Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory

10/19/2026

David P. McLaughlin

David Paul McLaughlin, 74, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 10, 1952, David was the son of John and Betty McLaughlin. He grew up on his family's farm outside of Mediapolis, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for farming, hard work, and the agricultural community. Those early experiences helped shape his career, leading him to spend 33 years with Roquette (formerly Hubinger) as a grain elevator manager. He took pride in his work, but it was the people he met and the relationships he built with farmers over the years that he especially enjoyed. Of course, depending on the weather, he might have jokingly claimed to love them a little less on certain days. His quick wit, friendly personality, and ability to connect with others made those relationships a meaningful part of his work life.

That same warmth and dedication carried into his role as a father and grandfather. David’s family was a great source of pride and happiness, and he made it a priority to be present in their lives. Whether attending music performances, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, or celebrating life's many milestones, he was always there to offer his encouragement and support. Spending time with his eight grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives.

David also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. An avid golfer, he loved spending time on the course and sharing a round with friends. He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball fan and loved music and dancing. His playful sense of humor was never far away, especially when he would turn on Christmas music in the middle of the year, often just to get a laugh or a reaction from those around him.

Those simple pleasures remained an important part of his daily life, thanks in part to the wonderful care of Teresa Dameron, his dedicated in-home caregiver. Whether walking his beloved poodle, Britt, running errands, making trips to McDonald's, or watching his favorite television shows, their days together brought him joy and comfort. Teresa's kindness and compassionate care also gave his family great peace of mind.

Whether with family, friends, or someone he had just met, David had a genuine love for people and a special way of making everyone feel welcome and included. He enjoyed a good laugh, a friendly conversation, and any opportunity to bring people together. He especially looked forward to volunteering and socializing at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church food tent during the annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant. It was a tradition that combined his enjoyment of helping others, visiting with familiar faces, and being part of his hometown community.

Above all, David will be remembered for his love of family, his welcoming spirit, and his ability to find humor and happiness in life's everyday moments. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, laughter, and love that will continue to be shared by those who knew him.

David is survived by his three children, Stacie (Blaire) Barton of Mount Pleasant, Adam (Liz) McLaughlin of Iowa City, and Jamie (Lee) Farquhar of Indianapolis; his eight beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Reece, and Alek Barton, Bobby and Ellie McLaughlin, and Finley, Monroe, and Lochlan Farquhar; his former spouse, Ronda McLaughlin of Mount Pleasant; his five siblings, Rick McLaughlin, Brent (Nancy) McLaughlin, Luann (Fred) Nelson, and Denise (Doug) Roelfs, all of Mediapolis, and Annette (Vince) Mahan of Greenville, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty McLaughlin, and his sister-in-law, Sandy McLaughlin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Golf & Country Club.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, in Iowa City or to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant in support of its Children’s Liturgy program.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for David and his family.

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10/18/2026

Jerry L. Liechty

Jerry L. Liechty, 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

Jerry was born June 12, 1948, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Max Joseph and Mary Lou (Dunlavy) Liechty. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan College before attending mechanic school in Omaha, NE. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army. On October 14, 1972, Jerry was united in marriage to Connie Truitt at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. A lifetime resident of Mount Pleasant, Jerry worked in maintenance at Ceco Building Systems for many years. Jerry was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Cursillou, and the Tuesday Morning Prayer Group. He enjoyed finding things to fix and being an at home participant while he watched Jeopardy. Time spent with family was Jerry’s greatest treasure in life, especially time with his grandchildren. Jerry was a friend to all, greeting everyone with a warm smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his four daughters, Kathleen (Corey) Stucker of Seville, OH, Mindy (Michael) Shelledy of Winfield, IA, Kerry (Alex) Grimm of Williamsburg, IA, Karen (Josh) Merta of Palo, IA; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and special friend Patty Bridgewater.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Connie, daughter Angie, granddaughter Abbigail, siblings Joseph, Jacueline and Thomas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Rev. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to greet friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Jerry and his family.

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10/16/2026

The holidays can be especially difficult when you’re grieving the loss of someone you love. While the world seems to be celebrating, you may be facing an empty chair, painful memories, and a heart that just isn’t ready for the season.

Join us for GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays, a special gathering designed to offer encouragement, practical support, and hope as you navigate the holiday season while grieving.

Whether your loss is recent or happened years ago, you are welcome here. Come as you are and find comfort among others who understand.

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 10
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Manning Hall, at Saint Alphonsus Mt. Pleasant

Please share this invitation with someone who may be hurting this holiday season. You never know who might need this encouragement.

You don’t have to face the holidays alone. There is hope, there is support, and you are not alone.

10/15/2026

Dwight K. Hendricks

Dwight K. Hendricks, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Dwight was born June 2, 1946, in Davenport, the son of Harley and Lillian (Thornburg) Hendricks. He grew up in Davenport and graduated from high school. On June 11, 1965, Dwight was united in marriage to Linda Fay Croswhite. They made their home in rural Hillsboro. Dwight worked as a machinist for Legacy Mail Management for many years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, rock hunting, doing yard work and attending car shows.

Dwight is survived by his wife Fay of Mount Pleasant; son Todd and his wife Tsia Hendricks of Denver, Colorado; two brothers, Larry and his wife Peggy Hendricks of Salem, and Gary Hendricks of Weaver. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Carl “Fiddle” Thornburg, and grandparents Henry and Leona Hendricks.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday October 17, 2026, at the Salem South Cemetery, 552 Co Hwy W55, Salem, Iowa. Pastor Aaron Helterbran will officiate. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Dwight and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

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10/14/2026

We are proud to be partners with Whitney Monument Works! Job well done!

10/07/2026

Stop and see us at the Healthy Aging Fair at Calvary Baptist Church this morning! We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

10/04/2026

Wade M. Benge

Wade M. Benge, 92, of Mount Pleasant died Sunday, October 4, 2026, at New London Specialty Care.

Wade was born October 14, 1933, in Bloomfield, Iowa, the son of Earl and Frances (Campbell) Benge. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955, during the Korean War. On August 18, 1961, Wade was united in marriage to Dolores Dold at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. Together, Wade and Dolores made their home in the Mount Pleasant community. He worked as an Environmentalist for Barron Environmental Services until his retirement in 1995.

Wade was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. Wade was a passionate volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, helping to build at least eight homes for families in the Henry County community. He was a member of the National Horseshoe Pitch Association and was instrumental in establishing horseshoe pits at East Lake Park. Wade loved traveling to Arizona with Dolores, they especially loved finding campgrounds with live music.

Wade is survived by his wife Dolores; three children, Ronald (Ellen) Benge of St. Louis, MO, Timothy (Roberta) Benge of Kansas City, MO, Beverly (Bruce) Schneider of Mount Pleasant; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and two sisters, Illynne Nichols of Bushnell, IL, Sherill Detrick on Mount Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Dave, brothers, Earl, Lloyd, Zane, LaVerne and a sister Velda.

Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home with Pastor Trey Hegar officiating. Private family burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorial funds have been established for the First Presbyterian Church and EveryStep Hospice. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Wade and his family.

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09/29/2026

Judy Davison

Judy Davison, 78, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center.

Judy was born May 2, 1948, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Melvin and Viola (Campbell) Lee. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1966. On November 3, 1968, Judy was united in marriage to Richard Davison. Together, they made their home in Mount Pleasant, where they raised their two children in a home filled with love and laughter.

Judy worked at Henry County Savings Bank and Capital Savings before beginning her career in the sales department at Blue Bird in 1982. She remained with Blue Bird until 2003.

Judy enjoyed staying active, especially bowling and golfing, but she also appreciated life’s quiet moments, often spent working on puzzles. She treasured time spent with her family and friends. Whenever the Indiana Fever took the court, Judy was sure to be watching and cheering them on. Judy also enjoyed tending to her flowers and watching the hummingbirds that often visited her yard.

Judy truly had a servant’s heart. For many years, she served as president of Friends of Henry County Health Center while also generously giving her time as a volunteer at Henry County Health Center. Her dedication to serving others was a reflection of her caring heart.

Judy is survived by her daughter Angela (Tom) McGehearty and son Shane (Chris) Davison both of Mount Pleasant; six grandchildren Paige (Josh) Davison, Dylan Davison, Addison McGehearty, Mica (Benson) Bohler, Dalon (DeeAnn) Van Amerongen, Taran Van Amerongen; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Rich in 2024.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, at Remnant Church, with Pastor Steve English officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given in Judy’s name to Remnant Church. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Judy and her family.

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09/03/2026

Gary K. See

Gary See wore many hats during his life. He wore a Santa hat posed jauntily to the side when opening presents with his grandchildren on Christmas mornings. On Independence Day, he would wear a tall “Uncle Sam” felt hat decked out in stars and stripes. Gary’s default was a white baseball hat, though he’d switch to the classy wool newsboy style when going to church or out to dinner. Gary wore his most important ‘hats’ for decades: public servant, neighbor, friend, grandfather, father, husband, brother, and son.

Born October 28, 1941, in Monmouth, Illinois to Maurice and Elaine See, Gary was taught the value of hard work by his father and compassion and generosity by his mother. He became a big brother to his beloved sister Glenna shortly after graduating from Monmouth High School. While working at the local grocery store in 1962, Gary and two buddies decided to pursue adventure out West. They bought a car, drove to Santa Monica, secured an apartment right by the boardwalk, and got odd jobs to make rent. Gary returned to Illinois after about a year, eventually working at a small home department store called Spurgeon’s. In 1970, he was promoted to General Manager at the new Spurgeon’s location in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. It was in Mt. Pleasant that he met and fell in love with the lady working the candy counter at Spurgeon’s. Gary and Paula See (née Fischer) raised three girls over the next few decades.

He was the best girl dad, teaching his daughters how to ride bikes, how to count back change in cash, how to check tire pressure, and how to slide into third base without breaking an ankle. He also wiped away our tears, picked us up when we were down, gave us loving advice when we were stuck, and cheered the loudest when we succeeded.

Professionally, Gary worked for many years as a personal banker at Henry County Savings Bank (later Firstar) and Henry County Community Credit Union (later called 5 Star). Gary showed his family the meaning of grit and entrepreneurial spirit by starting a successful small business cleaning commercial facilities in the mid-90s. He was also a loyal volunteer at his local Rotary chapter, attended St. Alphonsus Church, and volunteered regularly at Old Threshers.

Most commendably, Gary was a dedicated and thoughtful public servant. His 20-year service in the Iowa National Guard Reserve is eclipsed only by his 24-year term as Henry County Supervisor (1996-2020). If you knew him well, you knew he always had room for dessert, he loved chatting with folks over salmon and broccoli at the Iris Restaurant, and for the most number of years, he enjoyed Saturday morning breakfast at Miss K’s, he mixed his vodka with water, was enamored with his deaf dog Cooper, passionate about watching sports (Indiana Fever and professional tennis especially), could swear like a sailor, diligently took in print and TV news, beat cancer twice, relaxed by riding his bike, and deeply loved his entire family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gary passed away suddenly on September 2, 2026 at the University of Iowa, surrounded by family. He is survived by his sister Glenna; children Carrie and Wayne Hester, Theresa Fisher and Mitchell Trotman, and Becky See and Ben Mitchell; grandchildren; Tyler and Kayla Wade, Randy and Kaitie Wade, Nathan and Shyanne Hester, Katie Wade, and great-grandchildren Taylor Wade, C**t Hester, Junior Wade and Nadia Royer.

Gary was compassionate, kind, funny, protective, sweet and salty, and made his daughters and grandkids feel deeply loved, seen, and supported. We will miss him so, so much. A firm believer in education, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Mt. Pleasant Noon Rotary chapter in support of student scholarships.

Visitation will be held 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00. A graveside service will be held at a later date in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gary and his family.

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09/01/2026

Earnest J. Bright

Earnest J. Bright, 93, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, August 31, 2026, at Silver Palms Assisted Living.

Earnie was born May 4, 1933, in Wayne County, Iowa, the son of Ivan and Louella (Bloom) Bright. He graduated from Corydon High School in 1951. Following graduation Earnie enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. On December 23, 1956, Earnie was united in marriage to Martha Bates at Finley Chapel United Methodist Church. He owned and operated B and B Trenton Shell for several years while he also worked as an Army Recruiter. Earnie continued his military career, where he spent a combined 30 years proudly serving in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He retired as Sergeant First Class in June of 1993. Earnie was extremely proud of his military service and was overjoyed to be a part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight in May of 2025.

Earnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and antique cars. He loved traveling to Arizona with Martie in their motor home. Time spent with family was one of Earnie’s most treasured past times. Earnie loved having meals at Jefferson Street Grill, making friends, many of which turned into a second family for Earnie. He was a member of Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, and the American Legion. Earnie found great fellowship through his Sunday School class, the Gleaners, and New Life Grief Support Group for widowers.

Earnie is survived by his three children Brenda (Mike Wheelock) Bright of Ames, Sharon (Bill) Beattie of Mount Pleasant, Douglas (Karen) Bright of Keokuk; six grandchildren, Renee, Cameron, Alicia, Joe, Greg, Rachelle; one step-grandson James (Carley) Beattie; six great grandchildren Sawyer, Brady, Layne, Gunner, Tripp and Finnegan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Martie in 2019, daughter Linda Fear in 2021, sister and brother-in-law Glaydes and Robert Hart, and nephew Charles Bates.

Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, Pastor Lindsey Ford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Finley Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Iowa Military Honors Detail. Memorial funds have been established for St. Jude Research Hospital, Finley Chapel United Methodist Church, and Finley Cemetery. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Earnie and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

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