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Because our last names started with "W" I sat next to Lee in several classes, and we got to know each other. I recall his early interest in the mortuary business, and his first day as a novice on the job. The story he told me was that he was told to bathe the forehead of a deceased person. He did as asked, and suddenly the eyes of the deceased opened and looked at him. He survived the new person introduction and went on to have a lifelong passion for his work.
Peggy Brainerd Buchwald - Joan was my super friend, super neighbor who we all miss so very much.
Bev Wilcox Switzer Collins - I always looked forward to meeting up with Joan and Peggy at Peggy's house when I came to Marshalltown, or sometimes at Hardy's. Joan was one of the nicest, kindest people I ever knew. She will be missed greatly.
When it came to making a list of those who made a lasting impression upon you Joan's name was at the top of the list. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Joan was a wonderful person. We knew each other since grade school at Franklin. My thoughts are with Dale.
Burris
Hi Bob, It is good to know you are still kicking. I emailed you when Cleo passed, but I may not have your current email. Mine is bawork@verizon.net. I hope all is well. I am doing well and living at Virginia Beach and watch the dolphins go by.
You are right about Joan Roberson. A wonderful person. I new her since grade school at Franklin.
David Drew passed away in March.
Burris
Joan was one of the best friends to everyone! I loved seeing her every time I returned to Marshalltown! I will really miss her! 🙏💝.
Special memories with my dear friend,Joan! I will miss her so much!!! Love you, my special lifelong friend!
Gary Sleege -
In Memory of Gary More… 
Gary Alfred Sleege, age 86, originally of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026 in the loving care of his family and Mercy Hospice Care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Gary was born on January 12, 1940 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Russell and Lela (Swanson) Sleege. He was the oldest of 3 children and lived a humble life.
At age nine, Gary lost his father, and was raised by his loving mother who was a faithful Christian ensuring that he learned about the Bible and salvation through Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, Gary dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ.
In high school, Gary was inspired by his Physics teacher, John Barrigar, to learn more about radios and electronics. After graduation, Gary studied engineering at Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas where he met the blue-eyed love of his life, Dorothy Oliver. They married on December 22, 1960 in Morrilton, Arkansas.
Gary continued his education at Iowa State University graduating with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his career in 1964 working at ISU for U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory at their newly constructed Research Reactor; then moved to Fisher Controls/Emerson Process Management in Marshalltown; then back to Ames Lab/ISU Physics department, working on the PHENIX trigger system for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY; and on the team of the ‘ABC Working Replica Project’ of John Atanasoff’s ‘ABC computer’, the world’s first electronic digital computer upon which all of today’s computers are designed.
Gary and Dorothy enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather (Papa), welcoming son Kim Russell in 1963, and daughter Kindra Lela in 1965. He was a hands-on father demonstrating love to his family and training them up to know the Lord.
He delighted in all of his grandchildren, spending much time with them so they knew how special they were to him.
Gary was an Elder and active member of the Church of Christ. He taught Bible classes, served in the assembly, and was willing to assist with any needs.
Remaining to cherish his memory, Gary leaves behind his wife Dorothy, two children: Kim (Valerie) Sleege of Center Point, IA and Kindra (Mike Dziurgot) of Aurora, CO. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Nicholas (Ariel) Lacina of Aurora, CO; Nathan (Lexi) Lacina of York, NE; Nicole (Paul) Hines of Iowa City, IA; Abigail (Noah) Riggs of Marion, IA; Andrew (Casey) Sleege of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Aaron Sleege of Center Point, IA; and two great-grandchildren: Anson Gary Lacina and Alieth Ryan Lacina.
Also remaining to celebrate his life are sister Marlene Taylor (Butch Moore), niece Lisa (Jerry) Morris, nephew Michael (Nila) Hutcheson, and their children. He was preceded in death by sister JoAnn, and her husband Ronald Hutcheson.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ building (1402 S. Center Street) with Memorial Services following at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided during a private family burial at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Christian Children’s Home (www.schome.org/donate). Mitchell Funeral Home is caring for Gary and his family. To leave condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.
~ Lovingly written by family
Allan was a nice and friendly classmate to all- He was gifted. I knew both parents and they were a joy to my life.
God bless his family- love, Peggy Brainerd Buchwald
Rudi had a lot of medical and scientific knowledge. I particularly remember three of our conversations.
He told me he had been asked by a group of NASA scientists to write about dark matter. How in heck did he know anything about that? But he wrote a book on it. In the ensuing years, dark matter has become a hot topic.
Then there was the common cold. When he told me he hadn’t had a cold in 30 years, I asked how that was possible. He said at the first sign of a cold, he took a Benadryl Allergy pill, and usually 1 or 2 took care of it. I didn’t have another cold for several years until I forgot to pack the little pink pill for the trip. Last, he told me he had figured out a secret combination that would cure the common cold, and was working on bringing it to market. Sadly, he took the secret with him…
PIP Rudi. Friend and Classmate Bev
I went to high school with Rudy. He was one swell guy!
Burris Workman