Grump Candidates 2013

Verla Jurgensen

I was born and raised on a farm seven miles southwest of Sumner. She was known as "Dad's Right Hand Man" on the tractor in the field, milking cows, or riding her horse after chores. She is an active member of St. John's Church in Buck Creek. Verla graduated from Sumner in 1957, married Lyle Jurgensen in 1958, and then went to Germany with the military from 1958 to 1962. Her children are Rodney, Sherry, Gail, and Carla; her grandchildren are Evan, Keri, and Leona. Lyle and Verla owned Antique Service Center in Sumner for 36 years until Lyle became ill and passed away in 2003. She stayed on their acreage for two years, sold it, and then moved to Readlyn. She has been employed at the Center Inn for seven years. Verla loves to help people; she believes in giving a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Volunteering keeps her busy. When not at work or volunteering at Clothes Closet at Buck Creek, she is baking and repairing clothing. She recently donated soup for Santa’s visit and brought homegrown sunflowers to school to help children understand the growing process. She would love to see a community potluck for all of Readlyn. “We have a beautiful park; let’s use it.”

Ron Kohagen

I moved to Readlyn with my parents Willard and Wilma, my three brothers, and my three sisters in 1958. It’s a great place for any kid to grow up, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of Wapsie Valley. I married a wonderful gal from Denver, Nancy Bruns, and we have 2 daughters. Marcia is married to Jeff Joerger; they have three children: Sam, Lessa, and Jackson. Our other daughter Gail is married to Ryan Hull: they two girls: Ellie and Sydney. I was in the Army Reserve for six years and was a member of the Jaycees when they were active in Readlyn. I belonged to Readlyn Tractor Pullers and later Readlyn Tripoli Tractor Pullers and have served on the Readlyn City Council in past years. I belong to Zion Lutheran Church where I have served in the past and presently am on the council.Readlyn is a great town to raise a family. Friendly is a good way to describe the townspeople. Good luck to Grump candidates whoever you are.

Bernice Schumacher

It has been my pleasure to have lived half of my life in Black Hawk County, and the other living, near and in Readlyn. My immediate family consists of 4 sons and 3 daughters, 1 son living in Nebraska, 2 sons living in Iowa, and the fourth in Illinois; my 3 daughters living in Cedar Rapids. My children have blessed me with 16 grand children and 10 great-grand children I retired from dairy farming 16 years ago, I now enjoy both vegetable and flower gardening, working puzzles, most especially those found in the Variety Puzzle Magazine. I love to quilt, and try my hand at various types of artwork, including ceramics. h Have a passion for reading, most especially for adventure and humorous stories, with a “happily ever after ending” of course! I am a very active member of St. Paul Church here in Readlyn. Enjoy fun times playing in several 500 card clubs and also riding the bike trail when weather permits are two more of my favorites. Most of all, I love living in the Friendly town of Readlyn.

Garylee Thurm

I am pretty much a life-long Readlyn resident. After graduating from Wapsie Valley Schools, I enlisted in the Army Reserve. Shortly after that I married Bonnie Wyatt. We have two children and six grandchildren. I have a strong work ethic. After the service I worked for the Co-op a few years and then went to Deere’s. Shortly after starting at Deere’s I was bored with 40 hours of work, so I started working part-time for Romaine Mathias. I retired from John Deere after working there for 37 years. Presently I have a couple of part time business hobbies: I do scroll saw work and exhibit at some craft shows. I also have a jig and fly tying business which includes some commercial tying. The busier I am, the better I like it. I have a lot of supplies, and my theory is, “If I don't have it, you don't need it.” I am an avid fly fisherman who hasn’t put any bait on a hook for about 25 years. My favorite target is bluegill on a popper from ponds.I'm a member of Zion Lutheran Church and have served in various positions on the church council including chairman. I am the volunteer who manages the pop can collection for the Readlyn fireworks. For those of you who don't know me, I am the guy walking around town with the big black dog. If I'm selected as grump, my goal will be to try to be the friendliest grump around. My advice: Enjoy life to its fullest and play the hand you were dealt. Always remember that there is someone in worse shape than you are.