Obituary - Georgia Lenora Pence Hickman Wheat

Georgia Wheat, 69

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 1, from the Ivester Church of the Brethren near Eldora at 2 p.m. for Georgia L. Wheat, 69, who died Tuesday evening at the Eldora Community Hospital.

Rev. Raymon Eller will officiate with vocal music by Mrs. Donald Butler, Mrs. Lyle Neher and Mrs. Gary Button. Organist will be Mrs. Dohn Kruschwitz. Flower ladies will be Mrs. Calvin Johnson, Mrs. Raymond Sherfield and Mrs. Karen Crandall.

Serving as casket bearers will be William Trampe, Steven Pence, Levi Pence, Alex Pence, Robert Kruse and Stephen Mugge with interment in the Sheller Cemetery. Andrle and Creps Funeral Home of Eldora is handling arrangements. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Georgia Wheat was born October 12, 1916 near Eldorado, Ill., to George and Nora Mae Smith Pence. The family came to Iowa in 1926 or 1927 and lived north of Whitten.

She was married to Lyle Hickman in April of 1937 and three children were born to this union - Norman, Larry, and Lillian. On April 8, 1956 she was married to Wilbur Wheat at the Little Brown Church at Nashua. Two children were born to this union, Mark and Dean.

She was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren and the Christian Women's Club. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Richard and Lawrence, and one grandson, Ted Allen Wheat.

Surviving are her husband, Wilbur, of Eldora; four sons, Norman Hickman of Grundy Center, Larry Hickman of Waterloo, Mark Wheat of Davenport, Dean Wheat of Rochester, Minn.; one daughter, Mrs. Dirk (Lillian) Wheat of Waterloo; two stepchildren, Dirk Wheat of Waterloo and Betty Lou Jacobs of Grand Junction, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harvey Pence of Eldora, Howard Pence of Conrad and Melvin Pence, Sr. of Newton.

Eldora, Iowa, Friday, May 31, 1985

Learn more about Georgia on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/georgia-lenora-pence.

Obituary - Ervin Jasper Smith

Ervin J. Smith

Was born in February, 1885, in the state of Indiana. Previous to coming to Iowa in the spring of 1914 he worked in the coal fields of southern Indiana. After coming to Iowa he worked two year Adam Messer, near Ivester, and for the past three seasons has been farming for himself on the Messer farm.

Besides a wife he leaves four children, Oscar aged 9, Coy, 7, Irene 3, and Troy aged 1 year.

Mr. Smith was taken sick with the Influenza on November 30th and the disease soon developed into double pneumonia and he passed away at five o'clock in the morning of December 9th.

Brief funeral services were held, conducted by Rev. D. W. Shock, of the Ivester church, and interment was in the Ivester cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, parents of Mr. Smith, came from Indiana to attend the funeral; also Mr. and Mrs. Pence, of southern Illinois, the latter being a sister.

Mrs. Smith has decided to remain on the farm and his parents will remain with her and assist in operating the farm.

Learn more about Ervin on the Pence Family History website:
https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/smith/ervin-jasper-smith.

Obituary - Nora Mae Smith Pence

NORA MAY PENCE

Services were held Saturday, August 21, at the Brethren Church for Nora May Pence. Conducting the service were Rev. Charles Albin of the Brethren Church and President Robert Wayne Linke of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Nora Pence was born September 13, 1889, to Eli and Lydia A. Smith at Clay City, Owen county, Ind. She was blessed with the privilege of growing up thru the years with 3 brothers and 9 sisters. They are as follows: Lizzie, Daniel Smith, Ervin Smith, Mela Greenwood, Ada Schwarck, Mary Hostettler, Bessie Neiswinger, August Pearson, Myrtle Tommas, Ruth, Harvey Smith and Aretha Lawrence.

Nora Pence was married July 10, 1911, to George C. Pence. To this union were born one daughter and five sons. Richard Kenneth, their first child, who passed away at the age of 4 months; Lawrence, Mrs. Wilbur Wheat (Georgia), Harvey, Howard and Melvin. All are living either in Hardin or Grundy county, Iowa. Mrs. Pence was a devoted mother to her children. Each she considered a blessing, although she lost her companion in 1930 and was left alone to rear her family.

Nora was truly devoted to the things she believed in. She was a wonderful wife and mother to those whom she loved. Her belief in Christ was unshakable and all who knew her knew this.

Life offered many challenges to her. But as her life has proven, she met all things with the love and strength of a true mother.

Nora was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and received her Temple Endowments and Sealing July 11, 1963, in the Logan Temple, Logan, Utah.

She leaves behind her daughter, 4 sons, 19 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Learn more about Nora on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/smith/nora-mae-smith.

Obituary - George Corner Pence

STRICKEN ON WAY TO CHURCH

George Corner Pence Died at the Home of Relatives

George C. Pence of Waterloo was suddenly stricken with a heart attack while on his way to church last Friday and died shortly after. He and his family had been visiting at the home of Mrs. Pence's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, living hear Whitten.

Funeral services were held at the Ivester Church of the Brethren Tuesday afternoon with the local pastor, Rev. D. C. Gnagy, in charge. Rev. Galen Albright assisted at the service. Burial was in the Sheller cemetery.

Mr. Pence spent his early life in Virginia, and after growing to manhood the call of the west led him to come as far west as Indiana. He met his wife there and they spent several years of their married life in that state. A bout two years ago they came to Iowa and located in Waterloo, Iowa, where he was employed by the John Deere Company.

On July 10, 1911 he was united in marriage to Nora Mae Smith. Into this happy family circle were born six children, a daughter, Georgie, and five sons, Kenneth, Lawrence, Harvey, Howard, Melvin. Kenneth preceded his father in death.

He is survived by his wife, the children, his father, John Pence, a sister Mrs. Ida Langley of Alabama, and a host of other relatives and friends.

--Grundy Register, Grundy Center, Iowa, June 5, 1930

Learn more about George on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/george-corner-pence.

Obituary - Osborne Otto Traasdahl

Osborne "Frosty" Traasdahl, 74, of Boulder City, died Friday in Las Vegas.

He was born March 10, 1912, in Grace, Idaho. A 52-year resident of Boulder City, he was a building contractor and had served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was preceded in death last week by his son, Roger of Scottsdale, Ariz. He is survived by his wife, Edith of Boulder City; son, Michael of Boulder City; daughters, Madeline Morris of Boulder City, Kareen Bybee of Orem, Utah, Debra Bowman of Pahrump; brothers, Carl of Las Vegas, Edward I. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters, Ann Fackrell of Ogden, Utah, Irene King of Lewiston, Utah, Mary Louise Pence of Eldora, Iowa; 25 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Tuesday at the LDS Chapel, in Boulder City. Interment was at Palm Boulder City Mausoleum.

Learn more about Osborne 'Frosty' on the Traasdahl Family History site: https://sites.google.com/view/traasdahlfamilyhistory/families/traasdahl/osborne-otto-traasdahl.

Obituary - Michael Lee Traasdahl

Michael Lee Traasdahl

(August 14, 1941 - November 12, 2014)

Michael Lee Traasdahl, age 73, life-long resident of Boulder City, passed away on November 12, 2014. He was born in Boulder City, Nevada on August 14, 1941 to Osborne Otto “Frosty” Traasdahl and Edith Arlene Rodeback Traasdahl. In 1965, he married Gail Mortensen who preceded him in death along with their son Karl. He later married Carolyn Parkin on January 19, 1973. Michael worked as a residential and commercial construction contractor for many years prior to obtaining a job with the City of Las Vegas as a building inspector. He advanced his career with the City as a plans checker, and was later promoted to be the Manager of Plans Check in the Building Department.

Michael enjoyed drafting and building projects that he designed. He was a member of the International Council of Building Officials and served as a local chapter president. He enjoyed serving others by volunteering to help them with home building projects. People enjoyed his skill as a dutch oven cook. He enjoyed the outdoors, and especially loved to hunt dear in Northern Nevada with family and friends. In his later years, he kept his mind sharp by playing Sudoku and enjoyed watching old John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, including Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Scout Master, Young Mens President, Ward Mission Leader, High Priest Group Leader, and as a member of the Bishopric. His favorite calling was as an Ordinance Worker in the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Traasdahl; five children Marc (Diane) Traasdahl, Kurt (Kami) Traasdahl, Barbara (Chad) Dickinson, Eric (Lisa) Traasdahl, Kirsten (Bryan) Reid; three sisters Madeline (Monte) Morris, Kareen (McClain)Bybee, Debra (Mark) Bowman; a sister in law Sonja Traasdahl (wife of the late Roger Traasdahl); and eighteen grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 at the Fifth Street LDS Chapel in Boulder City. Visitation will be held prior to the services at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Boulder City Cemetery. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com.

Learn more about Michael on the Traasdahl Family History site: https://sites.google.com/view/traasdahlfamilyhistory/families/traasdahl/michael-lee-traasdahl.

Obituary - Harvey Alonzo Pence

Harvey Pence, 72, ELDORA

Services for Harvey A. Pence, 72, Eldora, who died Wednesday, September 12 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marshalltown. Burial will be in the Eldora Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established.

He was born April 12, 1918 in Eldorado, Ill., to George and Nora Mae Smith Pence. He attended school at Whitten before serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. On June 6, 1946, he married Mary Louise Traasdahl in Ogden, Utah. He farmed for more than fifty years east of Eldora. He was a member of the Farm Bureau. He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was first president of the Marshalltown Town Branch. He was a member of the District High Council and the Stake High Council in Des Moines. In 1974 he was called to serve as a Stake Patriarch. He and his wife also served one year at the Chicago Temple.

He was preceded in death by a brother and sister. Survivors include his wife, Mary Louise; five sons, Jerry, Story City; Michael, Ocean Shore, Wash.; Steven, Eldora; Gary, Alpine, Utah; Rick, American Fork, Utah; 23 grandchildren; two brothers, Howard Pence, Conrad; and Melvin Pence, Newton.

Learn more about Harvey on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/harvey-alonzo-pence.

Obituary - Anna Omega Traasdahl Swenson Fackrell

Ann Swenson Fackrell

Standard-Examiner Sunday, June 26, 1988

OGDEN – Ann Swenson Fackrell, 72, of 1519 23rd St., died Saturday, June 25, 1988, at her home of heart failure.

She was born Oct. 7, 1915, in Lago, Idaho, a Daughter of Otto B. and Anna Erickson Traasdahl.

She married Maynard J. Swenson June 1, 1934, in Preston, Idaho. He died Nov. 21, 1958. She married Elton D. Fackrell Nov. 22, 1960, in Logan. She was raised in Grace and Preston, Idaho, and moved to the Ogden area in 1940. She moved to Lewiston in 1958, returning to Ogden in 1975.

She graduated from Preston High School. She was an active member of the Ogden LDS 35th Ward, and had served as Relief Society. She was Mutual president and had been active in religious service over the past 50 years. She was a member of the Lewiston Literary League, chairman of the Fourth of July celebration, and an active Democrat. She enjoyed gardening.

Surviving are her husband of Ogden, two sons, Max Swenson, Pasco, Wash.; Ron Swenson, Salt Lake City; one stepson and one stepdaughter, Alan Fackrell, Logan; Sharon Bischoff, Orinda, Calif.; Nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers and two sisters, Carl Traasdahl, Las Vegas, Nev.; Ted Traasdahl, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Irene King, Lewiston, Utah; Mitze Pence, Eldora, Iowa. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Ogden LDS 35th Ward, 1475 Cahoon, with Bishop Darwin J. Brimhall of the Ogden 35th ward officiating. Friends may call at Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel, 3408 Washington Blvd.; Ogden, Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Ogden City Cemetery.

Learn more about Ann Swenson Fackrell on the Traasdahl Family History site:

https://sites.google.com/view/traasdahlfamilyhistory/families/traasdahl/anna-omega-traasdahl.

Obituary - Melvin Elward Pence - 1945

Melvin E. Pence, Jr., (80) of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on July 20, 2025.

He was born on January 18, 1945 in Iowa to Melvin Sr. and Dora Pence. He graduated from Eldora High School. After serving in the US Army, he attended Iowa State University earning a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Mel was in practice in southwest Iowa and later took a position teaching at the University of Georgia. Upon retirement, he relocated to Scottsdale.

He is survived by daughter Heidi Pence Epsen, Mike Epsen, Noah Long, Colby and Sarah Epsen, Glenda Guthrie, George and Nancy Pence, Cheryl Pence, Levi and Barbara Pence, Alex and Rose Pence and many members of their extended families. Mel also is survived and fondly remembered by many friends around the country.

Mel married his beloved wife, Pamela Gates Pence, who predeceased him in March 2016. He is also predeceased by his parents and brother David Pence.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Newton, Iowa on October 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home Tribute Center 201 E. 4th St. N. Newton, Iowa.

Learn more about Melvin on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/pence/melvin-elward-pence-1945.

Obituary - Walter Smith Hutt (1920)

Walter Hutt Jr.

The funeral of Walter Hutt Jr., son of Walter S. and Mildred (Jones) Hutt, who died the past Thursday, was held Monday at 2 p.m. from his parents' home, 486 North Evans street. Services were in charge of Dr. J.J. Kline, pastor of Grace Lutheran church. Interment was in Mt. Zion cemetery.

Pallbearers were Walter Coles and James Reynier, representing the Sons of the Legion; Clyde Umstead and Russel Wentzel, of the American Legion Boy Scout troop No. 1; Walter Richards and Richard Hunsberger, of Grace Lutheran Sunday school; William Quicksell and Earl Sell, of class 9B1 of the junior high school.

Members of the Sons of Legion, of which the deceased was adjutant, and the Boy Scout troop attended the funeral and were honorary pallbearers.

--The Mercury, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Wed, 26 Dec 1934, Page 3

Learn more about Walter on the Pence Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/pencefamilyhistory/families/hutt/walter-smith-hutt-1920.