OBITUARIES

Ruth (Erps) Buddenhagen, 89, of Ankeny, formerly of Humboldt, went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2026. Ruth was the daughter of Edward and Ellen (Axford) Erps of Arcadia. She was born July 6, 1936 at home on the family farm where she joined her mom, dad, Grandma Axford and her four siblings. She attended and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1953 and attended Buena Vista College (now University) where she met her future husband, James Buddenhagen. Jim and Ruth were united in marriage at the Arcadia Presbyterian Church on June 10, 1955. Jim and Ruth lived in various locations during Jim’s military service and teaching career. They had three children: Craig, Susan, and Julie. In 1968, they settled in Alta, and later moved to Humboldt in 1977. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Ruth was the site manager for the local Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals, later she transitioned to working for Humboldt Mutual until she retired in 1998.

Norma Jean Block, 88, formerly of Humboldt, passed away peacefully in New Mexico on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 with her family by her side.
Norma Jean was born Feb. 19, 1937 in Humboldt, the daughter of Fred and Leona (Crumbaker) McFarland. She was raised and educated in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School. Norma Jean was united in marriage to Gary B. Block on June 1, 1963. The couple made their home in Humboldt where they raised their family. Norma Jean was an office assistant prior to marriage, working for Bestwall in Fort Dodge and John Hancock’s, Davenport Office. She also worked at the Baby Fold in Normal, Illinois. Upon marriage she focused her energy and time on her family and children. She had been a member of Faith United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

Carl Frank Mattes, 88, of Newton died surrounded by his family, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Newton. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. Memorials in Carl’s name, to be used for children’s educational and sports opportunities, may be left at the church the day of the service or the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory (checks made payable to Judy Mattes).

Judy Ann Tokheim, age 76, of Humboldt, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Judy was born on Dec. 21, 1949, in Colfax, to John and Inez Scott. She was united in marriage to Dale Tokheim on July 28, 1973. The couple made their home in Humboldt, where they raised their family and shared 61 wonderful years together.

Rhonda entered this world in unforgettable fashion, born in a hallway - delivered by a nun - seemingly fit for a woman who would spend her life on her own terms.
A true force of nature, Rhonda lived boldly, with an unshakeable will, fierce independence, stubbornness and a love for life that never wavered. She embraced every moment “with both feet first,” fiercely protecting those she loved, and meeting every challenge head-on, regardless of the odds.
In her 22,081 days, Rhonda wore many hats—mastering each endeavor with tenacity, intelligence and a spark that could never be forgotten. Strong-willed, opinionated, kind and unforgettable, she left an indelible mark wherever she went—often with a dramatic flair.

Michael M. “Mike” Chapman, 76, of Humboldt, passed away at his home in Humboldt following a lengthy illness.
Mike was born July 18, 1949 in Glenwood, the son of Marion and Joan (Tucker) Chapman. He married Millie Boswell on April 22, 1972. The couple lived in Denver, a ranch in the Black Hills, AZ and finally made their home in Humboldt. They were married for 50 wonderful years. Mike was a successful stock car driver, winning multiple trophies. He was known in the racing community as “the whiz kid” at just 19 years old. His racing career memorabilia is stored in the Algona race track museum. Mike was an avid collector and restorer of antique cars.
Mike worked at K.C. Nielsen for nearly 30 years, enjoying his work. He was active with the Goldfield Presbyterian Church and volunteered at Moffitt Animal Shelter and loved rescuing cats.

Cherie Kohler, 65 of Dakota City formerly Golden, CO, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at her home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Humboldt. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Cherie Lynn Kohler, the daughter of John Gary Thorimbert and Caren (Witt) Arends, was born on Feb. 12, 1961, in Santa Cruz, California. She attended schools in Olympia, WA, and graduated from Capital High School. Cherie furthered her education by enrolling in Beauty School and Olympia Technical College. She worked as a para legal, legal secretary and floral designer. Cherie was most recently employed by Sprouts in Golden, CO.

Dr. John Webster DeGroote, age 89, passed away on May 10, 2026, at Singing River Hospital. John was born in Iowa and spent his younger years in Humboldt. His Grandfather DeGroote is credited with nurturing his desire for learning by giving him access to National Geographic magazines to read. Both grandfathers cultivated his love of the outdoors by teaching him to fish and hunt. Opening day of hunting season would often find John and his best friend in the fields before the start of the school day. A parent could report to the school for the boys, and they would not be reported absent.

Dakota A. Burmeister, 27, of Humboldt, IA, died Saturday, May 23, 2026. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com

Paul A. Burmeister, 65, of Livermore, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Fort Dodge Health & Rehab. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1–5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com