In Memory of Howard Haigh

Howard Junior Haigh

Howard Haigh, 78, of Asbury died Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Dubuque. The visitation will be held Monday, April 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life and burial at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, IA will take place at a later date. 

Howard was born in Manchester, Iowa on March 21,1945 to Howard Lain Haigh and Ula Juanita (Bacon) Haigh. He graduated from West Delaware High School in 1963 where he participated in football, wrestling, golf, and theater. 

Howard attended the University of Iowa. In 1967, he entered the workforce and then enrolled in the United States Army. He spent six months training in Ft. Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland at the military intelligence school. He served in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as military intelligence officer with the 525th military intelligence group, followed by a year in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina with the Continental Intelligence Command. 

Howard earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, in 1971. He earned his graduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1972. He worked for one year at Ft. Dodge Community College. In 1973, he began his career with the Iowa Department of Human Services in Cedar Rapids, IA. He was employed as a social worker, youth service worker, supervisor, and Family Therapist. 

Howard married Susan Davison on April 28,1979 in Iowa City. Following their time living in North Carolina and  Mount Vernon, Iowa, they moved to Dubuque where Howard started his career with Hillcrest Family Services.There he served as a social worker, supervisor, and eventually Director of Adult Mental Health Services where he developed and administered clinics and facilities in Eastern Iowa. 

Howard was a skilled therapist, a strong and gentle leader; and appreciated by staff and administration. He received two awards for leadership: The Iowa Association of Community Providers and the Nancy Hill Award for Service and Leadership. Following retirement, he continued his work with Hillcrest in mission advancement until 2020. 

He also served as the President and member of the Dubuque Mental Health Association; received training for family therapy from Mental Health Institute in Palo Alto, California. He was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa and a member of the state Mental Health Advisory Board with Magellan. 

Howard had many interests and hobbies and was known for his lifelong love of sailing. Whether he was boating on Lake McBride with family and friends, navigating destroyers with the United States Navy Reserve, chartering on the Great lakes, or steering a retired America’s cup ship in Australia, he had a delighted smile with each adventure. His joy extended to teaching Sue, his daughters, and grandchildren these skills. 

Woodworking was another passion, he and a childhood friend built two wooden sailboats together. They also were working on a larger version of their original, but probably most enjoyed the planning aspects. Howard, his father, and brothers worked together to help build Howard and Sue’s first home. Later Howard could be found teaching his grandchildren how to build wooden cars, boats, airplanes, or anything else that they could imagine. 

Building and testing model rockets was another interest. The only rule was to make sure that the Federal Aviation Administration knew when they were set off. His goal was to build a rocket that would reach the speed of sound. 

Howard was an avid reader, on topics of history, economics, Egyptology, opera or other eclectic interests. He could discuss anything  and was truly a “renaissance man” in his learning and conversations especially with his coffee groups. He loved a good discussion, and one could see that twinkle in his eye when he was about to make a point. 

Howard was a strong liberal and good Democrat; he served as a delegate at county conventions and often served on the Democratic platform committee.  He was Sue’s dear partner in promoting the Palestinian cause and he was proud of that heritage and culture. The annual Palestinian dinners for family and friends were filled with Middle Eastern food, music, comradery, and all looked forward to his special preparation of the roast lamb. 

He and Sue took many wonderful trips across the world. One of his greatest joys was watching his daughters as they explored Europe for the first time. Other favorite trips included, a month living in Paris, Russia, trips to meet Sue’s family in Palestine, and meeting his new grandchildren in Korea. The annual family time in Florida, Door County, and the Smoky Mountains, offered time to be with Sue, his beloved daughters, wonderful son- in-laws and delightful grandchildren. After retirement they would winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama along with many good friends and family. Watching his entire family playing on the beach were such special memories for him. 

His true love was for his family. He was the most beloved and best friend to Sue, his wife of nearly 44 years. He was adored by his two daughters Sara and Shannon, and he was so proud of them. He was a gentle, safe, and caring influence and had a delightful and creative sense of humor. He taught his daughters and grandchildren to play chess, to sail, the joy of exploring the world, as well as the important lessons of life.  He was a good friend to his family, to his sons-in-law and to all who knew him. His quiet gentleness, wisdom and unconditional love will be so missed. 

Howard is survived by wife Sue Davison, daughters, Sara (Mike) Wiedemann, Shannon (John) Davison-Wiese, four grandchildren, Nicholas and Addison Wiedemann, Alex and Madelyn Wiese; a brother, Hartsel (Kitty) Haigh; sister, Ulaine (Harry) Delancey, sister- in-law, Anne Davison; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ula (Bacon) Haigh and his brother, Hubert (Lynn) Haigh. 

Thank you to so many people for the supportive care of Howard during his illness. To our amazing family and lifelong friends;  our dear personal health staff of Chloe, Rachel, Abby, Steph, Caitlin, Avery and also to Lisa, Susan, Mary, Rosa, Gretchen, Alex, John, Tammi, Tori, Theresa and the many others that made this difficult journey easier. 

Sail gently on, our sweet Howard… 

In Memory of Melanie Kay Tappan

Bonnie (Tappan) Weldon gave us permission to share the obituary of her sister Melanie.

Melanie Kay Tappan

Melanie Kay Tappan left to fly with the angels on Feb 8th, 2023. She passed peacefully at the Solace House hospice in Joplin, MO due to a sudden illness.

Melanie was the fifth of six children to be born to Sheldon and Connie (Hastings) Tappan on Oct 31, 1964. She grew up on the Century family farm west of Iowa City as the 5th generation to be raised there. She attended West High in Iowa City.

Mel was a free spirit, caring, loved anything from the ‘70’s (especially music), lived life on her own terms and had a kind loving heart. Her family, friends and all animals big and small were very important and dear to her heart. Everyone she met was considered a friend and she would do anything for anyone. Melanie loved to travel and one of her favorite places was Estes Park, Co where she lived for many years. Melanie married Kenny Westcott and they later divorced.

Melanie is survived by her siblings: Bonnie Weldon of Iowa City, Becky (Craig) Tubandt of CA, Kevin (Carolyn) Tappan of Riverside and Wendy (Tom) Strabala of Ainsworth. Nephews and niece: Eric Weldon, Matt Weldon, Andy Tappan, James Tappan, Mike Tappan, Travis Tubandt, Tyler Tubandt, Trent Tappan and Carly Tappan and great nephews and nieces. She is also survived by many cousins, friends and her very special friend, Steve Porter of Joplin, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark, brother-in-law Larry Weldon, Grandparents, Carl and Rose (Bayer) Hastings and Oscar and Bessie (Westfall) Tappan, special aunt Karleen (Bob) Ferguson, many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. We know she was happy to be reunited with her dogs, Sniffles and Tessie, whom she dearly loved. There was a wonderful reunion on the other side when Melanie arrived.

We love and will miss you, Mel. We are thankful you are now at peace and out of pain.

Our family would like to especially thank Dr. Memon and the ICU staff at Mercy hospital and the Solace House hospice, in Joplin, MO for their wonderful loving care. There are no services planned at this time. Private family services will be held in the summer.

In Memory of Fran Rogers

Bonnie (Tappan) Weldon let us know that Julie Rogers’ mom Fran Rogers passed away recently. Julie has given us permission to share the obituary of this remarkable woman

Middle aged woman with silver hair and glasses looking at the camera over her right shoulder
Opal Francis (Fran) Wenman Rogers

Opal Frances (Fran) Wenman was born January 30, 1925, in Harrisburg, Illinois, and died February 16, 2023. She was the third child of Charles and Lora Fulkerson Wenman. She graduated from University High School in Iowa City and the Iowa City Business College.

Fran had many accomplishments in her life. She loved to read and felt that a library was essential in a growing town. Her Girl Scout troop decided to have some bake sales to earn money to start a library in Coralville, and many private book donations were accepted. On September 13, 1965 the library opened at 405 2nd Avenue, which was the Coralville City Hall. They grew fast and expanded to larger quarters at 806 5th Street in January, 1967, then built a new library at 1401 5th Street which opened in March 1987. Fran volunteered and worked at the Coralville Library from 1965 to 1991, when she retired.

Fran and her husband Bob moved to Wellman, Iowa in 1986. She worked at the Wellman Public Library until retiring in 2009.

Fran and her husband Bob moved to Wellman, Iowa in 1986. She worked at the Wellman Public Library until retiring in 2009.

Fran was a beautiful soul whose kindness, grace, and mercy will be long remembered by all who knew her.

In 1947 she married Robert Rogers at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She is survived by five children: Karen Ackerman (Bill), Debbie, Carole, Julie, and Teri Rogers; eight grandchildren: Allison Buschy (Doug), Anne Ackerman, Clint Ackerman, Chris Fry, Sara Fry (Isaiah Matthews), Carrie Evans (Chris), Tony Wai, and Jordan Rogers; eleven great-grandchildren: Abbey and Dade Buschy, Wyatt and Kolt Ackerman, Rowa Anderson, Will, Dylan, Tom, Joe, and Matt Evans, David Davis, brother Richard Wenman (Mary), and brother-in-law John Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, granddaughter-in-law Beth Shapcott Fry, grandchild Javon Stovall, great-grandchild Kindrey Ackerman, and siblings Roy Wenman, Laverne Flansburg, Stasha Jones, Art Wenman, Jim Wenman, Lynn Wenman, Della Hartvigsen, Bob Wenman, Dale, Bonnie, Donnie, Lloyd, and Floyd Wenman.

Paul Roberts Update

On Monday January 23, 2023 Paul had surgery at the University of Iowa Hospital for colorectal cancer which had been diagnosed in 2022.  The surgeon said the procedure went as planned.  She removed the section of bowel where the tumor was and stitched the ends together.  They had also seen some cancerous spots on the liver but after four rounds of chemo infusions followed by 25 days of radiation/oral chemo, they could no longer visualize any of those spots on ultrasound at the time of surgery!!   He is happy to be home now, 6 days post surgery and on the road to recovery.  He still needs 8 rounds of chemo infusion later in the year to finish out that treatment.

Julie Roberts, Paul’s wife

Holiday Letter 2022 From Chris and Martin Andersen

Woman and man standing in formal attire
Martin and Chris Andersen New Year’s Eve 2022

Dear Family and Friends,

In March of 2020, COVID-19 changed all our lives. The pandemic manifested in stages, from uncertainty and fear with lockdowns, respites, up and down infection rates; to the hope brought by vaccines and treatments; later transitioning in many peoples’ minds into an annoyance, of increasing apathy. Through diligence and luck, both Chris and I were able to avoid contracting the virus. That changed on December 13, when Chris woke up with the first “cold” symptoms she had experienced in over two years (those masks keep out all kinds of viruses). The next day’s positive test confirmed her suspicions. She finally tested negative 14 days later, having joined the estimated 90% of our fellow citizens who have been caught by COVID at least once. Thankfully her case was mild. The demoralizing part was having to spend Christmas apart from friends and family. But isolation, the annoyance of wearing masks at home, eating in separate rooms, and Martin sleeping on our living room couch for two weeks has come to an end:  it feels a little like being released from jail. Stay healthy!

We continue to ply our respective trades. Christina Andersen Floral Design is in its 23rd year; Chris has fully recovered her weekly accounts that were put on hiatus during the pandemic, and had very successful Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day traffic. Martin abides in his 44th season with New Jersey Symphony, has been teaching at Stevens Institute of Technology, and continues instructing private students. He spent a half-year as NJSO musician committee chair helping hammer out a new five-year labor agreement, ratified by his colleagues short of a strike on the cusp of the orchestra’s 100th anniversary season Gala. In July Martin played (literally) a bit part in a Leonard Bernstein biopic film entitled Maestro, starring and directed by Bradley Cooper, produced by Martin Scorsese. It should be released later this year. 

In June we took a nice mini-vacation to Ithaca, in the New York Finger Lakes region, living for a few days at Eco Village. We hiked trails skirting its gorgeous gorges and waterfalls, and explored the Cornell University campus, as well as attractive shops, restaurants, and a big, fun farmer’s market. We had never experienced that area together – and will surely return.  

We visited Martin’s mom Ruth in Palm Springs in March; followed by Martin making his usual solo trip to visit her in July. Then in October, when mom had a fainting spell, ended up in the hospital, and was counseled that she needed an aortic heart valve replacement, Martin flew out again to be at her side for several weeks through the process of prep, surgery and recovery. It was a bit of a blow to see mom so vulnerable, considering that in her 92 years, she had seen no life-threatening health issues. She is doing well now, is still living in her own home, and has resumed her normal activities.  

In August we traveled west, first visiting Chris’ hometown of Rockford, Illinois to visit her brother Jim and wife Jeanne, sister Janet, and goddaughter Megan, husband Jake, sons Sam and Ben; also attending part of Chris’ 50th High School reunion (postponed by two years). Next, we enjoyed three weeks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where Martin resumed performing at Grand Teton Music Festival, having skipped the previous year. 

Chris celebrated achieving the age of 70 on October 18. Actually, we had two parties, one for local friends, the other for Brooklyn relatives. For the former we had a catered affair at our apartment – yummy food, great company (everyone testing before arrival).  For the second fete, Chris cooked her mom’s Cowboy Chili recipe – really casual. Champagne at both!

We hope your Christmas and holiday season was a good one. Wishing a Happy New Year to all. 

Love,

Martin and Chris

In Memory of Barbara Ann Bode Muller

Beloved mother, wife, sister and grandma, Barbara Ann Bode Muller died on April 17th, 2022, Minneapolis Minnesota.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on 10/28/29 to Loretto and Clem Bode, Barb moved with her family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she attended Mount Mercy high school and college. After graduating from Mount Mercy in 1949, Barb taught fourth grade at Sacred Heart in Oelwein, Iowa.

On June 9, 1951, Barb married Thomas F. Muller in Cedar Rapids. They celebrated 53+ years together, also living in Iowa Falls, Anamosa and Manchester, Iowa. While raising her family she restarted her career as a librarian at Manchester Public Library during the late 60s. After moving to Coralville, Iowa in 1970 she worked for a short time at the Coralville Public Library and then at McGurk Myers as a payment clerk. Barbara retired as a Surgery Billing Clerk from University of Iowa Hospitals.

Barbara was an integral part of a loving marriage and a supportive partner. During time spent raising her family and working, indoors, Barbara was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed the New Yorker and Atlantic magazines. She followed politics closely and always had Iowa Public Radio on in the background. Outdoors, she loved gardening, and she had a special amazement for the great creations of nature and humankind. Her love of nature and especially birds was passed down to her children.

Another part of Barbara’s legacy was her excellent cooking. Honorable mentions are, Texas Sheet Cake, Brownies (no frosting necessary!) and Aunt Selma’s Best Oatmeal Cookies. Barbara was understanding and sympathetic to the underdog. Somewhat melancholy, humble almost to a fault, and always full of gratitude. If you were a “sweetheart”, “sweet pea”, “spirit” or a “rabbit” you were in her magic circle.

She will be missed greatly by her family and loved ones. Survivors include children: Tom Jr. (Tricia), Sara, John (Aida), and Paul. Sisters, Mary Ellen (Jim), Ginny (Tim), brothers Phillip (Jan), and Kevin. Sister-in-law, Nancy (David). Grandchildren: Ian, Laura, Brianna, Meggan and Evan. Special nieces: Julie Browning (Bruce) and Kim Newcomb (Steve), and favorite son-in-law, Doug Smith. Barbara was preceded in death by husband, Tom Muller, brother David Bode and Clem and Loretto Bode.

The family would like to express extra gratitude to Bonnie and Eric Weldon for their above and beyond care of Mom at her home in Iowa City. In Richfield, Minnesota we are grateful to the Pines and Havenwood facilities. We are especially grateful for the Memory Care staff at Havenwood for their loving attention to Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the charity of your choice. Inurnment for Barbara and Tom is scheduled for 2pm, Saturday, October 8th, 2022, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Judy and Dave’s Excellent Adventures

Judy (Becker) Bryant shared her reflections on her summer in Europe with us.

As classmates may recall, I taught a 6-week summer course as part of my university’s Study Abroad program in Florence, Italy. We added two weeks on the front end to visit London, Paris, and a couple places in Switzerland.

Sharp-eyed viewers will note that I’m wearing the same shirt in several photos. We packed light with one shared suitcase, so I wore a few outfits in rotation and washed clothes frequently. Nonetheless, we managed to bring home exotic pastas (e.g., some dyed black with squid ink) and bottles of limoncello for our sons.

We had the opportunity to take weekend trips to Rome, Pompeii, Pisa, Venice, and Seina. But mostly we explored some of the amazing museums, cathedrals/churches, and markets of Florence, despite record temperatures.

Favorite museums? The Archaeological Museum and the Galileo Museum. Favorite gelato flavors? Lavender and fig. Favorite meals? Pizza, various dishes with octopus, and pizza. Favorite religious items: shrines to Mary on almost every street and reliquaries in almost every church. Food was remarkably cheap and the produce was flavorful. Trains (including bullet trains) were easy to book and afforded views of fields of sunflowers, terraces with grapes and olives, mountains, and villages with Roman walls and homes in earth tones. Needless to say, we took a huge number of photos. 

In Memory of BC Hansen

Berniece Ann Hansen

Berniece Ann “BC” Hansen, 94 passed away peacefully after a short illness on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Legacy Pointe senior living community in Iowa City.
Berniece was born in Madison County and grew up in Winterset, Iowa. Her mother died when she was a young teen and her father worked for Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression as she and her siblings persevered through many of life’s challenges. She was tough yet kind, gentle and compassionate. She attended Winterset High School and played guard on the girls’ basketball team, was a cheerleader and named Homecoming Queen her senior year.
Berniece met the love of her life, Bud Hansen, in Winterset and after World War II they were married in 1947 and moved to Iowa City. She established an in-home daycare where she lovingly molded children’s’ lives for decades, including her two grandchildren. Berniece became known to many as “BC” which was a name created by her daycare children who had difficulty pronouncing her name, Berniece. Many of her daycare children and their families have continued to be an important part of her life long after going to “BC’s House”.
BC and Bud were avid Hawkeye fans and were season ticket holders for football and men’s basketball. One of their favorite Hawkeye events was attending the Rose Bowl in 1982. At the time when they gave up their season tickets for football, they enjoyed tailgate parties for every game at their daughter’s house. They remained season ticket holders for basketball until just a few short years ago. They were also loyal Little Hawk fans at City High following their grandsons’ sports of football, wrestling, and baseball.
BC and Bud were long-time members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City where they once served as deacons and BC was active in the women’s ecumenical bible study group. The couple also looked forward to every Saturday morning to join their friends at Hy Vee for breakfast. BC continued this tradition after Bud passed away in 2018 up until the onset of the pandemic in 2020. They were also faithful patrons of Pagliai’s Pizza and Midtown Restaurant every week.
In 1985 and 1989, BC and Bud landed their dream job of becoming grandparents and were blessed with two grandsons. One of the highlights of their lives was being the ring bearer and flower girl at their youngest grandson, Drew and Sarah’s wedding in 2017 just nine days after becoming great grandparents to Brock and Heather’s daughter, Nora. BC and Bud celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2018 when Bud passed away just seven days later.
BC will be remembered as a great woman who cared and loved deeply. Those left to cherish her memory include her son Mike Hansen and daughter Soni Harney of Iowa City, and her daughter Sue Hansen (Tom Van Coillie) of Fairfield, Iowa, grandsons Brock (Heather) Harney of La Crosse, WI and Drew (Sarah) Harney of Tiffin, IA, great grandchildren Nora Claire and Conor Vincent Harney of La Crosse and Jack Philip and Cole Michael Harney of Tiffin, sisters-in-law Ruth Dorrell of Winterset, IA, Darlene (Graham) Crow of San Antonio, TX, and Shirlee Hansen of Portland, OR and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents, Warren and Rachel Dorrell, sister Margaret and brother-in-law Lenard Binns, brother Rex Dorrell all of Winterset; son-in-law Phil Harney of Iowa City, sister-in-law Arlene and brother-in-law Carroll Troyer of Iowa City, brothers and sisters-in-law Melvin and Viva Hansen and Vona and Jack Willis all of Des Moines, IA; and brother-in-law Jack Hansen of Portland, OR.
The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the medical team of doctors and nurses and the palliative care team at UIHC, and the care team at Legacy Pointe and Iowa City Hospice during BC’s final days. We are beyond grateful. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice and because of BC’s love of children and the Hawkeyes, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Judy (Becker) Bryant Update

Judy has shared two photos from her very busy and event filled year. Here they are, described by Judy in her own words.

One photo is from Ben’s May graduation (from L-R Sam who is currently a law student, Ben who is currently in a master’s program to become a high school physics teacher, me, and my husband Dave) 

Ben Bryant Graduation

The other photo is from Thanksgiving, showing the four Bryants,, plus the boys’ girlfriends and our dog, Ranger.

Bryant Thanksgiving