Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory

05/30/2026

LTJG Samuel W. "Sam" Barton

LTJG Samuel W. “Sam” Barton, age 26, U.S. Naval Aviator assigned to VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA, a lifelong resident of Naperville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 15, 2026, near Dardanelle, CA. He was born on September 1, 1999, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL.

Beloved son of Phil and Karen (née Keeler) Barton of Naperville, loving brother of Max Barton, adored grandson of the late Wesley and Geraldine Barton; Judith and the late Jack Keeler; dear nephew of Jim (Diane) Barton, Mike (Lyndel) Barton, Kathy (Mike) McAlister, the late Rick Barton, Pete Barton and Missy (Jeff) Sitar; Gerianne (Jeff) Salzbrunn and Jack (Beth Knuth) Keeler, fond cousin and friend to many.

Sam was a 2018 graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, IL. Sam attended Iowa State University, Ames where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Naval Science. He was a member of the ISU Naval ROTC, Cyclone Battalion.

Sam was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy on December 17, 2022 upon graduating from college. Sam was initially stationed at NAS Pensacola, FL where he completed Naval Introductory Flight Education (NIFE) training. From there Sam went on to NAS Corpus Christi, TX where he completed the Primary phase of flight training as part of the “Boomers” of VT-27. Sam moved to NAS Kingsville, TX where he completed Intermediate and Advanced training in the Strike fighter platform with VT-22, the “Golden Eagles”. Sam received his “Wings of Gold” on March 27, 2026 and was selected to fly the F/A 18 Super Hornet. Sam was most recently assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA.

While in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Sam was an active member of Corpus Christi Community Church.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

A celebration of Sam’s life with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 4, 1:00 PM at Community Christian Church 1635 Emerson Ln, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 388-5000.

Graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be made to any of the following:

Corpus Christi Community Church, 2501 Lady Alexa Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78415 https://cccommchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memoriam

or

Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, www.NMCRS.org

or

VFW Post 2561, 300 W. Monroe St. Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.

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05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. This Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

Jerry M. Smith

Jerry M. Smith, 85, of Mount Pleasant, went to meet his Lord on May 19, 2026.

He was born June 22, 1940, in What Cheer, Iowa, son of Milo and Ruby Smith. He was united in marriage to Joylynn Nichols on April 30, 1960, in Richland, Iowa.

Jerry served his country in the United States Navy, receiving an Honorable Discharge on May 18, 1961.

Jerry worked for National Propane Corp, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 37 years. About half of that time, he lived in various cities in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. He served as president of the Iowa LP Gas Association in 1987-1988.

Over the years, he was very active in scouting, wood carving, clog dancing, and square dancing plus a few other hobbies. He also served in various official positions with these groups. After moving to Mount Pleasant he and his wife started entertaining at Assisted Living and Nursing Homes with their musical talent. They also initiated Jam sessions held in Salem and played and sang for several years in Stockport.

He was a member of the American Legion, where he served as Adjunct and Financial Officer. His passion was being a member of the Henry County Honor Guard.

He is survived by his wife Joylynn; two sons Brian (Natalie) of Peoria, IL, Steven (Dena) of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren Daniel, Mark, Rachel, and Blake; one step grandson Connor; two great grandchildren; two brothers LeRoy and Richard (Vickey); and sister Barbara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one step grandson.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. Mark Crull, Chaplain Post 94, will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:30 until the time of service. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. According to his wishes cremation will follow the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Vernon Cemetery. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Jerry and his family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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05/10/2026

Seuang Kavanh

Seuang Kavanh, 93 of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Savannah Heights in Mount Pleasant.

Seuang was born October 5, 1932, in Ban Muoi, Son La, Vietnam the daughter of Heup and Song Cavan. On June 5, 1951, she was united in marriage to Theuang Kavanh in Ban Muoi, Son La, Vietnam. The couple moved to the United States in October of 1979. They lived in Keosauqua for 15 years before moving to Mount Pleasant in 1994. While in Keosauqua she was a member of the United Methodist Church and after moving to Mount Pleasant she attended First Baptist Church. Seuang loved taking care of her children, and grandchildren. She has left a lasting imprint in the hearts of all those who loved her. Seuang was a skilled seamstress, sewing much of her own clothing. She enjoyed tending to her garden and was an excellent cook.

Seuang is survived by six daughters, Phuong (Savalith) Muongsouvanh of Quebec, Canada, Phong K. (Phong) Lo of Sheldon, IA, Somboua (Oun) Lovan of Sheldon, IA, Khamphou (Heriberto) Medina of Mount Pleasant, IA, Chom (Kurt) Naae of Des Moines, IA, and Nhoth (Dave) Myers of Mount Pleasant, IA; one son, Bounloth Kavanh of Mount Pleasant; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister Sieng Cavan of North Vietnam. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Theuang; son Thau Kavanh; two daughters Pheuy Baccam, Huc Be; three grandsons Sourignanh, Toby, and infant Andrew; two sisters, Sing and infant Leung.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Steve English will officiate. Private family inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Seuang and her family. Messages may be sent to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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05/10/2026

On this Mother’s Day we honor and remember all mothers - those with us and those we hold closely in our hearts, recognizing that their love and influence endure, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. Hoping you find comfort in cherished memories ❤️

04/28/2026

JoEllen Jepson

JoEllen Jepson, 61, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following an unexpected medical event.

JoEllen Marie Jepson was born July 7, 1964, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Alan and Linda (Boese) Coop. She grew up in Wayland, graduating from WACO High School in 1982, and continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University.

On August 3, 1985, JoEllen was united in marriage to Jeff Jepson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together they made their home in Wayland, where they raised six children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. During those busy years, JoEllen was deeply involved in her children’s activities, including serving on the WACO School Board. In 2018, after becoming empty nesters, JoEllen and Jeff moved to an acreage outside of Mount Pleasant.

JoEllen served as president of Sticks on Stilts from 1996 to the present and worked as a secretary at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for nearly 42 years—a testament to her dedication and strong work ethic.

JoEllen had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was generous with her time, her advice, her love, and her thoughtful gifts. A natural storyteller, she spared no detail —sometimes taking the scenic route to the end—and her stories were even better when Jeff joined in. Her joyful laugh and playful squeals were contagious, often leaving everyone around her laughing even harder.

Summers were often spent on the water, where JoEllen found great joy in boating with her family. Whether it was packing up six kids for a full weekend on the boat or later sharing those moments with her grandchildren and their dog George, those days were treasured. Jeff would often say, “I’m the richest man on the lake,” a reflection of the beautiful family they created together—a sentiment that remained true throughout their lives. In quieter moments, JoEllen and Jeff enjoyed more peaceful cruises together, her curly hair blowing in the wind, lips perfectly covered in her favorite shade, and smile perfectly complementing the sunset. As Jeff would say, “My girl always looks good.” JoEllen had a natural sense of style, often pairing her outfits with coordinating accessories and manicures, enhancing her already radiant beauty.

She was both a homebody and an adventurer. She loved hosting gatherings, carefully maintaining a journal of menus and guest lists for special occasions dating back to 2005, often saying, “You’re going to be happy I kept all these notes someday!”—and she was right, as she so often was. Her love of travel took her on many adventures—with Jeff, with the extended Jepson family, with lifelong friends, with coworkers, and on solo trips to visit loved ones. Among her favorite destinations was Puerto Rico where she and Jeff had no agenda except to have fun.

JoEllen’s accomplishments were many. She was proud to be a 51% business owner and president of Sticks on Stilts, a company that began in the toy room of their home and continues today from a now dedicated home office organized in a way only JoEllen truly understood. Though she had much to be proud of, she remained humble. Her greatest achievement was the life and family she built with Jeff.

JoEllen is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jeff; her six children, Amanda (Kyle Davy) Jepson of Des Moines, Zach (Lindi) Jepson of Wayland, Sabrina (Cale) Garrett of Mount Pleasant, Chelsea (Travis) Hoyer of rural Houghton, Mariah (Mark Nelson) Jepson of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jalyssa Jepson of Mount Pleasant; 15 grandchildren, Josie, Abigail, Carti, Bristol, Jett, Kip, Vaida, Maxine, Keira, Jaxtin, Graham, Sylvie, Ruby, LouElla, and Jack; her mother, Linda Coop of Unionville; her siblings, Duane Coop, Heather Risberg, Lafe (Hannah) Coop, Ashly (Jerred) Hurley, Annie (Ray) Dorsey, and Carrie (Chris) Hines; her sister-in-law, Jennifer Coop; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Coop; uncle, Bob Boese; and her grandmother in law who she shared the same sparkle, Maxine Schmeig; and multiple extended relatives.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends and family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at New London Christian Church, with Parnell Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. A luncheon will be held following the burial at Airport Road Vineyard. Memorial contributions may be directed to the JoEllen Jepson Memorial Fund. Messages and tributes may be shared at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

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04/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating Tim Olson on an incredible milestone—40 years as a licensed funeral director!
Although Tim is now retired, his dedication to the profession continues as he maintains his license through ongoing education.
Recognized this week at the Iowa Funeral Directors Association’s 146th annual convention in Altoona, Tim’s achievement is one worth celebrating. Thank you, Tim, for your decades of service and continued dedication to funeral service. Congratulations!

04/05/2026

Rex C. Swailes

Rex C. Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant, IA, passed away on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home.

Rex was born September 29, 1936, in Rome, IA, the son of Simon Asbury and Eva Lucinda (Messer) Swailes. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955. On June 8, 1958, Rex was united in marriage to Helen Carol Celley at the First United Methodist Church in Brookfield, WI. Rex was a lifelong resident of Henry County.

Rex worked in the powerhouses at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for over 15 years. During his time in the powerhouses, he became knowledgeable about the water and wastewater treatment processes, getting certifications in both. Rex then worked for Blue Bird as a forklift operator. While at Blue Bird, he also worked part-time for Barron Environmental Testing Services where he continued consulting after his retirement.

A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Rex was committed to caring for the church by serving as a deacon, by teaching, and by discipling and encouraging other men. Rex loved sharing with others his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. Rex loved his family deeply and particularly delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. In his free time Rex was fond of playing the guitar, even inspiring his grandson John to take up the hobby. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and metal detecting. Rex was an avid storyteller and could come up with a story for any occasion.

Rex is survived by his son Rob (Brenda) Swailes of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Sarah Swailes and John (Megan) Swailes all of Ankeny, IA; sister Becky Van Winkle of Mount Pleasant, IA; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of fifty-eight years, his parents, a son in infancy, and sister Dona Church.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor David Strope officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church or Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Rex and his family. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

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04/05/2026

Because of Easter, we have hope.
Because of Jesus, we have eternal life.

04/05/2026

Michael E. Langan

Michael “Mike” Edward Langan, 86, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, on April 3, 2026. He was born on December 13, 1939, to Robert and Pauline (Schlarbaum) Langan.

Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet (Leppert), on December 29, 1957. The couple married at the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Iowa, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 68 years.

Mike is survived by his wife, Janet (Leppert); his children, Michael K. Langan (Wendy) of Washington, Iowa, Kathy McConahay (Bret) of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Teresa Owens (Mike) of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; his grandchildren, Stacy Holtgrewe (Jared), Meghan Hank (Tyler), Brian McConahay (Jennie), and Rachel Watters (Chris); eight cherished great‑grandchildren; and his siblings, Nancy Fulton, Gary Langan, Angela Hoff, and Stephen P. Carl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Langan (Lily) and Pauline Carl (Raymond); his son, Richard Kelly; his sister, Carole Albrecht; and his great‑granddaughter, Harlyn Holtgrewe.

Mike graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957, and earned his education degree from Parsons College. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Iowa. Mike dedicated many years to teaching at the WACO Community School District and the Columbus Junction Community School District, where he shared his love of learning—and his sense of humor—with a generation of students.

Mike proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1960.

A man of many interests, Mike enjoyed traveling and almost always had a trip in the works, with Amtrak being his preferred mode of transportation. Navarre Beach, Florida, held a special place among his favorite destinations. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying historical nonfiction and autobiographies. Mike also loved card games, especially bridge, 10-point pitch and countless games of hearts played on his computer. A devoted collector, he owned more than 1,500 LP records, carefully curated a collection of over 200,000 postmarks, and built an extensive coin collection.

Known for his sense of humor, Mike was a jokester at heart and especially enjoyed receiving a playful “head squeeze.” He loved taking his children and grandchildren on adventures and was passionate about teaching them to appreciate history and travel. You could always count on finding a cold Coca‑Cola in his refrigerator and a variety of candy nearby.

Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held in the Columbus City Cemetery in Columbus City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for their compassionate care.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

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