Elizabeth “Betty” Walker

02/11/1927 –

01/16/2020

Bernard T. Meiners, 95 of Coon Rapids, died Monday, September 1, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids surrounded by his family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Patrick Behm, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Jill Klein. Gift Bearers will be Talina Haskins, Caitlin ThongVahn, and Amanda Meiners. Casket Bearers will be Brian Meiners, Ben Meiners, Aaron Meiners, Lucas Meiners, Jason Nees, Mike Nees, Ryan Schultes, Tyler Schultes, Jordan Schultes, Justin Meiners, and Trenton Meiners. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham with military honors conducted by the Dedham American Legion.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Joseph’s Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bernard’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Elizabeth “Betty” Walker, age 92, of Carroll, and formerly of Mt. Carmel, died Thursday, January 16, 2020 at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll surrounded by her five daughters.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at St. John Paul II Parish- Holy Spirit Church in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Kevin Richter. Music will be by Kate Cuddy and Sherry Loughran. Lectors will be Jess Steinkamp, Laura Socarras Olson, and Julianna Loneman Collison. Gift Bearers will be Betty’s Granddaughters. Eucharistic Minister will be Lori Loneman. Casket Bearers will be Betty’s Grandsons. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Mt. Carmel.

Friends may call at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, after 4 p.m. on Tuesday where there will be a Rosary prayed at 5 p.m., and a Christian Wake Service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

The casket will be moved to Holy Spirit Church on Wednesday morning, where visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Betty’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Betty, the daughter of Ben and Mary (Geier) Vonnahme was born on February 11, 1927 at Carroll, Iowa. She grew up in Carroll, and graduated from Carroll High School. On February 17, 1947, Betty was united in marriage to Alonzo J. “Lucky” Walker at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel with the Rev. P.M. Sturm presiding.
Betty held various jobs including: bartender at Smiley’s; Burke Hotel, over 20 years as kitchen staff at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School; and as a nanny to Denny and Lori Loneman’s children: Melissa, Julianna, and Drew, her “other” grandchildren.

Betty didn’t think anyone cared what her hobbies were and there would be no reason to list them, but sorry Mom… Betty enjoyed going to the casino, especially the Wild Rose on Chicken Tuesday, doing crossword puzzles in ink, crocheting and giving the “Betty Jean” look when necessary. Most of all loving her family especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-granddaughter.

Survivors include her five daughters: Shari Harrison of Carroll, Jacquie (Rick) Shelton of Carroll, Denise (Mike) Riddle of Carroll, Joyce (Terry) Steinkamp of Wall Lake, and Robyn Corbin of Wall Lake; her grandchildren: Mark Richardson, Wendy (Pat) Gerdes, Angie Olson, Dave (Laura) Olson, Dan (Laura) Olson, Jen (Don) Bolden, Adam Steinkamp, Brody (Jess) Steinkamp, Terilyn Corbin, Wyatt Corbin, and Kipp Corbin, 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; sister-in-law Lucille Vonnahme of Papillion, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Mary Vonnahme, her husband, A.J. “Lucky” Walker on March 18, 1979; her sons-in-law: Randy Olson, and Butch Harrison; her brothers: Andy (Sally) Vonnahme, Wayne (Mary Rose) Vonnahme, Jim Vonnahme and a brother in infancy Larry.

Church Service

Friday, September 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Burial

Sharp Funeral Home ~ Carroll, Iowa

226 W. 8th St., Carroll, IA, 51401

712-792-4301

[email protected]

https://www.sharpfuneral.com

Church Service

Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Sharp Funeral Home – Carroll
226 W. 8th St, Carroll, IA 50401

Friday, September 5, 2025
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Obituary

Born March 31, 1930, he was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rotert) Meiners. He grew up in the Dedham-Willey area and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Willey in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army July 8, 1953 and was stationed at Wurzburg, Germany. He was discharged on May 20, 1955.

Bernard married Dolores S. Halbur on January 24, 1956 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. After being married Bernard and Dolores lived 3 miles north of Dedham for two years. In 1958, they moved to the farm they purchased four miles east of Dedham. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Dale, David, Cathleen, Christine, and Gary. Dolores passed away January 21, 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Bernard married Marita Eickman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. In May 2011, Bernard and Marita moved off the farm into the town of Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home there for 14 years. In April 2025, they moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

During Bernard’s lifetime, he farmed, had a dairy operation, had a cow/calf operation, and raised hogs. He retired in 1992. He is a current member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dedham, a member of the Dedham American Legion Post #20, and a member of the Manning VFW. In July 2001 Bernard, being a Korean Veteran, had the privilege to go on the Military Honor Flight to Washington DC. Just recently he was presented with a Quilt of Valor at Thomas Rest Haven, and at the age of 95 he still enjoyed attending the Legion meetings.

Bernard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were a treat for him to get to see most of them at one time. In his spare time Bernard enjoyed gathering black walnuts in the fall and kept busy shelling the walnuts during the winter. Family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marita Meiners; his children, Dale (Mary) Meiners of Carroll, David (Jane) Meiners of Varna, IL, Cathleen (Larry) Nees of Coon Rapids, Christine (Mark) Schultes of Dedham, and Gary (Barb) Meiners of Manson; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with 2 more coming in October; a brother Anthony (Colleen) Meiners of Carroll; 2 sisters, Catherine Wittrock of Carroll and Marcella Naberhaus of Carroll; his sisters-in-laws, Margaret (Tom) Denker of Manning, and Pat (Joe) Goblirsch of Jesup. He is also survived by Marita’s children, Richard (Sandy) Eickman of Omaha, NE, James (Joni) Eickman of Dyer, TN, Dave (Joan) Eickman of Macungie, PA, Randy (Rose) Eickman of Coon Rapids, Nancy Eickman and Jim Springer of Warren, NJ, and Karen Heck of Delano, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores S. Meiners; a son Daniel J. Meiners; Marita’s son Bill Eickman; his parents Bernard and Catherine Meiners; his brothers John (Margaret) Meiners, Albert (Frances) Meiners; his brothers-in-law Clarence Wittrock, Norbert Naberhaus, Cletus (Emaline) Halbur, Norman (Inez) Halbur, Larry (JoAnn) Halbur; his brother-in-law, William (Marie) Halbur; Dolores’ parents, William and Frances Halbur, and stepmother-in-law, Josephine Halbur.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernard T. Meiners, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tribute Wall

I grew up in Mt. Carmel and Betty and Lucky are in a big part of my childhood memories. I will always remember her laugh and tenacious and fun spirit. My condolences to her family. Cindy Fleskes Zalewski

Cindy Zalewski – January 18 2020 at 9:00 AM

Betty's family: You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you face the days ahead. Betty was a sweet person who raised her daughters well. Our sympathy to all of you during these difficult days. Wes & CJ Niles

Wes & CJ Niles – January 26 2020 at 10:33 AM

I will always remember Betty as one of the lunch ladies. She always had that smile 😁 and if you were having a bad day - she would always give you a smile! What a special lady she was!!

Kim Baumhover Eisenbacher – January 21 2020 at 9:04 AM

Nita Merrigan-Potthoff purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Elizabeth "Betty" Walker.

Nita Merrigan-Potthoff – January 20 2020 at 9:54 PM

I loved visiting with Betty at St Anthony’s, she always greeted me with a warm smile and a wave!

Cathy Olson – January 20 2020 at 9:47 PM

Obituaries