Harold O. Jensen, Jr., age 79, of Mapleton passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Burgess Health Center of Onawa.
    A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com
    Harold "Harry" Jensen, Jr. was born on November 30, 1945, to Harold Jensen, Sr. and Delphine (Stodden) Jensen in Sioux City. Harry received his schooling in Mapleton, graduating with the Mapleton High School Class of 1964.
    On July 6, 1968, he married his wife of 56 years, Carol Ann Hinkley, in Ida Grove. Harry and Carol welcomed three children into their family: Mark, Michael, and Linda. Harry farmed before moving into the town of Mapleton in 1981. After moving to town, he took up his favorite profession, "Jack of All Trades".
    Spending countless hours in his garage tinkering with all sorts of tools and machines, there was nothing Harry could not fix nor get running. He proudly passed along his mechanical abilities to his grandsons by spending time working together in his garage.
    Harry knew no strangers. He was quick to give a helping hand to friends and neighbors alike. Whether mowing or pushing snow for others, he never had a fixed price for his services. He simply just asked for people to pay what they were able and what they thought was right. During planting and harvest seasons, Harry assisted local farmers as a hired hand.
    Harry enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was great at the longest goodbyes, following visitors down the driveway to continue conversation as they were leaving. He will be remembered for his kindness and his giving nature by all who knew and loved him.
    Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol of Mapleton; sons Mark (Deb) Jensen of Mapleton and Michael (Staci) Jensen of Spencer; daughter: Linda Fox of Mapleton; grandchildren: Shelby (Christopher) Lee, Cole (Madeline) Jensen, Chase Fox, Madison (Caleb) Olsen, Jayson Dirks, and Megan Dirks; 9 great grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.
    Harry was preceded in death by his parents and a number of extended family members.

    Kathleen "Kathy" (Beacom) Dirksen, 76, beloved wife of Warren, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on February 13, 2025, at UnityPoint-St. Luke's Regional Medical Center of Sioux City.
    Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury.
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Danbury. Father William McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Born on May 9, 1948, in Sioux City to John and Delia (Jauron) Beacom, Kathy's life was defined by her love for family, faith, community, a good book, and a steaming hot cup of coffee.
    Kathy was a proud graduate of the Class of 1967 from Bishop Heelan High School. She continued her education in Clinton, IA, before working at Tolers Pharmacy and later alongside her father at Upper Missouri River Cooperation.
    Warren found Kathy at a dance in Sioux City, sparking a love story that would last over 55 years. They were married on March 22, 1968, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Salix. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised eight children on a farm outside Danbury, embracing the energy and activities that accompany a family of ten with humor and love. On the farm, she showed her dedication year-round by making countless lunches, driving the men between farms, and carefully handling the family's business affairs.
    Kathy was extremely active in her community, serving on both the Danbury Catholic School Board and the Maple Valley-Anthon Oto School Boards. She was always advocating for the education of local children. As a dedicated member of her faith community, she taught religious education and served as President of the Rosary Society and Women's Club.
    Known for her signature laugh, Kathy was her children's biggest cheerleader, always found at their activities and events and ready to encourage them through school and life. She was an adoring grandma who loved to celebrate every holiday, shopping for thoughtful gifts and building personalized Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's packages. Christmas at the farm was full of tradition as the growing group lined up for a family photo every year and shared memories and laughs over a full table. She cherished visiting her children and grandchildren as they grew, taking pride in their achievements along the way.
    Kathy loved traveling to distant destinations with her husband, from New Zealand and Alaska to the Panama Canal, cruises with her family, and other meaningful trips throughout the country.
    She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 55 years, Warren, and their seven children: Mark (Lisa) Dirksen of McCook Lake, SD; Julie (Brent) Steemken of Ankeny; Angela (Owen III) Primavera of Lenexa, KS; Sandra (Louai Albinni) Dirksen of Abu Dhabi; John (Allison) Dirksen of Shoreview, MN; Amanda (Joshua) Sheldahl of Shawnee, KS; and Matthew (Allyson) Dirksen of Danbury. She was blessed and proud of her 20 grandchildren: Annabel, Emmet, Orion, Ione, Zachary, Benjamin, Shania, Zorianna, Owen IV, Joseph, Theo, Hugh, Wyatt, Austin, Levi, William, Lauren, Kate, Leah, and James, who all brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her six siblings, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
    Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joe and her parents, John and Delia Beacom.
    Kathy's warmth, kindness, and love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her legacy of faith, compassion and unwavering cheerfulness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

    Marjorie Ann (Carr) Feddersen, age 84, of Anthon, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
    A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a short program at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Anthon Events Center of Anthon.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences maybe left online at armstrongfuneral.com
    The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Anthon Fire Department, PO Box C Anthon, IA 51004.
    Born on August 5, 1940, to Frank and Berniece Carr, Marge or as some of her family and friends fondly called her Margie, grew up in Anthon where she made lifelong memories with family and friends.
    After graduating from Anthon High School (where she was crowned homecoming queen), Marge attended college at Wayne State University in Wayne, NE, where she obtained an education major. After graduation, she went on to teach in various elementary schools in the area. A devoted member of the St Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon, Marge also taught catechism for many years.
    Marge married Larry Feddersen on August 15, 1964, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and they built their life together on the family farm for over 60 years.
    In addition, Marge's entrepreneurial spirit was evident in her many ventures. She created home décor items while operating the Calico Corner for several years with sister-in-law Peggy Feddersen. Two local favorites that she and Larry owned were the Little Siouxloon in Anthon (partners with Wally and Lois Duncan for some time), and the Dairy Barn in Holstein. Marge made sure that all patrons had the best food, drink, and conversation experience in the area. After selling the business, Marge and Larry could be found on the family farm, visiting various casinos, playing bingo, reading books or spending precious time with family.
    Left to cherish Marge is her husband Larry; daughter Kim Burma (Jim Jr.); sons Michael Feddersen and Paul Feddersen (Erin); former daughter-in-law Shawna Feddersen; grandchildren Jimmy Burma (Alexis), Maddie Burma, SophieRae Feddersen, Dash Feddersen, Quinn Stewart, Jillian Stewart; great-grandson Jones Burma; sister Jane (Jerry) Schrunk; sisters-in-law Rebecca Carr, Marlene Albers, Cathe Feddersen, Peggy Feddersen, Dianna Lillie (Ray); family friend Jered Jepsen; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
    Marge was proceeded in death by her son Bradley; brother Francis; parents Frank and Berniece Carr; parents-in-law Les and Maxine Feddersen; brothers-in-law Bob, Vince, and Phil Feddersen; and nephew Scott Albers.
    Marge's warmth, strength, and unyielding love for her family and friends touched the lives of many. She will be remembered for her youthful spirit, her boundless generosity, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.