The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page A11

The Des Moines Page 11A Submit an obituary and search a database of recent bituaries at DesMoinesRegister.com/obituaries OBITUARIES Jon Branson, 66, died peacefully on Sunday July 20, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice. Jon, husband of Ronda, had fought brave and dignified battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday July 24, 2014 at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church located at 511 Des Moines street burial will follow the service at the Rosehill Cemetery in Menlo. Jon was born on July 18th, 1948 in Stuart, Iowa. He was the youngest of eight children born to Max and Myrtle (Croisant) Branson.

He graduated from Menlo High School in 1966. He attended Northwest Missouri State College before entering the Army and becoming a paratrooper serving in Germany. He worked for Patterson Dental Company for 39 years where he developed many lasting friendships with both co-workers and clients. Jon enjoyed his family, spending weekends at Lake Okoboji boating, and even mowing the lawn. He was especially proud owning, with brother Larry, the family Century Farm.

He delighted in watching the crops grow and with Larry, refurbishing the 1898 barn and building a new building. He loved participating with Larry on antique tractor rides. He was active in organizing several hayrack rides north of Menlo in the and ending with a weenie roast in the pasture. He was willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors, family, or anyone who needed it. Jon is survived by wife Ronda and daughter Molly at home, daughter Kate Rodriguez (Cristian) Des Moines, son Russ Branson (Heather) Gilbert, daughter Courtney Wilson (Jared) St.

Charles, IL, step daughters Jill, Hillary, and Mallory Smith, sister Beverly Larsen of Casey, Joan Rose of West Des Moines, Sandra Branson of Cedar Rapids, brothers Larry Branson (Barbra) Menlo, Alan Branson (Doug Anderson) of St. Louis, MO, Richard Branson (Leslie) Des Moines, Robert Branson (Phyllis) Des Moines. Grandchildren Jon and Cristian Rodriguez, Noah, Emily and Eli Branson, and Jeremiah, Micah, Jed, and Adley Wilson. In-laws Ron and Karen Madren of Park, IA, Brother-in-law Russ Madren (Joan) Shakopee, MN. Visitation will be from 3-7 pm Wednesday July 23, 2014 at the Iles Funeral Home, Chapel, 2121 Grand Ave.

Jon was preceded in death by son Connor Ron Branson and parents Max and Myrtle Branson. In lieu of memorials may be directed to Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines. JON BRANSON Waukee Elsie P. Gayer Memorial Service: 10 AM, Friday, July 25, 2014 in Sanborn Memorial Chapel at the Madrid Home Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel (515) 795-3283 www.IlesCares.com Patrick David Mashek, 63, died July 21, 2014 after a 12 year bout with colorectal cancer. He was born on March 20, 1951 to Edward Daniel and Rita McGrane Mashek in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, St. High School, and Iowa Central Community College. He graduated from the University of Iowa in May 1973. Patrick married his college sweetheart, Darlene Diane Sabus, on June 22, 1974, and they resided in West Des Moines, Iowa their entire married life. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary in June 2014.

Patrick worked for GAB Business Services and then, in 1978, took a job with Beisser Lumber Company. He spent 36 years at Beisser Lumber Company, 19 years as Vice President and General Manager, and nine years as President, until his retirement on June 30, 2014. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 40 years and was a Charter Member and Third Degree Knight of Columbus. At Sacred Heart, he was a past member of the Parish Council and Finance Committee, and had been Chairman of the annual fundraiser. He also served on the board for the Annual Diocesan Appeal for the Diocese of Des Moines, and became Co-Chairman of the campaign.

In addition, he was a past Co-Chairman of the Dowling Catholic High School Appeal Drive. He was a member of the Exchange Club Breakfast Club for over 30 years and was a past President. He was a lifetime member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, and a year season ticket holder for Iowa Football. Go Hawks! Patrick is survived by his wife Darlene, and three daughters, Jennifer, Seattle, Washington; Jody, Des Moines, Iowa; and Carrie (Nic Wiltshire), Cape Town, South Africa. He is survived by his siblings, Joe (Rosanne), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Vicki (Dave) Bailey, Dallas, Oregon; Mike (Linda), Temecula, California; Rick (Mary), Olathe, Kansas; Kathy (Bruce) Moore, Iowa Falls, Iowa; and Rose, Charlotte, North Carolina.

He was beloved by his nieces and nephews and affectionately known as Uncle He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Rita, and his brother David. Patrick, Darlene, and family thank Dr. Tom Buroker, Nurses Michelle and Pat, and the entire staff of the John Stoddard Cancer Center, who consistently provided excellent care to him over the years. The family will receive visitors from pm on Thursday, July 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, with a time for remembrance and sharing at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday July 25 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart.

Patrick will be remembered for his integrity and humility. He also shared his time and resources generously. Patrick worked hard, but he played hard, traveling around the world and enjoying many fun summers at Battle Lake, Minnesota. Most of all, he will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor! In lieu of Patrick requested that memorial contributions go to the family for distribution among three organizations where his daughters try to make a positive impact: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; American Friends Service Committee Voice Program; and the Shine Centre of South Africa. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com PATRICK DAVID MASHEK West Des Moines Catheryne Koder, age 94 of Prairie City, died Monday, July 21, 2014, at Nelson Manor in Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City, with burial following at Waveland Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be directed to Skiff Hospice and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.

com. The daughter of D.W. and Lela (Workman) Jack, Catheryne was born on September 2, 1919, in Leighton, Iowa. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1936. On April 18, 1937, Catheryne was united in marriage to Elvin L.

Koder in Monroe. Catheryne worked at Prairie City School District in food service, Roberts Bakery, Kitchen Restaurant. She was a member of the Methodist Church for many years before transferring to the Christian Church in Prairie City on July 16, 1989. She was a Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Catheryne was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge in Monroe and Prairie City, serving in many including Noble Grand.

She enjoyed camping, traveling, crocheting and was known as a wonderful cook. Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Sheryl Ferguson and Sandra Davis of Newton; son, Gene (Lorna) Koder of Baxter, daughter-in-law, Elaine Koder of Des Moines; 15 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 25 great great grandchildren; brother, Dwight (Joyce) Jack of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and a sister-in-law, Margaret Bailey of Newton. Preceding her in death were her parents: husband; son, Jerry, brother Thayne; two sisters, Genevive Simbro and Martha Johnson; two sons-n-law, James Ferguson and Melvin Davis and a great granddaughter, Anna Marie Emry. CATHERYNE KODER Prairie City Hortensia Ramos, 62 of Lake Worth, FL lost her long and courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, June 22, 2014. She has gone home to her Lord and Savior and also to be with her parents David and Geysa Ramos.

She was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba and moved to the United States in 1962. She lived and graduated from Urbandale High School in 1971. She worked part time many years for Hairstyling in Urbandale. Full time she held administrative jobs in Des Moines, Atlanta, Ga and in Palm Beach, FL. She was very involved with her church wherever she lived.

Since inception she was very instrumental and supportive of the Hispanic Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church (Nuestro Salvador) in Lake Worth, FL. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, camping, scuba diving and spending time with family and friends. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her sisters Geysa (George) Munyon and Marta (Robert) Boelling. Her nieces Jennifer Clark, Tiffany Wych and nephews Craig and Brad Boelling Plus great nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of her life will be this Saturday, June 26th at 11:00 A.M. at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5615 SW 14th Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church The Ramos Fund at 1615 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460. HORTENSIA RAMOS Lake Worth, FL Formerly of Des Moines area Ervin W. Roberts Family will receive friends pm Friday Iles Westover Chapel 515-276-4567 www.IlesCares.com Milt was born on June 22, 1939 in Alliance, Nebraska to the late Charles and Mary Condon Wilson.

He graduated from Alliance High School in 1957. Milt received his Degree in Secondary Education from Chadron State College and his in Education from Colorado State University. Milt loved working in public schools as a teacher, a principal and a superintendent. His administrative career culminated as a consultant with the State of Iowa Department of Education retiring in 2005. After retirement, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

There was nothing more important to Milt than being with his grandkids. Milt also spent countless hours in the kitchen perfecting his skills as a gourmet chef and entertaining guests. Milt is survived by his children, Dionne Marie Wilson and Charles Milton Wilson III and wife Kimberly; grandchildren, Kayla Marie, Ashley Dionne, Zachary Charles, and Brooklynn Anne; sisters, Patricia Wilson, Cheryl Moran and husband Gary; his aunt, Alice Condon and his former spouse, Ruth Trierweiler Wilson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved. The family would like to thank the Doctors and staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and Scott White Hospital in Temple, TX who enabled him to be the longest living liver cancer survivor in Mayo Clinic history.

In lieu of the family request that donations be made to Wrights Nursery at (512) 489-2239 in name. All donations will be used to purchase trees to be planted in memory of Milt. CHARLES WILSON, JR. Copperas Cove, Texas Services are 1:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.

Visitation is 5 7 p.m. Thursday at the church. Berl Priebe, the son of Clarence and Amy (Bond) Priebe was born on a farm southwest of Lone Rock on May 31, 1918. He graduated from Bancroft High School in 1935. He met Madelyn Paetz and they were married on August 14, 1938.

In 1968 Berl was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. He was then elected and served as an Iowa Senator for 24 years. Berl was very active in 4H and received the 4H Hall of Fame Award. With Berl, his family was always at the top of his list. Berl is survived by his children, Paula Priebe Dixon of Indian Head Park, IL and Gary (Jennifer) Priebe of Algona; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Exceptional Opportunities. BERL PRIEBE Algona Hermon Leon Maxson, 94, of Stuart formerly of Redfield passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Stuart Community Care Center. Memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Bear Creek Friends Church near Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Stuart Community Care Center Foundation the Bear Creek Friends Church, in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Stuart, IA 50250. Online condolences may be left at www. johnsonfamilyfuneral- home.com. HERMON LEON MAXSON Stuart (formerly of 605 Lyon Street 243-5221 Marilyn Dittmer 11 AM Thursday at the funeral home Near Highland Memory Gardens 121 NW 60th Avenue 289-2442 Gretchen L. Freel 10 AM Thursday at the funeral home Carolene Hickcox 2 PM Thursday at the funeral home Southtown 5400 SW 9th Street 285-3911 Terry L.

Plumb 12 PM Thursday at the funeral home Information 243-5221 Brian Banning Fred Beaver Todd Fitzpatrick Marcella M. Jacobs Fannie Lamendola Patrick Mashek Frances Poortinga Yarielyz Rodriguez Larry Sammons Nancy Smith Online condolences may be made www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com A gathering in memory of Mary Kate Cooney will be held 2-4pm Saturday, July 26th at Restaurant, 2816 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines. Mary Kate passed away May 17th in Tucson following a battle with ovarian cancer. Friends are invited to share their memories and thoughts.

A mass in Mary memory will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Ave. at 1pm. MARY KATE COONEY Tucson, AZ; Formerly of Des Moines Melvin D. Jones, 38, went home to the Lord on July 16, 2014. A Homego- ing Service will be held at 4 p.m.

TODAY at Funeral Home with visitation starting at 2 pm. Burial will be at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet, IL Melvin is survived by his wife, LaStalcha; his children, Lance Dixon, Terriana SMith, Damon Jones, and Julian Ngumba; his brother, Marcus Jones and sisters, Yolanda McGrew and two others along with a host of extended family and many friends. MELVIN D. JONES Des Moines.