Friday, November 6, 2026

Obituary - Chaz Field

Chaz Field passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his girls, after a battle with colon cancer and subsequent complications. Although he had been courageously battling, his passing came much sooner than expected.

Chaz was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Field; his mother, Phyllis (Field) Bump; his stepfather, Marvin Bump; his brothers, David Field and Craig Field; his sisters, Terry Field Cino and Dale Field; and his father-in-law, Dr. David Pence.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Tammy; his daughters, Summer and Farrah, who were the absolute pride and joy of his life; his sisters, Cherrie (Gary) Zitzlsperger, and Dana Jo Field; his brother, best friend, travel companion, and golf partner, Ted Field; his favorite mother-in-law, Cheryl Pence; thirteen nieces and nephews, their spouses and families; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.

Chaz truly never met a stranger. Whether behind the bar, showing a family their future home, on the golf course, at his daughter's activities or simply striking up a conversation with someone he had just met, he had a gift for making people feel welcome. As a bartender, he didn't just serve drinks; he served friendship, laughter, and a listening ear. He remembered names, celebrated life's milestones with his customers, and somehow had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. This job also led him to a second family through Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found lasting friendships and remained sober for more than 30 years.

Later, as a realtor, Chaz brought that same warmth and genuine care to every client. He loved helping people find not just a house, but a place to build a home and memories. His honesty, kindness, and easygoing personality earned the trust of countless families. Chaz also had tremendous respect and admiration for his fellow coworkers, who brought him so much joy, laughter, and lasting friendship.

Above all else, Chaz loved being a dad. Nothing made him happier than talking about his girls and celebrating their accomplishments. His greatest joy in life was watching them grow into the incredible women they are today. As Tammy often says, she can't remember Chaz ever raising his voice or truly scolding the girls. In his eyes, they were simply perfect.

If there was an opportunity to make someone, especially a child, smile, Chaz never passed it up. At Halloween, you could find him dressed as Spider-Man or another crazy character and using his candy shoot. Christmas wasn't complete without his festive Christmas suit and his enthusiasm for creating magical memories as Santa. He believed life deserved a little extra flair.

Chaz also had a special place in his heart for animals. He is undoubtedly being welcomed in heaven by his beloved companions Prince, Sabbath, Preston, and Bentley. Bailey, who remains here on earth, misses him every day.

Chaz will be remembered for his generous heart, infectious smile, unwavering love for his family, and his remarkable ability to make people laugh and feel at ease. His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

The family will celebrate Chaz's life on October 3, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chaz's memory may be directed to his family or to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a cause that held special meaning to Chaz.

In honor of Chaz, we invite you to wear casual fun attire, share a sugary sweet treat or more, raise a glass, have a soda, tell a Chaz memory, make someone laugh, attend a live theater performance, or perform a simple act of kindness, just as he so often did.

Learn more about Chaz on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - David Lee Pence

Dr. David L. Pence, D.V.M., 64, of Ankeny, fought the good fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia, MK+. David had been at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN since December 6, 2011, and came home to live out his last days on April 9, 2012. While at Mayo he received such wonderful care, especially from Dr. Patnaik, Dr. Singh, and their entire medical team. He passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

David was born May 21, 1947, to Dora M. (Stover) and Melvin E. Pence, Sr. in Eldora, Iowa. On September 2, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl A. King at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Eldora, Iowa. Dr. Pence graduated from Eldora High School in 1965, attended Kansas City Key Punch School later working at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, served 3 ½ years as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Vet Corp stationed at Ft. Snelling, MN, and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Ames in 1976. For 25 years, he was a large and small animal veterinarian throughout Eastern Iowa and for 9 years was the State Veterinarian at the Dubuque Greyhound Park. He also did relief work for various veterinary clinics across Iowa. In 2001, he moved to Ankeny to work for the USDA as a Veterinary Medical Officer.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the IVMA, AASP, AABP, and AVMA. He spent numerous hours serving on various church committees and going on mission trips to Parkersburg, Cedar Rapids, and Colfax. Dave was a long time apheresis (platelet) donor, helping others battle cancer and other health conditions.

After retirement in 2007, he enjoyed spending time with his treasured wife and family and doing things for others. He also loved gardening and outdoor work, charity work, volunteering, providing 4-H and agriculture scholarships, reading, and most of all, eating lots of ice cream. One of the Pence's goals was to visit all 50 state capitals and to fulfill his final wishes, they even visited three more capitals just weeks before he passed away; together he and his wife were able to visit a total of 30 state capitals. Recently, Dr. Pence and his wife were presented the Red Cross Heroes of the Heartland Award for their never-ending service to others.

Dave was devoted to his family, especially his beloved wife of 45 years, Cheryl. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife and two daughters, Dr. Brenda R. (Dr. Gary) Palmer of Dayton, OH and Tammy S. (Chaz) Field of Lakeville, MN and the joys of his life, his five grandchildren, Renee, Nick, and A.J. Palmer, and Summer and Farrah Field. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Dora M. (Stover) Pence of Newton, and four brothers, George (Nancy) Pence of Loxahatchee, FL, Dr. Mel (Pam) Pence of Scottsdale, AZ, Levi (Barb) Pence of Newton, and Alex (Rose) Pence of Marshalltown, as well as numerous beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin E. Pence, Sr., grandparents, and mother-in-law, Roberta J. (Pope) King.

Learn more about David on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Pamela Lynn Gates

Pamela Lynn Pence (Pam) passed away Thursday March 3, 2016 at Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona surrounded by family and friends. Pam was the oldest of the four children of Glen and Gretta Gates. Pam was raised near Eldora, Iowa where she attended school and graduated in 1966. She also attended Ellsworth College where she was awarded a scholarship for her poetry. She was married to Mel Pence for 48 years, they had one daughter Heidi and a grandson, Noah. She and Noah were best buddies. Pam had an exceptional love of people and made each person she met feel special in some way. She worked in the Iowa State University physics department, was secretary of the Lenox, Iowa Methodist Church, was a realtor in Georgia and office manager for our daughter Heidi in Scottsdale, Arizona. Pam was devoted to her family. She loved entertaining and was an exceptional cook and baker. Left to honor her memory are her husband, Mel, daughter, Heidi, grandsons, Noah and Colby, son- in-law, Mike, mother, Gretta, sister, Glenda, brothers, Bob and Steve as well as a multitude of friends.

Learn more about Pamela on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Dora Marie Stover Pence

Dora Marie Pence, 91, formerly of the Eldora and Newton areas, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, near her son’s home, Melvin Pence Jr., in Scottsdale, Ariz. Funeral services for Dora are pending by the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at pencefh.com.

Dora Marie Pence, the daughter of Guy Howard Stover, Sr. and Ona Marie (Sherbon) Stover, was born October 18, 1926, in rural Grundy County, near Conrad, Iowa. She attended the Whitten Country Schools and later acquired her GED. On August 26, 1942, Dora was united in marriage with Melvin Elward Pence, Sr. on the family farm in rural Grundy County, Iowa.

Dora devoted her life to her family. She worked as a partner with her husband on the family farm and raising their five boys. From 1976-1983, she and Melvin delivered motor homes to dealers nationwide for Winnebago. Then from 1984 until her retirement, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home. Dora enjoyed being with her family. She sewed, quilted and gardened for many years. She enjoyed outdoor activities and mowing. Dora was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren.

Dora died on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the Hospice of the Valley Eckstein Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was 91 years old. Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her great uncle and aunt, Dave and Eva Myers, who had raised her since she was two years old; her husband, Melvin Pence, Sr.; her son, Dr. David Pence; her daughter-in-law, Pam Pence; her brothers, Francis Stover, Cecil Stover, Guy Stover, Jaye Stover, Virgil “Jim” Stover and Jesse Stover in infancy; and her sister, Lois Lampman. Those left to honor Dora’s memory include her sons and daughters-in-law, George (Nancy) Pence, Dr. Melvin Pence, Cheryl Pence, Levi (Barbara) Pence, Alex (Rose) Pence; her ten grandchildren: Kevin (Erica) Pence, Dr. Heidi (Mike) Epsen, Dr. Brenda (Dr. Gary) Palmer, Jeff (Debby) Pence, Kellie (Jacob) Brown, Tammy (Chaz) Field, Chris (Allan) Walz, Keary (Melissa) Pence, Dan (Angela) Pence, Lucas (Brigette) Pence; her twenty-nine great grandchildren; her sisters, Evelyn Lee and Darlene Grapp and a sister-in-law, Sharron Stover.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, Iowa. The family will greet friends following the service during lunch at the Pence~Reese Tribute Center. Burial will be at the Ivester-Sheller Cemetery in Grundy County near the family farm.

Learn more about Dora on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Bruce P. Olson

Bruce P. Olson, 51, of Longview, Texas, formerly of Conrad, IA passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Longview Regional. A Celebration of life service will be held at Grace Creek Church in Longview, TX at 6 pm on Friday, May 2, 2014. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 5, 2014, at the Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 W. Main St., Marshalltown, IA Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 W. Main St., Marshalltown. Interment will follow in the Conrad Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com. In honor of Bruce, please feel free to wear any athletic wear (Iowa State shirts, softball/baseball/wrestling jerseys, shorts) to all of the services. Shorts are encouraged as this was Bruce's favorite thing to wear.

Bruce was born August 15, 1962 in Carroll, IA to Nancy and Larry Olson. He graduated from BCL High School and Marshalltown Community College. On October 23, 1982, Bruce was united in marriage to Myrna Kruse in Conrad. They were the parents of a son, Joshua David Olson and a daughter, Allesha Marie Olson.

Bruce started his career at Leevac Shipyard in Jennings, LA, where he started using the saying, “Don’t worry, you can never mess up more than I did, I sunk George HW Bush’s Boat.” He then worked locally at Richie Industries in Conrad and Midwest Industries in Ida Grove. After moving to Longview, he worked for Letourneau, Pinnacle Strategies, CQMS Razer, and Crosby/Lebus. He recently accepted a position with Anchor in Ft. Worth, Texas. Through his career, he continued to pursue higher learning. He also served on many advisory councils, including Infor XA Product Development Advisory Council, Infor ThruPut Advisory Council, CIRAS Advisory Member, and the Iowa State University, Industrial Technology – Advisory Board Member.

He was a member of the Grace Creek Church, where he was on the First Impressions Team. Bruce was a coach for wrestling and softball in Ida Grove for children of all ages. He was a member of the APICS and served on the Iowa Business Leaders Association. His constant smile and practical jokes and wit kept everyone around him laughing. He enjoyed children, was an Iowa State Cyclone super fan, and loved to ride his motorcycle. He was at his happiest when he was around family.

Bruce will be missed by his wife, Myrna, a son, Joshua, a daughter, Allesha, parents Larry and Nancy Olson of Conrad, a brother Brent "Porky" (Darci) Olson of Conrad, a sister, Lorry (Scott) Lewis of Acworth, GA, two brother in laws, Mike (Mindy) Kruse of Beaman, IA, Matt (Bobbi) Kruse of Sargent Bluffs, IA, a Grandmother, Velma Holding, Conrad, IA, and several nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Bruce on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Robert Lyle Schleisman

CONRAD - Robert L. Schleisman, 53, of Conrad, died Jan. 23, 2005, at University Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City following injuries sustained in a fire at his home.

There will be a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Henry Catholic Church, with Rev. Louis Jaeger officiating. A private family committal service will be held. Following immediate cremation, friends may sign the register at Johnston Funeral Home in Conrad Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. A public Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m. A memorial fund is being established.

He is survived by his parents, Lowell and Joan Schleisman of Conrad; two sons, James (Wendy) Schleisman of Conrad and Brandon (Renee) Schleisman of Gladbrook; two sisters, Susan (Craig) Qualls of Castaic, Calif. and Mary (Greg) Morris of Conrad,; four brothers, Mark (Donna) Schleisman of Slayton, Minn., David (Joette) Schleisman of Middleton, Wis., Keith (Connie) Schleisman of Kieler, Wis. and Daniel Schleisman of Treynor, and five grandchildren.

Learn more about Robert on the Pence Family History site:

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Obituary - Ada Ethel Smith Schwarck

Mrs. Ada Schwarck Dies At Hospital

Funeral services were held Friday at the Eldora Church of Christ for Mrs. Ada Schwarck, 74, who passed away Monday afternoon at the local hospital. Revs. Leonard Wilfong and Charles Albin officiated with burial in the Sheller Cemetery east of Eldora. Pallbearers were Richard McWhetrer, Lyman Schwarck, Stephen Schwarck, Dennis Strauss, Robert Strauss and Darwin Wolford with honorary bearers James Crosser, Ralph Kaufman, Marion Lord, Lyman R. Lundy, Albert Price and Ray Stover. Mrs. Lester Farmer, Mrs. Pleas Hobson and Mrs. Edgar VanPatter were in charge of flowers and Mrs. Dennis Trimm and Paul Williams were vocalists accompanied by Mrs. Larry Dole.

Mrs. Ada Schwarck was born April 5, 1891, in Owen county, Ind., the daughter of Elias and Lydia Boyer Smith. She was married to John Wolford on Feb. 12, 1911, with two children born to this union, Mrs. Carl (Lucille) Strauss of Eldora and Richard Wolford of Burlington. She moved from Indiana to the Ivester community southeast of Eldora in 1917 and was married to Alonzo Lyman Schwarck on Dec. 28, 1918. Nine children were born to this union. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1934. Mrs. Schwarck lived on a farm until moving into Eldora a few years ago. She was a member of the Ivester Church of the Brethren and later the Eldora Church of Christ. She was active in the Blue Star Mothers.

She is survived by her 11 children, Mrs. Strauss, Dale, Victor, Glen and Maurice Schwarck, all of Eldora, Richard Wolford of Burlington, Mrs. George (Margaret) White of Marshalltown, Milo Schwarck of Elma, Donald Schwarck of Conrad and Carl and Paul Schwarck of Grundy Center. Also 43 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five sisters, Mela Greenwood of Anderson, Ind., Mary Hostettler of Linton, Ind., Bessie Neiswinger and Myrtle Smith Thomas, both of Bowling Green, Ind. and Augusta Pearson of Georgetown, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and four sisters.

--The Grundy Register, Grundy Center, Iowa, January 27, 1966

Learn more about Ada on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Robert Eugene Crippen

Robert Eugene Crippen, the son of John and Gladys (Krause) Crippen was born on February 6, 1933 in Iowa City, Iowa.

He attended Burlington High School and received his GED through the US Navy. He enlisted in the US Navy in February of 1953 and received training as a Hospital Corpsman. Bob retired from the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer with 21 years of service. After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked as a Water Treatment Specialist in Palm Springs, California, as a bowling alley owner and manager, and retired from the US Postal Service in 1991 in Cedar Rapids after 10 years. He had many interests in his life, among these his enjoyment of bowling, golf, coin collecting, origami, and numerous other sports.

On June 7, 1956 Bob married Joan Marie Morgan of Burlington, Iowa, from that union raised 5 children; Darcey and Victor Kendl of Racine, WI, Robert and Laurie Crippen of Fairport, NY, Kimberlee and Edward Herman of Palm Desert, CA, Victoria Galvan of San Antonio, TX, and Kellena Crippen of San Antonio, TX; and 12 grandchildren.

On June 14, 1985, Bob married Joyce Mount and resided in Palm Springs, CA, Bancroft, IA, Duluth, MN, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Horseshoe Bend, AR. Step-children include Scott Mount of California, Tammy Springer of California, Margaret Mount of Florida, and Richard Mount of Iowa; and 7 grandchildren.

On September 14, 2002, Bob married Lillian A. Wheat of Waterloo. Step-children include Kathy and Jeff Stafford of Lenior, NC, Tracy Wheat of Waterloo, Marnae Tucker of Cedar Falls, and Karyn and Dennis Salmon of Cedar Falls; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian; half-sister Dorothy Warren; sister Loretta Standard; brother Marvin Selby; and all of his children and step-children.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his first two wives, Joan and Joyce; his sisters Joan Crippen and Jeanette Young; his brother Dirk Wheat; and his half-brother Charlie Owens.

--Published by Legacy Remembers on April 10, 2010

Learn more about Robert on the Pence Family History site:

Obituary - Phyllis A. Pearson Taylor

Phyllis A. Pearson Taylor, 86, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. She had been a resident of the Villas of South Park, in Chatham for six years.

Phyllis was born on November 28, 1938, in Indianola, IL, the daughter of Dean and Irene (Jackson) Pearson. She married Jack K. Taylor on July 12, 1959. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2022.

Phyllis worked as secretary for the Rochester Christian Church for 10 years but her most cherished role (especially by her family) was being the best wife, mother, and grandmother. Her daughter affectionately referred to her as "Ms. Better Homes and Gardens" because she took care of everything to make her home a beautiful and welcoming place both inside and out. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, excellent cook, and gardener. She also loved playing volleyball, tennis, and Yahtzee.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Erin Taylor; brother, Howard Pearson (wife, Connie, deceased), and sister, Esther Hires.

She is survived by daughter, Natalie Taylor; son, Stuart (Pam) Taylor; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley (Jonathan Lescisin), Alex (Steph Simon), Hailey, and Gage Taylor; 3 step grandchildren, Mel (Nate) Shaughnessy and Mitch and Jake Populorum; 3 great grandchildren, Riverly, Memphis & Axel Taylor; 2 step great grandsons, Liam and Luke Shaughnessy.

Per Phyllis's wishes, cremation will be accorded by Park Funeral Homes, and a service will be held at a later date. Memorial may be made to the Rochester Friends of the Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, IL. 62563 in Phyllis's name. Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.

Learn more about Phyllis on the Pence Family History site:

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Obituary - Marjorie M. Jackson Weir

Marjorie M. Weir, 88, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 12:25 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman. She was born on September 21, 1923, in Edgar County, the daughter of Edgar and Verna Madge (Pearson) Jackson, both deceased. She was united in marriage to Ernest Lee Weir on February 2, 1943, in Georgetown, until his passing 1971.

She is survived by her son, Bruce (Donna) Weir of Effingham; four grandchildren, Bryan (Kristi) Weir of Danville, Jamie (Jason) Gosnell of Ridge Farm, Stephanie Miles of Ridge Farm and Scott (Paula) Weir of Coulterville; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Wanda Weir; two sons Joe and John Weir; four brothers, Don, John, Jim and Frank Jackson; and three sisters, Irene Pearson, Bernice Ingram Graham and Della Priest.

In her early years, Marjorie was a secretary for the Ridge Farm School District and later retired from the Frey Tire Company in Danville as a bookkeeper. She was a former member of the Ridge Farm Nazarene Church. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, crocheting and Bible study.

A celebration of Marjorie's life will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011, at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Pastor James Blue officiating. Visitation will be 4:30 p.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in her name to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman.

--Commercial News, December 18, 2011

Learn more about Marjorie on the Pence Family History site: