Obituaries

Lila Eleanor Schellhammer Weipert, 89, of McGregor, died Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at Great River Care Center in McGregor. She was born April 3, 1931, to George and Minnie (Uren) Schellhammer in Lansing. Lila attended country school and later earned her G.E.D.

On Nov. 13, 1947, Lila was united in marriage with Francis Weipert in Lansing.

Lila was known for baking pies, bread and cookies. She enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family.

Olga Mae Corlett, 88 of McGregor, entered the gates of heaven Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at Great River Care Center in McGregor. Olga Mae was born April 5, 1932, to Ernest and Sarah Margaret (Halverson) Eggen in McGregor. She was raised in Sny Magill where she attended school before graduating from McGregor High School in 1949. 

Olga was united in marriage with Ralph J. Corlett on Oct. 1, 1949, at First Lutheran Church in McGregor. The two then took over the homestead in Sny Magill where they raised 10 children together. 

Eldean August William Wilke, 86, of Elkader, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at the Elkader Care Center. He was born Aug. 22, 1934, in Read Township, rural Elkader, the son of Eldo and Marie (Staack) Wilke. He received his education at a country school. Eldean served in the United States Army for two years, stationed at Bitburg, Germany.

He was married Feb. 2, 1960, to Ivanelle Boehm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader by Pastor Harold Heupel. To this union, two daughters were born, Linette (James) Langhus and Lisa (David) Pope.

Eldean worked for Grau Logs and Lumber for 40 years; following his retirement, he worked 12 years for the city of Elkader. Eldean enjoyed camping, wood carving, ginseng hunting, listening to music and spending time with his family.

JoAnn R. Whittle, 87, of Elkader, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born Dec. 25, 1932, in rural Geddes, S.D., to Andrew and Adela (Bartekoske) Shea. The family moved to Iowa when JoAnn was very young.

She was united in marriage with Malcolm Whittle on Nov. 8, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. The couple was blessed with five children. Throughout the years, JoAnn worked as a telephone operator, did babysitting in her own home, worked at the Elkader Wire Factory and, lastly, was a cook at Scenic Acres. She was a very hard worker, always putting family first. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially getting to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all as someone with a quick smile. JoAnn was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.