In memory of LeRoy Willim

In Memory comments may be made for LeRoy here.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thurman Funeral Home - Richmond on Dec. 15, 2025.

LeRoy "Lee" Dale Willim, 85, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Clear Lake and Clarion, IA, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Almavida Assisted Living in Fort Myers, FL.

Lee was born on February 3, 1940, in Marshalltown, IA, the son of William Dale Thomas and Lova Lois (Duncan) Willim. He was united in marriage to Janice "Jan" J. Reisetter of Marshalltown on November 28, 1962; she preceded him in death on September 6, 2003. He was later united in marriage to Sylvia Hanna Gander on October 20, 2007; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: three sons; Bartley (Tonya) Willim of Richmond, MO, Eric Willim of Holmes, IA, and Matthew (Claire) Willim of Higginsville, MO; three granddaughters: Lexi Willim of Des Moines, IA, Ashlee (TJ) Kirkham of Richmond, MO, and Audrey O'Dell of Mason City, IA; and four great-grandchildren: Winnie, Daphnie, Theodore, and Jaxten.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Lee was preceded in death by his stepfather, Ben Smith, and son, Adam Willim.

Lee was raised and educated in the area of his birth and graduated from Marshalltown High School with the Class of 1958. He continued his education at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science in 1962. From his sophomore year of high school until July of 1962, Lee worked at Pursel-Davis Funeral Home in Marshalltown, marking the beginning of a lifelong and devoted career in the funeral profession.

On November 28, 1962, Lee was united in marriage to Janice J. Reisetter at Elim Lutheran Church in Marshalltown. In July of 1968, the couple purchased funeral homes in Dows and Latimer, Iowa. They later moved to Clarion in 1977, where they purchased Eyler Funeral Home. Throughout his career, Lee also owned and operated funeral homes in Belmond, Klemme, and Eagle Grove, Iowa, becoming a respected and trusted presence in each community he served.

Lee and Jan retired in 1997 and enjoyed spending time at their homes in Clear Lake, Iowa, and Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Together, they shared a love for travel and explored destinations around the world. Jan preceded him in death on September 6, 2003, following her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

On October 20, 2007, Lee married Sylvia Hanna Gander at First Assembly Church in Fort Myers, Florida, where they made their home for the past 18 years.

Lee was active in the communities where he lived and worked, holding memberships and leadership roles in the National and State Funeral Directors Associations, First Lutheran Church of Clarion, Rotary International, and First Assembly Ministries in Florida. In his free time, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends at the cabin at the lake.

Lee selflessly shared his guidance, insight, and knowledge with those he loved. He instilled in his family strong values and unwavering principles. His legacy of service, compassion, and dedication will be remembered and cherished by his family for generations to come.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion, IA, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Willim Terrace of Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, IA. Please remember to share your memories of Lee with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.

In Memory of David P. Drew

In Memory comments may be made here.

Naples, FL - David P. Drew, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 85. Born on May 16, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa, David attended Iowa State University, where he studied engineering and began a lifelong journey in technology.

David dedicated 42 years of his professional life to 3M, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief Information Officer and a key architect of the company's global technology strategy. His career took him and his family around the world, shaping a rich and international life. He lived in Italy, France, and Belgium. While serving as International Director of Information Technology, he led a groundbreaking effort to unify 3M's IT systems across dozens of countries into a single global infrastructure—an achievement widely recognized as ahead of its time.

After retiring from his distinguished career, David embraced lifelong learning with characteristic curiosity and enthusiasm. He took classes in history, literature, and the arts, continually expanding his understanding of the world. He also pursued his love of travel, visiting places he had missed during his earlier years abroad and continuing to explore with curiosity and wonder. Despite his many professional accomplishments, David was best known for his humility, steadiness, and devotion to his family. He brought thoughtfulness, humor, and integrity to all aspects of his life and was a source of support and guidance to those who knew him.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles Perren Drew; his mother, Ann Drew; and his brother, Charles Drew. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Pat Drew; his son, Kevin Drew; his daughter, Maria Elena Rigby; his son-in-law, Jonathon Rigby; his cherished grandson, Ned Rigby; his sister-in-law, Phyllis (Ken) LaCroix; Jerry (Rita) Running; and many nieces and nephews who remember him fondly. David will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to global technology leadership, his curiosity about the world, and the love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David's honor to the University of Minnesota Cancer Research or to the Basilica of Saint Mary – St. Vincent de Paul Outreach to the Poor, organizations that reflect his values of compassion, service, and commitment to improving the lives of others. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 1, 2026, at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis at 1:00 p.m. A private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul. 

O'Halloran & Murphy 651-698-0796

www.ohalloranmurphy.com

In Memory of
Joan Lois Robertson Ballard  

Nov 19, 1940 — Aug 19, 2026

In Memory comments for Joan may be made here.

Joan was born on November 19, 1940 to Afton (Tony) Robertson and Sarah (Bennington) Robertson in Marshalltown. She attended school in the area and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1958.

She attended Marshalltown Community College and earned her AA degree. While attending MCC, she met her future husband, Dale Ballard. On August 26, 1961 they were married at the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Joan worked in the Admissions office at Iowa State University while Dale completed his college studies.

She and her husband moved to Baltimore, Maryland and lived in several other states over the years, including Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, but Iowa was always home to both of them. When they were living in Missouri, Joan completed her college education at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. After she graduated, she taught third grade in St. Charles at Null school for several years.

When their first child was born, Joan became a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. Much of her time and effort was spent working with children in 4-H, school reading programs and Sunday school. She served on the Marshalltown School Board and was proud that they were able to get the High School Auditorium approved and built. She enjoyed being part of a number of community organizations, including PEO, Starpha and Assistance League.

As a homemaker, Joan excelled in making the home an inviting and comfortable place for family and friends. Being partial to fruits and vegetables, there was always a healthy sampling of food. She loved hosting family and friends during holidays and other special occasions.

Joan was a giver and a contributor and went to great effort to provide a comfortable home for her family. Home was a great place to be during the day and at the end of the day. Being a teacher, she knew the importance that reading had to do with education and began reading to her daughter and son when they were two years old. She got her children involved in different athletic activities at an early age. Family trips were taken to places such as Yellowstone Park, Disneyland, Washington DC and Disney World.

Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, gardening and baking. She enjoyed sports -- both watching and playing. She played tennis over the years, but when they lived in Ohio, she discovered golf and it became her very favorite!! During retirement Dale and Joan spent their winters in Florida where they were able to have an extended golf season. They loved playing different courses and enjoyed being members at Lincoln Valley Golf Course for more than twenty years.

Surviving are her husband Dale of 65 years, daughter Kristen of Lima Ohio and son Russell (Mary) of Columbus, Ohio and two grandchildren Molly and Brendan and her brother Bob (Judi) Robertson of Nashville, TN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jerry Robertson.

Private family only services are planned for a later time

Memorials may be made to First Methodist of Marshalltown on their website at https://www.firstmethodistmtown.org/

Mitchell Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Joan and her family.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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WE ARE A GENERATION THAT WILL NEVER COME BACK.
A generation that walked to school and then walked back.
A generation that did their homework alone to get out asap to play in the street.
A generation that spent all their free time in the streets with their Friends.
A generation that played hide and seek when dark.
A generation that made mud cakes.
A generation that collected sports cards.
A generation that found, collected and washed & Returned empty coke bottles to the local grocery store for 5 cents each , then bought a Mountain Dew and candy bar with the money.
A generation that made paper toys with their bare hands.
A generation who bought vinyl albums to play on record players.
A generation that collected photos and albums of clippings of their life experiences as a Kid.
A generation that played board games and cards on rainy days.
A generation whose TV went off at midnight after playing the National Anthem.
A generation that had parents who were there.
A generation that laughed under the covers in bed so parents didn't know we were still awake.
A generation that is passing and unfortunately it will never return no matter how hard we try.
I loved Growing up when I did. it was the best of times.

The Year is 1922

The year is 1922,"One hundred years ago."
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for Year 1922:
The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Fuel for cars was sold in drug stores only.
Only 14 percent of homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of homes had a telephone.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average US wage in 1922 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year.
A dentist earned $2,500 per year.
A veterinarian between $1,500 and 4,000 per year.
And, a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at home
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND in the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women washed their hair once a month . and, used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed law prohibiting poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death were:
1 Pneumonia and influenza
2 Tuberculosis
3 Diarrhea
4 Heart disease
5 Stroke
The American flag had 48 stars ...
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada was only 30.
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was neither a Mother's Day nor Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write And, only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were available over the counter at local drugstores. Back then pharmacists said: "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach, bowels, and is a perfect guardian of health!" (Shocking?)
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help...
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.The Department of Education did not exist.

Oldies But Goodies
Frank Sinatra, Engelbert, Andy Williams, Paul Anka, Matt Monro - Oldies But Goodies 50s 60s 70s

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