E


Quality Funeral & Family Care

Main Location
Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

Link to Past Obituaries

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

Return to Top Of Page

Melvin Eckmann - Age 88

Melvin Fred Egert Eckmann, son of George and Alma (Meier) Eckmann, was born on August 20, 1920, on the family farm west of Persia. He was baptized and Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia and attended Pleasant Ridge Country School.

After school, Melvin farmed outside of Persia and raised cattle and hogs. He retired from farming in 1985 and remained on the farm until 1987 when he moved into Persia.

When Melvin wasn’t busy working on the farm, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Melvin died on Wednesday, May 15, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, eight months, and twenty-three days. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Herbert.

He is survived by his siblings: Dorothy Eckmann of Persia, Iowa, Lavina Glotfelty of Davenport, Iowa, Earl Eckmann and his wife Marian of Persia, and Martha Eckmann of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 16, 2009, with Pastor Duane Anunson conducting the 2:00 PM service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Persia, Iowa. Casket bearers were Mike Eckmann, Ben Higginbotham, Matt Shriver, Calvin Eckmann, Dennis Eckmann, and Larry Shriver. Interment was held at the Minden Cemetery in Minden, Iowa.

Norman Elias - Age 79

Norman Moses Elias, son of Floyd S. and Adele (Suleiman) Elias, was born on January 16, 1931, in Persia, Iowa. He was baptized at the Syrian Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Norman graduated from Persia High School with the class of 1949, and followed his love of the mountains to the University of Wyoming to continue his education before transferring to Iowa State University. He later transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Livestock Marketing and Business Administration.

Right out of college, Norman was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained in finance. He stayed stateside and served at Ft. Totten in Long Island, New York. While in the service, Norman married Cleo Arbaugh on June 6, 1954. After their wedding, Norman and Cleo made their home in Flushing, New York, while Norman continued his military service.

After Norman was honorably discharged, he and Cleo drove back to Iowa to visit family and ended up making a home in Persia, Iowa. Norman worked at Wilson Packing in Omaha as a cattle buyer. In the late fifties, Norman joined the family business, Elias Super Market, in Persia, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1989.

After retirement, Norman and Cleo enjoyed traveling and visiting their children and grandchildren. Norman also enjoyed taking drives to see the farm he inherited from his grandfather, Sam John. Norman loved cars and enjoyed collecting convertibles, especially his 1954 Buick that was restored for his 25^th anniversary and is still at his home.

Norman was a member of the Persia American Legion Post No. 314 of Persia, Iowa and the Amber Masonic Lodge #569 of Quick, Iowa. He was also a lifetime member of the Persia United Methodist Church where he served in a number of roles, including lay minister.

Norman died on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, three months, and five days. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Ronald and Larry.

He is survived by his wife, Cleo, of Persia, Iowa; their children: Jan and her husband John Hansen of Scottsdale, Arizona; Jill Elias of Rogers, Arkansas; Julie and her husband Ed Vidlak of Omaha, Nebraska; Sam Elias and his wife Shelley of Overland Park, Kansas; six grandchildren: Jonathan and Anna Vidlak, Grant, Chase, Breck, and Cameron Elias; his brother Sam Elias of Orange, California; other family members and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, April 26, 2010, at the Persia United Methodist Church in Persia, Iowa, with Pastor Orris Drake officiating the 10:30 AM service. Military Rites were held at Valley View Cemetery in Persia by the Persia American Legion Post No. 314. Serving as casket bearers were: Craig Elias, Bob McConnell, Mark Elias, Harry Shaw, Dan Frost, Milo Ruffcorn, and David Albers.

The family requests memorials to:

Persia United Methodist Church

American Heart Association

Mildred England - Age 89

Mildred Jane England, daughter of James D. And Mary (Robertson) Shaw, was born on July 12, 1917 in Warsaw, Missouri. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa, since 1989

She was introduced to Wayne Valentine England by her brother Donald in Red Oak, Iowa, then later moved to California. On June 14, 1935, Mildred was united in marriage to Wayne in Sebastapol, California. Three children were born to this union: Raymond, Joyce, and Candace.

After their marriage, Mildred and Wayne lived in California before returning to Red Oak in 1937. In 1951, they moved to Harlan where she was a homemaker. Mildred loved to garden and made the best fried chicken in Iowa. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan and taught Sunday school to the church kids.

Mildred enjoyed playing the harmonica and often played for church programs. When she was not busy with church activities or in her garden, Mildred enjoyed making bread and fishing in Okoboji every year at the same location. In June 1985, Mildred and Wayne celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

Mildred died on May 26, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-nine years, ten months, and fourteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne England; her son, Raymond; four brothers: Donald, Delbert, Gordon, and Albert; and one sister, Lucille.

She is survived by her two daughters: Joyce Maidment of Lebanon, Missouri; and Candace Perry of Harlan, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Rev. Walter Bowen officiated the 2:00 PM ceremony. Clark Ford was an honorary casket bearer. Serving as casket bearers were Dustin Buck, Johnathan Ford, Pete Weber, Jim Thielen, James Maidment, and Kevin Perry. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Dennis "Denny" Erb - Age 60

Dennis "Denny" Lee, son of Allyn C. and Thelma E. (Wetzel) Erb, was born on August 27, 1947 in Irwin, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Irwin and graduated from the Irwin-Kirkman High School in 1965. He entered the United States Navy in 1965 and served during the Vietnam Conflict as an A-7 Corsair simulator instructor.

On June 13, 1970, Denny was united in marriage to Judy Werner in Carroll, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Jason, Nathan and Jamie. After their marriage, they lived in Ames where Denny attended Iowa State University for two years. They lived in Manning before moving to a farm east of Irwin in 1972 where he raised hogs, cattle, beans and corn for over 30 years. During his farming years he was a salesman for Asgrow Seeds and for Archer Petroleum Products where he was currently the Shelby County Manager. He was a licensed real estate agent for Knueven R. E. & Insurance in Manning and for the past several years had been employed at Puck Custom Enterprises in Manning. He was a member of the IKM School Board where he was in his third term currently serving as board Vice President.

Denny was also involved with the Mid-America Council Boy Scouts of America volunteering for over twenty-five years mainly with IKM Troop 99, Ohwahnasee District and Camp Cedars. In 1994, he was named a National Scoutmaster of the year. Denny was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 22 of Manning having served as their Commander. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing softball with the Kirkman team and rugby with the Harlan team. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed showing his 1969 Z28 Camaro in auto shows. One of his lifelong dreams was to build his own house, which he completed in February, 2004 so he and his family could move in and enjoy.

In March 2006, Denny was diagnosed with brain cancer. He looked forward to the future and was never willing to give in, always working and spending time with his family and friends as much as he could. On April 28, Denny became a resident of Hospice House in Omaha where he passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008 having attained the age of sixty years, eight months and eleven days.

Preceding Denny in death are his parents; son Nathan in infancy; brother Gary; sister Gloria Huff and parents-in-law Wilbur and Dorothy Werner. He is survived by his wife Judy of Irwin; children Jason (Chanie) Erb of Enid, OK; Jamie Erb of Omaha; one grandson Bodey Erb of Enid; siblings: Sharon (Richard) Monson of Harlan; Diana (Bill) Barton of Omaha; Roger (Carol) Erb of Harlan; stepmother Leona Erb of Harlan; stepsister Linda (Dennis) Wildner of Omaha; stepbrother Tom (Cheryl) Ferry of Harlan; sister-in-law Myrna (Bernie) Gundel of Fontanelle, IA; and brothers-in-law Dan Huff of Lindsay, CA and Jim Werner of Marshalltown, IA; nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, May 12 at Irwin United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Rev. Keith Pals officiated the 11:00 AM service with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin. Serving as casket bearers were: Ben Puck, Rex Gochenour, Greg Hansen, Randy Halbur, Gary Odendahl, Denny Deters, Gary Knueven, and Charles Hansen.

Johnnie J. Erlbacher- Age 84

Johnnie J. Erlbacher was born on March 16, 1922, to John and Rose (Wilwerding) Erlbacher in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and remained a member there throughout his life. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Earling through the eighth grade.

After his schooling, he began farming in the Earling area. Johnnie farmed for his entire life. During his marriage, he was blessed with three sons: Dale, Glen, and Russ and a daughter, Donna Jean.

Johnnie enjoyed his family and his friends and spent time doing various activities with them. He especially enjoyed playing euchre with his family and friends. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 1741 in Earling, Iowa.

Johnnie moved to the Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling and it was there that he died on February 8, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-four years, ten months, and twenty-three days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Erlbacher, his daughter, Donna Jean Erlbacher, his brothers and sisters: Jacob Erlbacher, Elmer Erlbacher, LeVerne Erlbacher, Marie Stolz, Leonard "Wimpy" Erlbacher, and Pat Malone.

Johnnie is survived by his three sons: Dale and his wife Donna Erlbacher of Denison, Iowa, Glen and his wife Joyce Erlbacher of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Russ Erlbacher also of West Palm Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; his sisters: Irene Kenkel of Harlan, Iowa, Rita Briggs of Audubon, Iowa, and Ella Mae Darnell of Elgin, Illinois; his companion Therese Scheuring of Defiance, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa with Rev Michael Berner as the Celebrant. Serving as casket bearers were Ed Erlbacher, Cody Erlbacher, Charles Erlbacher, Tim Erlbacher, Donnie Assmann and Dean Erlbacher. Interment was held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Earling, Iowa.

George W. Ernst - Age 77

George William Ernst was born on August 10, 1929, to George and Matilda (Reis) Ernst in Bellevue, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. George attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in 1947 where he played basketball. As a young adult, George was a proud member of the Bellevue Braves baseball team.

George was united in marriage on May 3, 1952, to Joanne Daniels in the Chapel at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Five children were born to this union: Timothy, Georgiann, Brenda, Thomas, and Brian.

After high school, George went to work for the John Deere Tractor Works in Dubuque. George left this to work with his father in the concrete contracting business. Because of the seasonal nature of this work, George found winter-time work as a brush cutter for the local telephone company. 43-years later George retired from this same company as an Area Manager in Harlan. George often referred to this as a very long winter.

George’s career with the telephone company was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. During his duty, George achieved the rank of Sergeant. George served the Marines as an installer repairman for the base telephone system at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Following Honorable Discharge from the Marines, George and Joanne returned to Bellevue to begin their family life.

George continued his work with the telephone company in Bellevue until accepting a transfer to Avoca, Iowa in 1963. In 1969 George was transferred to Harlan where he worked until his retirement in January 1991. During his career with the telephone company George held the position of brush cutter, construction foreman, installation repairman, supervisor and area manager. George was very proud of his long career with the telephone company and was an inspiration to his three sons who have also pursued careers in the electrical and electronics industries.

During his life, George has been a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, where he was an usher and recently sang in the Latin Mass Choir.

George’s hobbies included woodworking, leather crafting, coaching Little League baseball, and watching his children and grandchildren in their various activities. George was an active member of the American Legion. George had also been a member of the Kiwanas Club in Harlan.

George died on Sunday July 22, 2007at Myrtue Memorial Hospital having attained the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and twelve days. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years Joanne Ernst of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Timothy Ernst and his wife Jana of Carlisle, Iowa, Georgiann and her husband Robin Andersen of Minden, Iowa, Brenda and her husband William Arkfeld of Portsmouth, Iowa, Thomas Ernst and his wife Nancy of Lincoln, Nebraska and Brian Ernst and his wife Theresa of Papillion, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; his brother Eugene Ernst of Bellevue, Iowa; his sisters: Rosalyn Hill, Elizabeth and her husband Fred Stoecken, Loella Carter, and Bonnie and her husband Bob Blake all of Bellevue, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, with Rev. John Dorton conducting the 10:30 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Thomas D. Ernst, Haylee Ernst, and Braydon Ernst. Serving as casket bearers were Robin Andersen, Joshua Obrecht, William Arkfeld, Timothy Ernst, Brian Ernst, Jeremy Ernst, Daniel Ernst, and Thomas Ernst. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan.

Eunice H. Evans - Age 87

Eunice Henrietta (Swanson) Evans was born on July 10, 1920 at Swede Home, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Otto and Lydia (Johnson) Swanson and was one of three daughters in her family. She was baptized and confirmed at the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swede Home.

Eunice was united in marriage to John E. Evans on June 1, 1941 in the same church in which she was baptized and confirmed. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter: John, Richard, Frank, Jerry, Nancy and Steve. They farmed until 1980. After spending forty six years together, John died on August 28, 1987.

Eunice made Shelby her home and community. She served on many committees because she loved serving and working with others. She was an active member of the Shelby Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council and as Superintendent of Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed the Lutheran Church Ladies organization and was a charter member of the Shelby Garden Club.

Eunice was one of the first employees of Rem Leadway, a home for the mentally disabled. She enjoyed her years working with the residents and staff there, making many lifetime friends. She loved flowers, trees, mountains and streams which were reflected in her beautiful oil paintings. There was nothing she didn't try and she became very successful at mastering. Before her health failed, she loved following her children and grandchildren's activities. Eunice loved sports and watching the Olympics.

Eunice died at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. She had attained the age of eighty-seven years, nine months and nineteen days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and two sisters: Evelyn Swedenburg and LaVina Mentink.

She is survived by her children: John and Doris of Fargo, North Dakota, Richard of New Hampton, Iowa, Frank and Marilyn, Jerry and Jeanette, Nancy and her husband Ken Collins and Steve and Christi Evans, all of Shelby; fifteen grandchildren, five step grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Eunice's family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers over the years. It means so much to us to know that she was loved by so many. We can all take comfort in knowing she is living in a better place with God.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Shelby Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa with Pastor Duane Anunson as the clergy. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Dick Evans, Del Von Eschen, Tom Evans, Tom Rau, Harold Bintz and Rocky Martin. Serving as casket bearers were Mike Evans, Chris Evans, Joey Evans, Russell Evans, Gary Collins, Jeff Evans, Andy Evans and Randy Evans. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, Iowa.

Return to Top Of Page