Louise Condra Hunt, 1914-2000

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

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Louise Condra Hunt, 86, of Centerville died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, at Mercy Medical Center Long Term Care Unit.

She was born June 25, 1914, in Numa, the daughter of James Elmer and Ettie (Sidles) Condra.

She married Dean Richard Hunt Nov. 17, 1945, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He preceded her in death in July 1949.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Louise Mathews, and her husband, Rick, of Centerville; two grandchildren, Jonathan Mathews and his wife, Amanda, of Centerville, and Sarah Zintz and her husband, Mike, of Plano.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Merrill Condra.

She was a 1933 graduate of Centerville High School, graduated from Centerville Junior College and received her elementary education degree from Drake University. She taught school for 40 years, retiring in 1979 from teaching 30 years in the Centerville School System. Following retirement, she worked at Johnson-Lange Funeral Home for 16 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Esther Circle, Order of Eastern Star, Past Matrons Club, Appanoose County Retired Teachers, Hospital Auxiliary and the Appanoose County Historical Society.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Gubser officiating. Burial will be held in the Unionville Cemetery in Unionville, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the Johnson-Lange Funeral Home all day today, Tuesday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church and the Centerville K-3 elementary school libraries and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituary by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

Ettie M. Sidles & James Elmer Condra

  James Elmer Condra was born 22 September 1877 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Frank Leander Condra (1847-1917) and Francis J. Arbojust (1848-1883), died November 1969 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa. He married 22 September 1908 at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Jerome, Iowa, Ettie Melvina Sidles who was born 10 September 1878 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John Alexander Sidles (1853-1914) and Elvira Bradley (1853-1932), died 18 December 1961 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa. To this union two children were born:

  [1] Merrill Condra was born 5 July 1909 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 23 February 1994 at the Seymour Care Center in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa. He married 4 December 1936 in Unionville, Missouri, Jeanette Morris, who was born 4 April 1916, died 25 December 1980, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery. To this union, one son was born: James Condra.

  [2] Louise Condra was born 25 June 1914 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 15 October 2000 at Mercy Medical Center Long Term Care Unit, in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, Appanoose County, Iowa. She married 17 November 1945 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Dean Richard Hunt who died in July 1949. To this union one daughter was born: Mary Louise.

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From Unidentified Newspaper Clipping

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  One of the most brilliant affairs of the season was the reception given by Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Sidles at their residence, west of Jerome, Tuesday evening, Sept. 22, 1908, in honor of the marriage of their daughter, Etta M. to Mr. J. E. Condra. The marriage ceremony was preformed by her pastor, Rev. Bishop at the M. E. church at 5:30 o'clock in the presence of a number of little girls and boys they being members of her Sunday School class.

  After the ceremony the bride and groom drove to the home of her father where the reception was held later in the evening to a number of relatives and friends. A three course luncheon was served consisting of fruit salad, cake and sherbet, ice cream, cake and chocolate-bananas and grapes. The evening was spent with music and in a social way the guests departing at a late hour showering congratulations on the happy couple. Both the contracting parties are well known and highly respected in Jerome, she having been a teacher in the M. E. Sunday school for a number of years and superintendent of the same for the past two years. He has been Justice of the Peace in Lincoln township for the past two years. They left Wednesday noon for Kansas City and will take a trip through the west. They will be at home to their many friends in wishing them long life and abundant joy.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above article to The Jerome Journal by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

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The Seymour Herald - 28 December 1961
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Ettie Melvine Sidles Condra

  Mrs. J. E. Condra, 83, died Monday evening, Dec. 18, 1961, at the home of her daughter Mrs. Louise Hunt, 1219 Drake Ave., Centerville, where she had been bedfast since May.

  She was born Ettie Melvine Sidles, daughter of John A. and Elvira Bradley Sidles, at Exline Sept. 10, 1878. Since babyhood she lived with her parents on a farm one mile west of Jerome. She was a long time member of the Jerome Methodist church and served faithfully in the capacity of Sunday School teaching and in various offices of the church.

  She was married in the Jerome Methodist church Sept. 22, 1908, to James Elmer Condra, who survives. They lived on a farm west of Numa for 53 years.

  Besides her husband she is survived by a son, Merrill, of Numa and a daughter, Louise Hunt of Centerville, two grandchildren, Jim Condra of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Mary Louise Hunt of Centerville; three sisters, Susie R. Sidles of Jerome, Mrs. Orpha Deibert of Sac City and Mrs. Maurine Streepy of Centerville.

  She was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Effie Rinker, of Oto, who died Nov. 11, 1957, and by two brothers, Charley and Johnny, who died as children.

  Funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1961, at two o'clock from the Jerome Methodist church with the Rev. George McMullen officiating. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

  Two songs, "In the Garden" and "Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me," were sung by Max Ellis of Centerville, accompanied by Mrs. Catherine Mallett, church organist.

  The pallbearers were Merle Loofburrow, Paul McElvain, Paul Ervin, Joe Beer, Paul Felkner and Barney Mallett, all members of Mrs. Condra's Sunday School class.

CARD OF THANKS

  We express our gratitude and thanks for the many deeds of kindness and help given us in the death of our wife and mother.

  J.E. Condra, Merrill Condra, Louise Hunt

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  Transcribed from Seymour Area Death Notices and Obituaries, Items #7-8 on FHL Film #1673236 and The Seymour Herald of 28 December 1961.

George E. Rinker & Effie B. Sidles

George Earnest Rinker was born 31 May 1877 at their family's farm home east of Seymour in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Robert Franklin Rinker (1839-1911) and Julia Ann Brinkley (1845-1929), died 16 September 1958 at a hospital in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. He married 6 July 1902 at the home of the bride's parents west of Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, Effie Bradley Sidles who was born 19 January 1877 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, near Jerome, daughter of John Alexander Sidles (1853-1914) and Elvira Bradley (1853-1932), died 11 November 1957 at a hospital in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. To this union, three children were born:

[1] John Robert Rinker was born 25 August 1904 in Oto, Woodbury County, Iowa, and died 13 May 1989 in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia. He married 27 February 1935 in The Little Brown Church Around the Corner in New York City, New York, Minnie Lillie McPherson who was born 23 August 1907, daughter of Jesse Franklin McPherson, in Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, Louisana. To this union, four children were born: Franklin McPherson, George Ernest, Geraldine and Carolyn.

[2] Vera Elvira Rinker was born 16 June 1910 in Oto, Woodbury County, Iowa, and died 18 April 2007 at Heritage Place, The Village at Brookwood, in Burlington, Alamance County, North Carolina. She married 3 July 1933 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, Wayne E. Birchard who was born 2 January 1911 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, son of Elbert Birchard and Inez Parsons, and died 27 August 1998 at ManorCare Nursing Home, Normal, McLean County, Illinois.

[3] Julia Margaret "Peggy" Rinker was born 5 May 1917 in Oto, Woodbury County, Iowa, and died 1 November 2004 in West Hills, Los Angeles County, California. She married 8 February 1941 in Oto, Woodbury County, Iowa, Olaf "Oley" Neumann Thune Begtrup who was born 7 July 1917 in Minnesota and died 20 September 2006 in Los Angeles County, California. To this union, three children were born: Robert, Marilyn and Sylvia.

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From Unidentified Newspaper Clippings

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Rinker-Sidles - 1902

The nuptials of Geo. E. Rinker, of Matlock, Iowa, and Miss Effie B. Sidles of Jerome, were celebrated Sunday evening at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Sidles, Rev. P. C. Stire, of this city, performing the ceremony. The wedding was a quiet one, only the nearest relatives being present.The groom is a young man held in high esteem by all who know him and he is known by nearly every one in the vicinity of Seymour and Jerome, having grown to a goodly stature on his father's farm east of this city, and taught several terms of school in Appanoose and Wayne counties.

George Earnest Rinker &

Effie Bradley Sidles

The bride is the daughter of one of Lincoln township's wealthy and influential farmers; is a charming young lady, beloved by a host of friends, who will regret her departure from their midst.

They left early Monday morning for their home in Matlock, where George, as he is known to his friends here, is known as an M.D., having fitted himself for the profession by a through course at Sioux City. All join in wishing them a happy and prosperous career.

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Honor Rinker's On 40th Anniversary - 1942

Dr. and Mrs. George E. Rinker of Oto, with their daughters, Mrs. Wayne Birchaard of Pittsfield, Mass., and Mrs. O. N. Begtrup and baby of St. Louis, Mo., are spending the week with relatives and friends in this vicinity.

On July 6th Dr. and Mrs. Rinker were honored at two informal affairs held at the Sidles homestead now occupied by Susie R. Sidles, the occasion being the anniversary of their marriage there.

Effie Sidles Rinker & George Earnest Rinker
Celebrating Their 40th Anniversary

In the afternoon friends of the honored couple gathered to talk over old times. Those present included Nell Rinker Watts of Oklahoma City, Leola Rinker, Orpha VanNess, Emma Hagan Ogle, Mary VanNess and grand-daughter, Mary Hilliker, Laura Porter, Mrs. Wm. Porter and son John Edward, all of Centerville, Dr. W. H. Earnest, Mrs. W. O. Jamison, Emma McCulloch, Anna M. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Bateman of Seymour, Marcy Rinker Widman of Kansas City, Mo.,

Mrs. Chester VanDyke, Mrs. Rose VanDyke, Exline; Mrs. Vera Owen and grandchildren Stanley and Judy Owen, Cadd Hawkins, Kathryn Hawkins, and Mrs. C. C. Bollman of Jerome.

Members of the Rinker and Sidles families held a reunion in the evening at which time a "poetical" mock wedding, a skit entitled "The Doctor" and patriotic reading music and talks

furnished the entertainment. Dr. Rinker was presented with a ring and Mrs. Rinker a locket by members of the immediate family and there were also several other gifts. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Condra, Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Condra and Jimmy, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Deibert, Sac City; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Streepy, Udell; Mrs. N. V. Watts, Miss Leola Rinker, Purley Rinker, Centerville; Mr. and Mrs. Joe I. Sidles and the hostess; Susie R. Sidles, Seymour; Miss Georgia Sidles, Sioux City; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sidles and family, Howard, Harry, Virginia, Jimmy and Peter J., Jerome; Mr. and Mrs. George Sidles and daughters, Leona and Luella of Numa, Mrs. J. H. Matkin and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hefner of Seymour were also present.

40th Anniversary cakes with "ruby" colored icing were featured in the light refreshments served both afternoon and evening.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Rinker were reared in Appanoose county and both taught school there in their younger days. Soon after their marriage they moved to Woodbury county, where Dr. Rinker has practiced medicine at Oto for 39 years. Besides the two daughters accompanying them on their visit the Rinkers have a son, J. Robert, now a surgeon in Ft. Worth, Texas.

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5oth Anniversary Celebration - 1952

Effie Sidles Rinker & George Earnest Rinker

50th Anniversary Picture

Rinker Family Picture on 50th Wedding Anniversary

John Robert Rinker (son),

George Earnest Rinker, Effie Sidles Rinker,

Vera Rinker Birchard and Margaret Rinker Begtrup (daughters)

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Final Rites Held for Mrs. Rinker - 1957

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Oto Congregational church for Mrs. George E. Rinker, widely known resident here, who died Monday, November 11, at a Sioux City hospital after entering the hospital Friday.

Rev. Willard Bell of Slayton, Minn., former pastor of the Oto Federated church about 23 years ago, conducted the services.

Two songs, Ivory Palaces and Where We'll Never Grow Old, were sung by Mr. and Mrs. John Willmott accompanied by Mrs. Arnold Lenoch at the piano.

Mrs. Leander Mead and Mrs. Harry Brooks served as the flower committee. Pallbearers were Jesse Benton, Jarvis Miller, Fred Johnk, Ralph Steinhoff, Floyd Scoles, Robert Carlson, Harry Brooks and Frand GoBell.

Burial was in Memorial park cemetery at Sioux City under the direction of the Hudgel funeral home of Anthon.

Effie Bradley Sidles, first child of John A. and Elvira Bradley Sidles, was born at Jerome, Ia., January 19, 1877. She attended the public schools of Jerome and Milton, later studying at Highland Park college in Des Moines after which she taught for a few years in the rural schools of Appanoose county and in the towns of Numa and Carlisle.

July 6, 1902 she was united in marriage to George Ernest Rinker who had grown to manhood in a neighboring community in Appanoose county and was at the time of their marriage completing work for a degree in medicine.

They established temporary homes in Matlock and Sioux City and came to Oto in the spring of 1903 where they since lived for 54 years.

To this union three children were born, J. Robert of Augusta, Ga., (Vera) Mrs. Wayne Birchard of Normal, Ill., and (Margaret) Mrs. Olaf N. Begtrup of Rockford, Ill.

Mrs. Rinker became a member of the Methodist church in her youth and a great deal of her life's activities centered in the work of the church.

She was a member of the Oto Rebekah lodge and a past noble grand of that order. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, more recently having served for years as chaplain of that order, a position she held at the time of her death.

She was a charter member of the Sioux-Med-Dames, an organization for wives of Woodbury county medical men, and a charter member of the Oto Study club organized in 1909. As recently as October 31 she attended the meeting of that club held with Mrs. Laura Day as hostess. At the annual county convention of the Federated Women's clubs held in Sioux City last spring, Mrs. Rinker received a corsage for being the oldest woman present.

Mrs. Rinker served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent and treasurer for many years, and was an active worker in the Mite Society. She was a long-time member of the Oto Cemetery association. She worked in the Red Cross and represented Oto in the work of the Goodwill Industries. She also served for several years on the Oto school board.

Her husband, Dr. Rinker, survives, as do their three children, and seven grandchildren: Geraldine, George, Carolyn and Franklyn Rinker and Robert, Marilyn and Sylvia Begtrup. Mrs. Rinker also is survived by four sisters: Mrs. J. E. Condra, Susie R. Sidles and Mrs. Guy Streepy, all of Appanoose county, and Mrs. Ray Deibert of Sac City.

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Veteran Oto Doctor Dies - 1958

Dr. George E. Rinker, 81, physician at Oto since May, 1903, died Tuesday at a Sioux City hospital.

Dr. Rinker was the recipient of community honors at Oto in 1953 on the occasion of his 50th anniversary in practice there. Until purchasing his first car in 1913, he was Oto's "horse and buggy" doctor.

In addition to his extensive medical practice he was active in civic, lodge and Congregational church work at Oto. He was a former mayor, president of the board of education, member of the town council and chairman of the Congregational church board.

Dr. Rinker was a member of the Masonic lodge at Smithland, Sioux City Consistory 5 and Abu-Bekr Shrine.

He was graduated from the Sioux City Medical school in 1903 and for 55 years practiced at Oto. He was a member of the American Medical Association, and the Iowa Medical and Woodbury County Medical societies.

Dr. Rinker was born May 31, 1877 at Numa, Ia. His wife, whom he married July 6, 1902, was born at Jerome, Ia. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with open house at the Congregational church at Oto July 6, 1952. Mrs. Rinker died in November, 1957.

A son and two daughters, who are among the survivors and who were present for the wedding anniversary observance, are Dr. Robert Rinker of Augusta, Ga., Mrs. Wayne Birchard of Normal, Ill., and Mrs. Olaf Begtrup of Rockford, Ill.

Other survivors include two sisters, Miss Leola Rinker of Centerville, Ia., and Mrs. Noah V. Watts of Oklahoma City, Okla., and seven grandchildren.

The body was taken to the Hudgel funeral home at Anthon.

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Funeral Services Held Thursday for Dr. Rinker - 1958

Funeral services were held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Congregational church for Dr. George E. Rinker, Oto physician for more than 50 years, who passed away in a Sioux City hospital Tuesday, September 16. The Rev. John H. Roger officiated. During the services Mr. and Mrs. John Willmott sang "Ivory Palaces" and "Where We'll Never Grow Old" accompanied by Mrs. Arnold Lenoch.

Interment was in Memorial park cemetery, Sioux City, under the direction of the Hudgel funeral home of Anthon. Serving as pallbearers were Mervin Jackson, Paul Phillips, Herald Hamann, Wilber McNear, Wm. Green, Roy Slentz, Millard Allman and Howard Koerner.

Mrs. H. A. Brooks Jr., and Mrs. Leander Mead were in charge of flowers.

George Earnest Rinker was born to Franklin and Julia Ann Brinkley Rinker at their farm home east of Seymour, Iowa, May 31, 1877, the sixth of a family of ten chidren: William J. John, Thomas, Homer, Frank, George, Mary, Purley, Leola and Nellie.

After completing a grade school education he taught rural school. Previous to entering the Sioux City college of Medicine Dr. Rinker attended Highland Park College.

On July 6, 1902, he was united in marriage with Effie Bradley Sidles of Jerome, Iowa. He was graduated from the Sioux City Medical school in 1903 after which they moved to Oto where he practiced for more than 50 years. In addition to his medical practice he was active in civic, lodge and church work. He was a former mayor, member of the town council and fillled offices, over a long period of time, in his church.

He was a member of the I.O.O.F., Royal Neighbor and Masonic lodges, Sioux City consistory 5 and Abu-Bekr Shrine.

Professionally he was an honorary member of Phi Chi, medical fraternity, and a member of the county, state and national medical societies.

In 1952 the community helped Dr. and Mrs. Rinker celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, and the following year Dr. Rinker was the recipient of community honors on the occasion of his 50th anniversary in practice in Oto. Mrs. Rinker passed away November 11th of last year. Following her death Dr. Rinker, for the most part, remained at Oto.

He fell at his home on September 8, injuring his shoulder. He was taken to a Sioux City hospital where he passed away Tuesday, September 16, 1958

Dr. and Mrs. Rinker were the parents of three children, Dr. John Robert Rinker of Augusta, Georgia, who visited his father in the hospital following his accident; Mrs. Wayne E. Birchard (Vera) of Bloomington, Illinois, and Mrs. Olaf N. Begtrup (Margaret) of Rockford, Illinois, both of whom were here for the services. Other survivors include two sisters, Miss Leola Rinker of Centerville, Iowa, and Mrs. Noah V. Watts (Nellie) of Oklahoma, who also attended the last rites; seven grandchildren, Geraldine, George, Carolyn and Franklin Rinker of Augusta, Georgia, and Robert, Marilyn and Sylvia Begtrup of Rockford, Illinois.

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The editor greatly appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above articles and pictures by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

Grandma Zema by Grace Smelcer

Written by Grace Smelcer - 18 July 1993

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Matthew, John, and Joe, I would like to share with you some interesting experiences I gleaned from talking with your great grandmother, whom you know well and who is dear to you.

Grandma Zema was born Marjia Grenko in a part of Yugoslavia known as Fuzine in the year 1892. Her father had come to live in the USA. After three years in this country, he returned to Fuzine, hoping that his family would return with him to a coal-mining town in Iowa. Her mother dreaded leaving her parents behind in Yugoslavia and held out against his wishes to return with him.

Young Marjia, being disappointed by her mother's refusal to return with her father, wrote her father telling him that, if he waned her mother to come to him in this new land, he would have to be strong to convince her. Soon afterwards, her mother received a letter from her husband telling her that, if they intended to have a life together, she would have to come to him. He told her emphatically that, if she did not come, he would never return to Yugoslavia.

This stand of Marjia's father, in addition to the knowledge that her oldest son Blaz would soon be inducted into the Yugoslavian Army, helped her to make the decision that she and her family should join her husband in the USA. In November 1905, after selling their farm and with the extra money sent by her father, Marjia and her family were on their way to a coal-mining town in Iowa.

Grandma Zema remembers well the sad times in leaving her grandparents and aunts and uncles. It took seventeen days for the liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean. They had fun on the ship and good food. She remembers that she fed bread to the fish.

They landed in New York harbor and proceeded by train to Cincinnati, Iowa, where there was a joyful reunion with her father. They lived with a cousin until her father could rent a house for them. A year later, they bought six acres of land and built a house.

Soon after their arrival, a school teacher came to visit Marjia's father and informed him that the children needed to be in school. Her younger sister Lucy went to school. Blaz went to work in the mines with his father. Grandma Zema (Marjia) helped out at home and didn't go to school.

Grandma Zema recalled a hard life in their first years in the USA. One incident she remembers vividly. She had picked up coal along the railroad tracks, enough to fill up a little extra room. This was their fuel for cooking and heating their house. After working so hard, they were compelled to move to Cincinnati, Iowa, and of course could not take the coal with them.

They made several moves, going where the work was available. Finally, they were able to buy some land and build a new house.

Grandma Zema proceeded to tell about her marriage to Steve Zema. She was then about 16 years old. Steve Zema had also come from Yugoslavia. He came because he didn't want to join the army. They bought their home and forty-six acres of land.

Grandma Zema and Steve had seven children, among them were your grandmother and mother, Mary Ivy.

She did not learn much English with her children until they went to school. When the children wanted to say things they didn't want their parents to hear, they spoke in English. She taught her children the Croatian language. Several families from Yugoslavia had settled near them, and they spoke the Croatian language and slipped into her native tongue. Oftentimes, she had to grope for words to express her feelings and ideas.

She went on to tell me that her husband Steve Zema died and left her a widow at the age of 39. He was only 44 years old. He died in the mines in a coal car. She never knew the cause of his death. She did not want an autopsy, and couldn't have afforded it if she had wanted it done.

Grandma Zema's sons continued to work in the mines. The children helped her with the farm work, even before Steve had died. Since he worked in the mines, she plowed the land, while one of her children led the horse. They raised pigs, chickens, geese, and cows. At one time, she recalled that she milked 14 cows by hand.

Later, when the children left home, she rented out the farm. After some time, she sold the farm and left, moving to Centerville, Iowa. When she was older, she moved to Davenport, Iowa, to live with her daughter.

She has lived courageously. She has had the last rites of the Catholic Church said for her twice and got better both times.

Now for a part of her life that will help you to understand what your great grandmother was like and what she did before she left Yugoslavia when she was about 13 years old.

She said that she went to school every day except on Thursdays. She helped carry things for her aunt in a chair factory. She remembers how kind this aunt was to her. "She paid me more than I likely deserved," Grandma Zema remembers. "My grandmother's sister owned a rich farm and had long strips of land. She let us have hay for our cows."

When I asked her about her school, Grandma Zema recalls, "I only went through the third grade. My teachers were very strict. She whacked children on the hand when they had been bad." She began to laugh as she remembered, "My teacher put on of my friends under the table for punishment. They teacher could not see him, and we were laughing. The teacher did not know why we were laughing. I got punished for talking too much. I tried very hard to please my teacher."

I asked her about games she played in her childhood. She mused, "We played Tag, Drop-the-Handkerchief, Hide-and-Seek, Hop-Scotch, and oh how we like to play in the hay loft!"

When I inquired about the foods she ate as a child in Yugoslavia, she said, "Much of the same foods that we have here--a lot of pork and polenta." Since I didn't know what this was, she described it as something like corn mush.

When I invited her to tell about holidays in her childhood, she said, "Many of our holidays were connected with the church observances of Holy Days. I carried bread on my head to the church to be blessed. We had Christmas trees, but gave no gifts. We made all our decorations for our tree. We put moss under the tree and then made little animals attached to sticks to put down in the moss so they would stand up. They were beautiful, and we all liked them." She continued, "The mirrors were covered with black cloth during Lent, especially on Good Friday."

"On August 15," she remembered, "we walked to a town seven miles away for a holiday. I think it was connected with the church. In February, we had a masquerade party, and dressed up in funny clothes. This was much like our Halloween here, but it was also connected to the church."

After discussing the changes in the Catholic church, she commented, "I like the changes. I like to know what the Father is saying. I have to go with the changes."

Finally, I asked her about her feelings bout her parents. In her own words, she spoke quietly, "My mother was very nice, very understanding, hard working. I never doubted that she loved me. She was always giving to my children when they visited. My father had a bad temper. When he said something, he meant it."

She spoke to me about her daughter Ann's going to Yugoslavia. This Ann could have been her sister. In the year I interviewed her, she spoke hopefully that Ann might have the honor of seeing Tito. She expressed the view that Tito had been good to the people in Yugoslavia. She spoke strongly, "I would not like to go back there even for a visit." Pointing her hand under her chin, she added emphatically, "I had it up to here with the place."

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this article to The Jerome Journal by Marion Zemo of Centerville, Iowa. Grandma Zema was born Mary Grenko 3 April 1892 in Fuzina, Croatia, daughter of Romo Grenko and Agnes Blozovich; died 28 March 1977 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa; and was buried in Oakland Cemetery, Centerville, Iowa.

Uncovered Memories by Marge Inman

I saw this article and picture in The Denver Post and a flood of memories came to me. Some of my most pleasant memories are of lambs.

Usually several twin lambs arrive each spring. The mother may only claim one of the babies and the other must be rescued or it will die. As soon as the abandoned baby is found, it must have a human caretaker. Sometimes it is near death from cold temperatures and near starvation.

My brother Paul would carry it into our kitchen and place it with rags on the oven door. Paul would rub it dry thus increasing its circulation. As the lamb felt the warmth of the oven and improved circulation its head would rise and with open eyes look around. It would struggle to stand,l but was too weak.

We had to find food for this already named lamb, Pete. We always had some glass pop bottles and nipples for lambs. Mother would heat cow's milk, pour it into a bottle and attempt to feed Pete. It soon knew how to swallow and drink that life giving milk.

Pete was so cute, as all baby lambs are. Here is a picture of him at a few weeks of age.

He was fun to feed and play with. He never missed a meal. All pet lambs come running when they spy the milk bottle and they drink quickly and noisily!

Have you ever seen baby lambs run? They run with stiffened legs so they bounce. They look like very large hailstones bouncing in the grass.

Pete was an adorable pet.

One time we had twin pet lambs named Mutt and Jeff. They were the last pet lambs I had. By this time, I was a senior in high school. All the lambs had to be taken to market and sold when they became big enough. It was an especially sad day when Mutt and Jeff had to leave me. I remember they sold for a total of $9.00. This was enough for me to buy my class ring.

Perhaps you are wondering if we ever butchered the lambs. We didn't, as the folks preferred beef and pork. But to this day, I cannot bring myself to eat lamb or mutton. To me it seems as if I would be a cannibal if I did.

Marge Inman - 19 April 2009

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of this article with the pictures by Marjorie McElvain Inman of Littleton, Colorado. She grew up in Lincoln Township southwest of Jerome.

The Pepper's Editor's Notes by Pete Sidles

Note: During the 1948-1949 school year, Pete Sidles of Jerome, served as editor of The Pepper - Official Publication of the Seymour Public School - which was published in The Seymour Herald. In each edition appeared an "Editor's Note" by Pete Sidles. Some examples from March 1949 follow.

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The Pepper - 10 March 1949

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Now that the basketball, as well as the football season, has been completed, it seems appropriate that the student body should congratulate the Warriors and Warriorettes for the impressive records they have turned up for this year. Without the constant guidance of the coaches and the unanimous cooperation of the athletic squads such a good record would not have been possible. A student with the ability of Lujack or McCauley could not have done his team as much good by himself as an ordinary student working with his fellow players.

The student boy extends it sincere congratulations and thanks to the players, coaches, managers and to everyone else including those who watched the teams bring victory more than one to Seymour fans. We also express our best wishes and good luck to the forthcoming baseball and track teams.

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The Pepper - 24 March 1949

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This year all indications point to a more interesting and elaborate school carnival than ever before. Plans are getting under way calling for a lavish display of talent, showmanship and ingenuity on the eve of April 1.

The ever-present committees, responding to the lash of the sponsor's whip, are industriously planning bigger and better concessions, side shows and other attractions. It is rumored that after the carnival, the sophomore boys presenting the Hawaiian south sea dance are going to quit school and turn professional. The juniors, richest class in school (temporarily), are going to apply in the carnival some of the money-making techniques that have made them famous. The seniors and the freshmen are very busy searching for ways of earning a new pennies with a minimum of labor.

The king and queen contest is now in full swing and everyone is urged to support his favorite candidate. A penny or an ear of corn will buy a vote.

The profit obtained from the carnival this year will go toward the purchase of additional new uniforms and playground equipment.

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The Pepper - 31 March 1949

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The S. H. S. library, one of the things which most people take for granted, has on its shelves most leading weekly and monthly magazines, recent as well as older classic books and sources of reference materials. While most students realize the opportunities for social relaxation, it is doubtful whether many know how to use the library to its fullest advantage.

To thumb through most books is to merely defeat the author's purpose. Of course, a book created only for enjoyment can entertain each reader at his own individual speed.

A knowledge of the use of the dictionary and encyclopedias is necessary before references are to be explained quickly and accurately.

Regular contacts with the magazines in the library will increase out ability to talk and think about current happenings. These events can be compared with the recorded past, studied in regular school work.

Unrestricted use of the library should, however, be extended to those students who have enough spare time in addition to their lessons to afford the reading of books. While it can serve as valuable addition to school life, the library can also be a diversion to students who use it unwisely.

Sidles Named Iowa Master Farmer

The Seymour Herald - 10 March 1949

The Pepper

Official Publication of the Seymour Public School

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Foster Nominated Sidles Master Farmer

By Neil Harl

Glen Foster, agriculture instructor, attended a luncheon at the Hotel Fort Des Moines Wednesday, March 2. The luncheon was in honor of the seven new Iowa Master Farmers of 1948. The Master Farmers had been selected by the Wallace's Farmer and Iowa Homestead company of Des Moines.

Included in the list of Master Farmers was Peter Sidles, a well known farmer of Jerome. Foster has the honor of nominating Sidles to the high position which boasts a membership of only 117 in Iowa. The Master Farmer organization began in 1926. Included in the previously selected Master Farmers are Allen Kline, national Farm Bureau president; and Howard Hill, Iowa Farm Bureau president. The 1948 Master Farmers were presented with a handsome medal and were interviewed over WHO by Herb Plambeck, WHO farm news editor.

Sidles farms 610 acres of land and is also active in community affairs. The Sidles' have five children. Pete and Jim, twin brothers, attend Seymour school, Harry lives at Waterloo, Howard attends Iowa State college and Virginia is married.

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The Seymour Herald - 3 March 1949

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Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sidles of Jerome were in Des Moines Wednesday for the presentation of the Iowa Master Farmer award to Mr. Sidles. They were heard at noon Wednesday over radio station W.H.O. with farm director Herb Plambeck.

Sidles was one of seven Iowans named for 1949 awards. He farms about 500 acres in Appanoose county, near Jerome, and was cited for "outstanding achievement in agriculture and good citizenship." Plambeck reported that Sidles had done an "unusual job in farming geared to the capability of his land."

The Sidles farm has been in the family since before the Civil War, Sidles said. The Master Farmer awards are made by Wallace's Farmer and Iowa Homestead magazines each year.

Sidles' two sons, Jim and Pete, attend Seymour High school.

Sidles Receives Agricultural Recognition

The Seymour Herald - 22 September 1949

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By Lloyd Burlingham

Because of his leadership as a soil conservationist Peter Sidles of Jerome will be presented with the W. G. Skelly award for superior achievement in agriculture on Sept. 24. He received the unanimous vote of 10 midwestern farm leaders in charge of the awards.

The 628-acre Sidles farm is just north of Jerome and seven and a half miles west of Centerville. Appanoose is definitely not the best farming country in the rich agricultural state of Iowa. In order to do a good job of soil management and food production in this section, it takes more careful farming than is required in some parts of the state.

Sidles' land was on the poor side when he first took over, but he laid out a complete farm plan, including contouring, terracing, strip-cropping and using soil conserving rotations. He has made a notable success of fitting his program to the peculiar soil problems of the country. Pasture areas once barren and unproductive are now well covered and a source of valued grazing. Neighbors, seeing the practical results of Sidles soil care, regard him as an authority on soil conservation.

Record Speaks

Present productions include: 85 to 100 hogs, sold from 12 to 16 sows; the produce of a 40-cow beef herd; a small poultry flock, and three dairy cows. About 85 acres of corn are grown and an equal acreage of oats. Most of the rest of the farm is in pasture and in hay, a mixture of timothy, alfalfa and brome being used. New grasses are being constantly tried out, and improved strains of brome grass are used. Liming and fertilizer programs are carried out as needed and results measured.

Working with his neighbors, Sidles helped organize a soil conservation district in the county which has accomplished wonders. These people are progressive American farmers and the type who are responsible for making American agriculture the envy of the world. Their modern yet simple equation--comparing soil with money--is that "you can only take as many dollars out of a bank as those you put into it." Mr. Sidles is also a charter member of the Farm Bureau, a member of the Methodist church, an organizer of farm cooperatives, a member of the county school board and was on the FSA, Triple A and FHA boards.

Seven Sidles

There are seven Sidles in all. Mrs. Sidles, besides mothering four sons and a daughter, raises poultry, keeps a modern farm household well organized, and donates generously of her time to church work. Harry Sidles is an engineer; Paul Howard is an Iowa State College student; the daughter, Mrs. Virginia Strieff, is a nurse at Ames while her husband completes his college course, and the 17-year-old twins, Peter, Jr., and James, are active in Seymour high school and 4-H work.

During a large breakfast gathering in his home Saturday morning to which many friends and neighbors have been invited, Peter Sidles will receive his award consisting of a $100 U.S. savings bond, scroll and gold lapel pin, presented in behalf of W. O. Skelly, president of the Skelly Oil Company.

At this time, the story of his achievements will be broadcast over a NBC radio network by Lloyd Burlingham on "This Farming Business" program, following a sunrise summary of the world's latest news and that along with the American farming front.

Picture of Christ Is Given at Jerome

The Seymour Herald - 29 December 1949

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The Jerome Methodist church was presented with the picture, "Head of Christ" by Sallman, in a service during the Christmas program Christmas eve. The gift, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Sidles, who were faithful members of the church, was sent by the Rev. Roy Mills family of Patterson, N.J. Mrs. Mills was the former Mary Sidles.

Several members of the family were there to see the picture presented by Rev. M. R. Gonzales and George Sidles, Jr., and accepted by the official board of the church. They were the George Sidles family, the Peter Sidles family, Mrs. J. E. Condra, the Merrill Condra family, Miss Georgia Sidles and Miss Susie Sidles.

The Christmas program was given by Mrs. Paul Felkner and the choir, the children of the Sunday School and was under the direction of Mrs. Joe Beer, Mrs. James Felkner and Mrs. Tony Blozevich.

Mary C. Starcevich, 1918-1994

Centerville Daily Iowegian - September 1994

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Mary C. Starcevich, 75, of Mystic died Friday, Sept. 16, 1994, at the Seymour Care Center.

She was born Oct. 12, 1918, in Mystic, daughter of Paul and Ella (Karjacich) Starcevich.

Survivors include several cousins in Colorado, Illinois, Centerville and the surrounding area.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Anthony (Tony) and his wife, Tina Starcevich.

She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and Women's Club and later was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Miller, C.P.P.S., officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery. A scripture reading was held Sunday at the Lange Funeral Home.

A memorial has been established to the St. Francis or St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at the funeral home.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by Marion Zemo of Centerville, Iowa.

Antonette "Tina" Starcevich, 1911-1988

The Centerville Daily Iowegian - 21 March 1988

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Antonette "Tina" Starcevich, 76, of Golden Age Care Center died Sunday, March 20, at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital.

She was born June 9, 1911 at Mystic to Anthony and Josephine Tometich Sickich. She married Anthony (Tony) Starcevich on June 1, 1940 at Mystic. She worked as a nurses aide at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital.

Survivors include a brother, Thomas Anthony Sickich of Poway, Calif.; and a sister-in-law, Mary Starcevich, Centerville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, a sister and her parents.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Al Ebach. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

Rosary service will be held tonight at 6:30 at Johnson-Lange Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at the funeral home.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by Marion Zemo of Centerville, Iowa.

Tony Starcevich, 1910-1975

The Daily Iowegian - 24 February 1975

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Tony Starcevich, 64, Route 1, Mystic, died Friday at the State University Hospital in Iowa City.

Born March 26, 1910, in Jerome, he was the son of Paul and Ella Krajacic Starcevich. He was a retired coal miner and farmer, a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Mystic, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

On June 1, 1940, he was married to Antonette (Tina) Sickich of Mystic, and she survives. Also surviving is one sister, Mary Starcevich of Mystic. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Mystic with Father Albert Fey officiating. Rosary services were Sunday night at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by Marion Zemo of Centerville, Iowa.