Iowa
Larry Hon, 78
Died February 8, 2021.
Johnston Community School District, Johnston, IA
Bus Driver
Larry Keith Hon passed away February 8th, 2021 at 78 years old due to complications with Covid-19.
Larry was born to Emmanuel and Elmira (Coulter) Hon on July 23rd 1942. He grew up in the “Dog Patch” neighborhood of Des Moines Iowa. Larry attended the Johnston Community Schools where he continued his education.
He continued his service in the Iowa National Guard for 35 years at Camp Dodge where he was a Diesel Mechanic. Once Larry retired from the Guard he took up a career with the Johnston Community Schools as a bus driver. Larry drove buses 24, 21, 42 and ended his 27 year career in bus 220. Larry continued this career until he fell ill in late January.
Larry married Mary A. Hon on September 7th, 1962. Together they had two children. Margaret A. Hon and Marvin W. Hon. He had 6 Grandchildren; Chelsie Caroll, Crissie (Jed) Heldenbrand, Sara Hon, Brooklynn (Emma) Jayne, Joseanne Braunschwieg and Nathan Jayne. Larry had 14 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who he loved all dearly. Larry was a once in a million man who will be greatly missed by many.
Larry is proceeded in death by his Father, Mother, two Brothers, daughter Margaret and Granddaughter Joseanne.
Services will be held at The Mission Church 1:00 pm Friday February 12th, 2021, Located at 12001 Ridgemont Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323.
Cherie Dandurand, 53
Died January 6, 2021.
Woodbury Central Middle School, Moville, IA
Social Studies, Volleyball Coach
The Woodbury Central School District is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher who died of COVID-19.
Now, family, friends and loved ones are honoring the 53-year-old educator, wife, mother and great friend, who inspired her students and her community.
Loving, caring, kind, and amazing.
These are just a few words many use to describe Cherie Dandurand.
“Loved working with kids, was able to reach out, especially struggling kids and get them more involved in school,” Superintendent Douglas Glackin said.
Dandurand taught social studies at Woodbury Central Middle School in Moville.
Superintendent Glackin witnessed her hard work ethic firsthand, as she was heavily involved in numerous committees.
“She was part of our safety committee. She was part of our leadership team. She was part of our character counts team. She was part of our school improvement team,” Glackin said.
But now, her classroom sits quiet and empty after COVID-19 claimed her life Wednesday, Jan. 6th.
It was news that devastated not only the small town of Moville, but her past and present students, too, as well as everyone else’s life she’s touched.
“There was just such a deep feeling of loss,” Glackin said.
Dandurand’s sister-in-law, Laura Dandurand, was very close to her over the years.
“She always cared about her kids and her job and I mean kids, not just her own two boys, Richard and Ed, but her students,” Laura Dandurand said.
And, as Dandurand’s family and loved ones continue to grieve, they are urging the community to take COVID-19 seriously.
“You don’t want to be that person that ends up being the one that gets hit really, really hard. Just wearing a mask and everyone wearing a mask and, greatly help with that,” Dan Dandurand said.
This would’ve been Dandurand’s 30th year at Woodbury Central.
She was also a volleyball coach and a mentor to her fellow colleagues.
Dandurand is survived by her husband and two sons.
Thomas Barnabo, 57
Died November 7, 2020.
Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA
Physical Education, Track Coach
Thomas Maurice Barnabo, age 57, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2020, in his home of West Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on October 26, 1963 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Don and Arloa Barnabo. He was a 1982 graduate of Parker High School in Janesville Wisconsin.
Tom attended Drake University on a full-ride football scholarship and graduated in 1987. Because of his many friends, he bounced around working in many states before landing back in Iowa at Simpson College.
While working at Simpson he met the love of his life, Susan Godby. The two got married and moved to Texas in 1993 where he taught and coached football. Their son Dalton was born in October of that same year, and son Cole in December of 1994.
A few years later the Barnabos moved to West Des Moines, Iowa after Tom accepted an offer to teach and coach at Dowling Catholic High School where he would go on to work for the next 24 years. He was the defensive coordinator when Dowling earned their first back-to-back state football championship title in 2000 and 2001. And most currently the assistant boys track coach.
In 2008, Tom was recruited to assist in coaching the defensive-line and help launch the first football team at Grand View University. Barnabo helped lead the team to many accomplishments, including winning the NAIA Championship in 2013.
Outside of Tom’s passion for football, he was an avid griller, constantly perfecting his craft and cooking for others. The Barnabos loved hosting for friends and family. They spent their summers swimming in their pool, Tom even took his four month old granddaughter for her first swim this summer.
He strongly admired his father and spent a lot of his time visiting him in northern Wisconsin. The two shared a great love for football, and many outdoor activities such as, hunting, fishing and camping.
Tom had a passion for building relationships and long lasting friendships. He gave his all no matter what. He had a friend in every state, and made sure he never met a stranger.
Tom is survived by his wife of over 27 years, Susan, sons, Dalton (Karissa), Cole (Linda) and their daughter Emma, sister, Lana and father, Don. He is also survived by many beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arola, older sister, Dana, and older brother, Dante.
Jennifer Crawford, 53
Died October 3, 2020.
Indian Hills Junior High School, Clive, IA
Special Education
December 18, 1966 – October 3, 2020
Jennifer Lynn Beardslee Crawford, age 53 of West Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Long Beach, Indiana passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Franciscan Health Michigan City, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family.
A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360.
She was born on December 18, 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri to Stephen Jeffrey and Barbara Barnes Beardslee. Jennifer and her family moved to a number of states due to her Dad’s sales career. She spent her younger years in Annapolis, Maryland, graduated from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois in 1985 and went on to graduate in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising and a Minor in Business from Eastern Illinois University.
After graduation, she pursued a career in Fashion Merchandising and Design at Spiegel, Brighton, and Movado until she was able to pursue her dream of owning her own boutique, Victoria’s by the Lake in New Buffalo, Michigan, which she loved dearly.
Jennifer touched so many lives and this world will never be the same without her. She had a love of life, the Chicago Cubs, but her “happy place” was undoubtedly the beach.
No matter where Jennifer was, she absolutely left a piece of sunshine to all who crossed her path. She gave so much to friends, but above all she was fiercely devoted to her family.
She was so vivacious, a complete utter giver, and a kind soul who changed the lives of many, both those she knew and those she just passed by.
As life happens, she met and married the love of her life, A. Jeffrey Crawford and moved to West Des Moines, Iowa, where she helped raise his children, Emily, Anna, Andrew, and Weston and made an impact on Emily’s Fiancé, Troy Asche. Jennifer and Jeff married on April 24, 2010 in Naples, Florida.
Jennifer leaves behind her mother, Barbara Barnes Beardslee of Long Beach, Indiana, her sister, Joanne Beardslee Tedesco, brother-in-law, Ken Tedesco, two nieces, Gianna Channing Tedesco and Madelyn Grace Tedesco of Westfield, Indiana. Her father, Stephen Jeffrey Beardslee proceeded her in death on June 30, 2020.
Melinda Mutti, 55
Died September 3, 2020.
Pella Community School District, Pella, IA
Substitute Teacher
Melinda Lee Mutti was born on August 4, 1965 in Maryville, MO to George and Marilyn Mutti of Hopkins, MO. She grew up in Hopkins, attending North Nodaway R-VI schools, graduating with the class of 1983. She passed away on September 3, 2020 at the age of 55 from the deadly COVID-19 virus, that has taken far too many lives so unnecessarily.
Melinda earned her bachelors degree at Central College, in Pella, IA where she majored in Spanish. A large portion of Melinda’s bachelors program involved study abroad in Spain. She loved the country, its people, its culture and its language. Her total immersion in Spain lead her to become quite fluent in the language. Upon her graduation, she taught high school Spanish in several Iowa high schools. She later pursued a masters degree in Spanish at The University of Northern Iowa. Melinda was a lifelong learner with numerous seminars and continuing education courses throughout her life.
Melinda’s wanderlust and sense of adventure lead to a Fullbright Scholarship to the country of Colombia. She moved to Bogata in the mid 90’s where she taught English at a couple of private Catholic schools. As in Spain, she embraced the culture and fell in love with the people and the natural beauty of the country. Melinda recently commented that a return to Colombia was high on her wish list ‘once the world gets back to normal’.
Following several years in Colombia, Melinda returned to the US where she settled in the greater Chicago, IL area and pursued opportunities in education and retail.
She moved to Pella, IA in the summer of 2019, where her sister Ann has been a longtime resident. One of the highlights of Melinda’s time in Pella was her involvement in Pete Buttigieg’s campaign for President. She worked tirelessly during the weeks leading up to the Iowa Caucuses. She shared her passion for the candidate with her brother and sister tightening her bond with her siblings.
Melinda was a unique individual who marched to the beat of her own drummer. She had a special empathy and ability to connect with others who were fighting their own unique battles. She had a great sense of humor delivering her classic lines when least expected. She delighted in serving others through her volunteer efforts at the Pella Community Food Shelf and had made plans to join her church (United Methodist Church of Pella) on its mission trip to Guatemala.
She is survived by her brother Joe Mutti, her brother-in-law Peter Oramas, her sister Ann Visser, her nieces Kaci Visser (Shane Cox), Lauren Mutti (Michelle Peak) and Alex Mutti, her great niece Simone Peak, her great nephews Jackson and Grant Peak, numerous cousins and special friends.
Darla Arends, 58
Died November 6, 2020.
Charles City High School, Charles City, IA
Special Education
Darla Joyce Arends, 58, of Charles City, Iowa passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at MercyOne in Mason City, Iowa. Visitation will be at Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Her funeral service will be on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 2:30 P.M. at the Zearing Christian Church in Zearing with Pastor Adam Koester officiating. Burial will follow in the Lincoln Township Cemetery in Zearing, Iowa.
Darla was born on October 31, 1962 in Iowa City, Iowa to Jake and Maryilyn (Groenewald) Arends. When she was 3 her family moved to Zearing where she attended school. She graduated with the NESCO class of 1983. Darla went to the University of Iowa where she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. After college she began working as a teacher and worked at Marshalltown High School, Forest City High School, and for the last 20 years worked at Charles City High School as their special educational instructor. Darla was a woman of great faith and often filled in at churches and gave sermons. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kapa. Darla loved her family and to spend time with them, most especially Jason and her nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed flowers, gardening, baking, crafts, her “babies” cats Grace and Whiskers, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Those left to cherish her memory are her siblings Jay (Becky) Arends, Wanda Arends, Carl (Charlotte) Arends, Dale Arends, and Neil Arends; nieces and nephews Jacob (Amber) Arends, Brad (Maggie) Arends, Andrew (Paige) Arends, Justin Mathis, Toni Mathis, Jamie Probstfield, Shannon Price, and Shawn Probstfield, Ashley Arends, and Whitney (Tyler Zimmerman) Arends; 15 great-nieces and nephews; and many close colleagues and friends.
Darla was preceded in death by her parents.
Jason Englert, 38
Died November 8, 2020.
Belmond-Klemme Community School District, Belmond, IA
Mathematics
Jason B. Englert, 38, died Nov. 8, 2020 at his home in Belmond. A private, family service was held Nov. 14 at Warner Chapel in Spencer. Burial was in North Lawn Memorial Park in Spencer. Memorials are suggested to the local school, including Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundation II.
Jason Bernard was born Aug. 24, 1982 in Spencer. His childhood years were spent in Royal, and he graduated from Clay Central/Everly High School in 2001. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal.
Jason was very active in school. He participated in football, basketball, track, school plays, and pretty much everything that was offered. He was also prom king. He loved being involved in activities and people.
Jason had multiple jobs to put himself through college. He worked nearly 20 years at J.C. Penney in Spencer and made many friends there. Even with his teaching career, he always maintained a job at Penney’s at least once a month and during the holidays. He also worked for Monsanto, in charge of a detasseling crew during the summers.
Jason’s goal was to become a math teacher. He spent one year at Iowa Lakes Community College, then attended the University of Northern Iowa. At UNI, he was a resident advisor in a dormitory. He graduated in 2007, interned at Spencer High School, then took a job at Grundy Center. He first was a high school math teacher at Twin River Valley in Bode. From there, Jason taught secondary math, and later high school math, at East Union in Afton. Jason’s next job was as a secondary math teacher at Manson Northwest Webster. This past August he started as the K-12 talented and gifted teacher at Belmond-Klemme.
Jason was deeply committed to his students and his colleagues. Although most people knew, Jason had a trouble being on time to work! He had five alarm clocks and he still could be late to school! However, he rarely missed a school event and was always cheering on the kids.
Jason was a wonderful friend to all he met, and was your friend for life. He was liked and loved by everyone. He touched, inspired and improved many lives in his short time here on earth. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his laugh was infectious and memorable.
Jason’s absence will be deeply felt by many. He loved to spend time with family and friends, whether it was a school event, just plain get togethers, going out with his brothers, or going to movies with his dad.
Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Left to cherish his memory are his father, John Englert of Royal; mother Connie Johnson Englert of Denver, CO; and brothers Matthew Englert of Spirit Lake and Lance Englert of Grand Island, NE.