Obituaries

Douglas Scott Kennedy, 63, of Altoona, IA, died on Monday, January 14, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines after complications from a cardiac arrest. A memorial service will be forthcoming in the spring.

Doug was born May 27, 1955, the son of William T. Kennedy and Emma Jean (Smith) Kennedy in Manchester, Iowa, the third of four children. He was active in the arts, liked to draw, and was a standout wrestler, graduating from Central High School in Elkader, IA.

He was dedicated to his work and drove a semi-truck for many years, enjoying his routes for Midwest Transport, Inc. as a U.S. Postal contractor for the past 17 years. He would tell stories about his adventures, listening to satellite radio as he saw the country.

Doug enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and playing disc golf. He always was a bit of a rebel, fun-loving, and was known for his sense of humor. He liked debating politics, playing cards, and wearing shorts in the winter.

Dennis Michael Horn, 77, of Elkader, Iowa died Sunday, January 6, 2019. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf, Iowa. A visitation was also held at the church on Monday, January 14, from 3-6 p.m.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia Horn; son, Michael (Shelly) Horn; daughter, Autumn (Al) Hall; four grandchildren, Brandon, Bailee, Ryann and Austin; and two great-grandchildren, Leslee and Charlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Viola Horn, and brother, Bill Horn.

Dennis was born in Independence, Iowa on November 19, 1941. He graduated from Independence High School and was a veteran of the US Navy serving from 1959 to 1963. Dennis was a member of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, American Legion and NRA.

Mary Dettman, 80, of St. Olaf, died Friday, December 28, 2018, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader.

Mary was born March 11, 1938, in Guttenberg. She was the daughter of   Ervin “Jack” and Agnes Burr, Vorwald. Mary graduated from Garnavillo High School with the class of 1956. After high school she worked at Jensen Speaker in Guttenberg. She then married Clark Raymond Curran. Tragically, Clark died in an accident in June of 1965. On July 6th, 1968 Mary married Dale Dettman at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Guttenberg. Mary and Dale farmed together near St. Olaf. She loved spending time with grandchildren, was an excellent seamstress and cook and enjoyed fishing.

Merlynn John Johnson, 69, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018, at University of Iowa Hospitals from complications after open heart surgery. Merlynn was born on November 23, 1949, in Richmond Center, Wisconsin, to the late Ronald and Wihelmina (Grabanski) Johnson.  He grew up in the small town of Mt. Sterling, WI, with two older sisters, Marlene and Bonnie, and a younger sister, Karen. His father, Ronald owned a cheese factory in Mt. Sterling. Merlynn graduated from Gays Mills High School and later received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Wisconsin University at Lacrosse.