (Becca) Clark; many great nieces and nephews; and several good friends at Concerned, Inc.

including Hailey, Rachel, Erin, Allison and James.

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Sandra Louise ClemonsSandra Louise (Greer) Clemons was born on September 10, 1962 to Merle and Margorie Greer of Harlan,...
08/12/2026

Sandra Louise Clemons

Sandra Louise (Greer) Clemons was born on September 10, 1962 to Merle and Margorie Greer of Harlan, Iowa. She was the eighth of ten children. Growing up on a farm with nine siblings meant that privacy and solitude were rare. Learning to share, cooperate, work hard, and care for others were skills Sandy developed during childhood that she would exercise throughout her life.

Sandy attended elementary school at St. Michael's in Harlan. She then attended Irwin-Kirkman Schools and graduated in a class of 24 students in 1980. During her high school years, she achieved the honors of senior class president, homecoming queen, and salutatorian. Sandy enjoyed extracurricular activities including basketball, speech, chorus and band.

Sandy was the first in her family to attended college. She graduated from Iowa State University in Ames in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. After graduation, she accepted a job with Hewlett Packard which brought her to San Jose, California. After leaving Hewlett Packard, Sandy chose to follow her heart and use her compassion by working as a caretaker for adults with developmental disabilities at Hope Rehabilitation Services and taking care of animals at the ASPCA.

During her time in California, Sandy cultivated lifelong relationships with friends with whom she enjoyed various hobbies, including running, backpacking, and skiing. Other important people in Sandy's life included Jose Martinez Romero and family, who she loved very much. From this relationship, in the year 2000, Sandy welcomed her most precious gift from God, her son Fidel Enrique Martinez-Greer. She and Fidel moved to Iowa in 2006 to be closer to her family.

Sandy bought a house in Harlan where she and Fidel lived along with their dog and cat, Ginny and Popcorn. Since returning home to Iowa, Sandy worked various jobs including caring for adults with developmental disabilities at WESCO in Denison and CASS Incorporated in Atlantic; assisting with technical support at Harlan Community High School; and leading activities for residents at Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan. She shared her nurturing qualities in her everyday life.

In 2012, there was a new sparkle in Sandy's eyes when she met a very special man named Craig Clemons. Craig and Sandy were united in marriage in 2014. As a new family, Sandy, Craig, and Fidel made their home on Craig's family farm near Prairie Rose Lake.

The name "Sandra" means Helper to Mankind. She lived up to her name by teaching Sunday school to youth at First United Methodist Church in Harlan and was involved in Stephens' Ministry and Lean into Life, offering support, encouragement, and hope to those in crisis. Sandy's faith was very important to her and she spent time with God in her morning devotion and journaled each day. Sandy loved photography and being outdoors. She found peace in going on walks, gardening, hiking, fishing, and sitting on the porch while admiring God's Creation. Sandy documented these moments with her photography, often pairing them with scripture. From these two passions, Sandy created "Colors of Faith," her line of Christian-based prints and greeting cards.

Sandy's most joyful moments were shared with family playing games, going on walks, traveling, and praying together. Particularly happy memories were made during sister weekends and brother time which included watching movies, eating, shopping, laughing, and crying together. Sandy shared her love and spirit with everyone she crossed paths with in life.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Margorie Greer; nephew, Terry McKeon; nieces, April Blum and Mary Lonowski; brothers-in-law, Jim McKeon and Bob Smith. She leaves behind her husband, Craig Clemons of Harlan; her son, Fidel Martinez-Greer (Sheridan) of Rapid City, SD; brothers, Dennis Greer (Nancy)of Harlan, IA; Brian Greer (Shelley)of Boise, ID; sisters, Shari Nash (Doug) of Rutledge, TN; Kay Smith of Hawarden, IA; Vicky Blum (Mike) of Council Bluffs, IA; Donna Bruck (Bruce) of Louisville, NE; Peggy Merkle (Brian) of Idaho Falls, ID; Patty Steenhusen (Paul) of Harlan, IA; Dale Lonowski (Doug) of Ellensburg, WA; sister-in-law, Nancy Ehrecke (Mark) of Lakeville, MN; brother-in-law, Calvin Clemons (Jenifer) of Winona, MN; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

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Valdeen OsbornValdeen Osborn, affectionately known as "Babe" from the day she was born, passed away peacefully on August...
08/11/2026

Valdeen Osborn

Valdeen Osborn, affectionately known as "Babe" from the day she was born, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026. Born Valdeen Jessen on December 13, 1940, in Walnut, Iowa, she spent nearly 86 years bringing warmth, laughter and friendship to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

From an early age, Val possessed a joyful spirit, an infectious personality and a mischievous sense of humor. Stylish, outgoing and always ready for fun, she embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved Saturday-night polka dances in Avoca, cruising through town with friends and creating stories that her family would laugh about for decades. Whether sharing a laugh, dancing the night away or simply enjoying the company of those around her, Val had a remarkable ability to make every gathering a little brighter.

It was while “scooping the loop” one weekend in Atlantic, Iowa with friends in 1958 that Val met the love of her life, Ron Weaver. They were married on April 15, 1961, on a spring day that marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership. Together they built a marriage defined by unwavering love, laughter, adventure and friendship.

Val and Ron began their life together in Denver, where Ron started his career with Ford Motor Company. They had two children, Greg and Teri in 1963 and 1965. As Ron’s career progressed, Val enthusiastically embraced every new chapter, creating homes and lasting friendships as the family lived in Denver, Southern California, Detroit, the San Francisco Bay Area and Irvine, California. Wherever life took them, Val had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome. Whether she was meeting neighbors, chatting with someone at the grocery store or volunteering in her community, strangers quickly became friends. She treasured those relationships, faithfully keeping in touch through letters, phone calls, emails and later Facebook, ensuring that distance never diminished the bonds she created.

She and Ron also loved introducing their family to Lake Tahoe, creating treasured skiing memories with Greg and Teri alongside lifelong friends, including the Kirk and Compton families. It was in those everyday moments, filled with family, friendship, laughter and love, that Val was happiest.

Those who knew Val also knew there were certain things that simply belonged to her. Her home was famously spotless, vacuum lines in the carpet were treated almost like works of art, and everyone knew better than to disturb a freshly cleaned room. She found comfort in life's simple routines: a bowl of Cheerios with a banana, her daily walks and the satisfaction of everything being exactly where it belonged.

Professionally, Val worked at Mutual of Omaha before spending much of her work life in medical offices, where her warmth and organizational skills made her a natural fit for front-office and office management roles. She later worked with ACIC Physical Therapy in Orange County and, after moving to Stockton, joined the San Joaquin County Office of Education. In every role, it was the relationships she built that mattered most to her.

Following Ron's passing in 1988, Val continued to live with the resilience and optimism that defined her life. She moved to Stockton in 1992 to be closer to her beloved grandchildren, Drew and Katie. She also fulfilled a dream she and Ron had shared by purchasing a home in Lake Tahoe, where she built another close circle of friends and created countless happy memories.

That gift for friendship was perhaps best illustrated by "The Pool People," the close-knit group of friends she gathered with at Carnelian Woods in Lake Tahoe. Summers were spent soaking up the sunshine, sharing stories around the pool, walking along the lake, gathering family together and, every now and then, enjoying a famous Wet Woody at Gar Woods. Tahoe had long been Val and Ron's retirement dream, and after his passing, it remained one of the places where she felt most at home.

"Babe” loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to explore, especially when it included her sister Cleone, aka T***s. She enjoyed memorable trips to Europe, cruises with family and friends, vacations in Hawaii and countless adventures with her sister and dear friends Carol Compton and others.

After 12 years of living alone, Val found companionship with former high school boyfriend Jack Osborn in 2000. She returned to her hometown of Walnut, Iowa, where they married and enjoyed 18 happy years together. Following Jack’s passing in 2018, Val returned to Stockton and quickly flourished at O'Connor Woods, serving on the welcoming committee and once again doing what came naturally, making new friends while reconnecting with old ones. Her happy hours and dinners with friends were “can’t miss” activities.

In 2025, she returned to Iowa to reside at Peace Haven, where her warm smile and caring heart continued to touch those around her. She loved the community activities with her friends and proved to be a prolific Bingo player. The move also reunited one of the town's most beloved sister acts. T***s and Babe were together once again, sharing stories, laughter and adventures around Walnut, delighting family and friends as if no time had passed at all.

Val measured life's riches not by possessions, but by people. Every town became home because she filled it with friends. Every season of life brought another circle of laughter, another group to care for, another reason to gather around a table. Her greatest gift was making people feel like they belonged, and because of that, her legacy lives on not only through her family, but through the countless friends whose lives were brighter because she was part of them.

Val is survived by her sister, Cleone Jessen; her son, Greg Weaver, and daughter-in-law, Juli Weaver; her daughter, Teri Reynolds, and son-in-law, Kirk Reynolds; her grandchildren, Drew Weaver and his wife, Holland, and Katie Pawloski and her husband, Jeramie; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Pawloski, Audrey Pawloski, Max Weaver, Dylan Weaver, and Wyatt Weaver.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Haven in Babe's memory via the Community Foundation of Western Iowa. Your generosity will help support the community that gave her another circle of cherished friends, countless happy hours, spirited Bingo games and a place she proudly called home.

https://pccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=6499

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Marvin Henry FeyMarvin Henry Fey was born 18 March 1937 in Fratt, Texas, to Phillip and Elsie Fey. After graduation from...
08/10/2026

Marvin Henry Fey

Marvin Henry Fey was born 18 March 1937 in Fratt, Texas, to Phillip and Elsie Fey. After graduation from Harlandale High School he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated bootcamp at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot. During his 23 years he served as a Supply Officer. While stationed near Denver, Colorado, he met the love of his life Betty, while dancing at the Zanzibar. They were married in August 1960. They had three children, Marlene, Marvin Jr., and Michelle.

Their time spent as a family centered around camping and traveling in their VW bus along with their loyal dachshund Anna Katerina Von Fey. One of their memorable camping trips was down the east side of Florida, out to Key West, and back up the west side and finally unpacked the popup camper in Albany, Georgia.

Based on his previous accomplishments and leadership potential, Marvin was selected to be a Mustang Officer during the Vietnam War - a prestigious accomplishment. He attained the rank of Captain and when others were reverted to their previous enlisted rank, Marvin was selected to stay an officer and proudly retired in 1976 as a Captain at Camp Pendelton, California.

After retirement, Marvin and Betty moved their family back to Iowa to spend time with Betty’s parents, Freda and Robert Jensen. After Freda and Robert passed away, Marvin and Betty moved to New Braunfels, TX, to spend time with his family. Marvin dedicated countless hours at his roll top desk as the Quartermaster of the New Braunfels VFW Post #7110 and Friday morning breakfasts with the Heart of Texas Marines.

In May 2023, Betty and Marvin moved back to Iowa and lived happily at the Hansen House in Harlan until Betty’s death on February 1, 2024. Marvin continued to be loved by the Hansen House staff until his death.

Marvin leaves behind his sister, Joyce Exparza, his brother, Donald Fey, his three children Marlene (Colleen), Butch and Michelle (Nancy), granddaughter Shelby (Jared), his great granddaughter Aurora Anne, Darlene Jensen his sister-in-law and her daughter Donnetta (Ross).

Family and friends will gather on 25 September 2026 at 10AM at the Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa. During the celebration we will all listen to Dad’s favorite song “Fishing in The Dark”.

Marvin and Betty will be buried together at the Minden Cemetery following the celebration. Please feel free to attend the celebration. Memorials can be made as donations to your local animal shelter.

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Denny William GaulDennis “Denny” William Gaul was born to Aloys and Sylvia (Goeres) Gaul on October 22, 1945 outside of ...
08/09/2026

Denny William Gaul

Dennis “Denny” William Gaul was born to Aloys and Sylvia (Goeres) Gaul on October 22, 1945 outside of Earling, Iowa. He was the oldest of four children. In 1963, he graduated from St. Joseph’s School and worked at Leo’s Tractor Service while helping his dad on the farm. He served in the National Guard from August 1963 to February 1964 and remained in the reserves for several years after returning to farming.

On September 2, 1967, Denny married the love of his life, Sylvia Margaret Bruck. With help from his dad, he purchased a farm south of Westphalia and began his own farming operation. He milked cows from 1970 until 1993, doing chores twice a day, every day. Over the years, he also raised cattle, hogs, ducks, chickens, turkeys and other animals. Denny farmed alongside his brothers and children and continued to be involved in the operation even after considering himself “semi-retired.”

Denny was known for being able to fix and build things, often using metal and a welder. He enjoyed farm sales, farm shows, the Clay County Fair, fishing and his coffee group and breakfast outings. He was a seed corn dealer for several companies, with Miller Hybrids being his final dealership, and was also a grower for Stine Seed. He donated nearly 18 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime.

Family was very important to Denny. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides in the combine and tractors and attending their activities. He was also known for his many plaid shirts, suspenders and his habit of giving people a hard time as a way of showing he liked them.

Denny was active in his church and community, serving on the St. Joseph School Board, helping with parish picnics and being involved with Shelby County Soil Conservation from 1974 until 2024, serving as chairperson until his retirement.

In 2010, Denny and Sylvia took an Alaskan cruise during sweet corn season, leaving the kids to handle things at home. This became an annual family tradition of everyone coming home to help with sweet corn.

Denny and Sylvia later lived together at LongView Nursing Home following a hospital stay with COVID. During his final days, he enjoyed sitting by the window in the therapy room with his coffee and visiting with the therapist and his family.

Denny passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at LongView Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa attaining the age of 80 years, 9 months and 17 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloys and Sylvia Gaul.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Gaul of Harlan, IA: children, Julie (Kent) McDermott of Minden, IA; Roger (Christine) Gaul of Bellevue, NE; Kenneth (Jenny) Gaul of Iowa City, IA; Jean (Justin) Schenkelberg of Carroll, IA; Mike (Carol) Gaul of Des Moines, IA; Kevin (Stacie) Gaul of Papillion, NE; 15 grandchildren; Adam, Alyssa, Ashton, Teagan, Cassandra, Mia, Frederick, Payton, Hailey, Alivia, Madison, Noah, Mason, Connor and Charlotte; siblings, Neal Gaul of Earling, IA; Larry (Yvonne) Gaul of Earling, IA; Arlene (Gary) Hull of Gretna, NE; sister-in-laws, Yvonne Bruck, Marian Wellman, Cheryl Bruck, Marilea Bruck, Joan Bruck, and Alice Bruck Willert.

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Dennis H. HuttmannDennis Helmut Huttmann, son of Helmut and Marian (Claussen) Huttmann, was born on June 5, 1947, in Wau...
08/06/2026

Dennis H. Huttmann

Dennis Helmut Huttmann, son of Helmut and Marian (Claussen) Huttmann, was born on June 5, 1947, in Wausa, Nebraska. In 1965, he graduated from Bloomfield High School where his talent for basketball propelled him to Doane College in Crete, Nebraska on a scholarship. Inspired by a sense of duty, Dennis soon enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country honorably.

Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Linda Mefford on June 15, 1968, at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Bloomfield, Nebraska. To this union they raised 3 wonderful children: Scott, Angela and Nicole. After his time in the Army, Dennis redirected his drive and leadership into a fulfilling career in banking. He began in Bloomfield and then Emerson, Iowa, before settling in Shelby in 1975, where he joined Farmers Savings Bank. Over the years, he helped guide the institution, today known as Shelby County State Bank. Through years of hard work, Dennis rose to Executive Vice President, a position he held until his retirement in 2011. His humble and compassionate leadership is recognized every year at SCSB, when they award a staff member with the "Dennis Huttmann Leadership Award" for demonstrating care and compassion in their job and to their community.

Outside of his professional life, Dennis enjoyed golfing, playing slow pitch softball, playing basketball, fishing and was always up for a trip to the casino to play cards. In his later years, his greatest happiness came from attending and cheering on his children and grandchildren in their own pursuits and activities. There weren't many games, meets, or events that he missed throughout the years. Dennis and Linda enjoyed traveling as well, some of their favorite trips were to Ireland, Alaska, taking a cruise on the Danube River, Las Vegas with friends and many other stops throughout the U.S. Dennis's greatest treasure was his family. He was a member of the United Lutheran Church in Shelby for just over 50 years, serving on the church council and trust fund in different capacities. Dennis also held several offices in the local Kiwanis club and Economic Development group in Shelby.

Dennis passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, having attained the age of 79 years, and 2 months. He was preceded in death by his parents Marian (Claussen) and Helmut Huttmann and sister Marilyn who died in infancy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Huttmann, who stood by his side through every season of life; their children: Scott Huttmann and his wife Tami of Council Bluffs, IA, Angela Andersen and her husband Larry of Denison, Iowa, and Nicole Lamp and her husband Heath of Minden, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters Janice Clark and her husband Jim of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Marcia Bumann and her husband Brian of Bloomfield, Nebraska; as well as extended family, and many friends.

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1304 9th Street P O Box 70
Harlan, IA
51537

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