Jefferson Herald

admin1 Janelle Lynn Wilson, a beacon of laughter and courage, passed away on March 16, 2025, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Born on October 3, 1955, in Hampton, IA, Janelle’s vibrant spirit and loving nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered throughout her 69 years of life. She departed from this world in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by the love of her family and the warmth of memories shared.

Special to the Jefferson Herald Keith Voss, Master of Jefferson’s Masonic Lodge, will talk about Free Masonry at a Greene County Historical program on Friday, April 4, at the Greenewood Center, 401 Greenewood Rd., Jefferson. The free presentation begins at 12:45 p.m. Voss will explain who the Free Masons are, and give an overview of the fraternal group’s local history and its current activities. Jefferson’s Morning Star Lodge, No. 159, was formed in 1860 and chartered in 1861.

Special to the Jefferson Herald Ryne Owen will perform a live music show at Elliott Art Studio on April 18 at 7 p.m. Ryne Owen, who hails from Hampton, Iowa, has been in several bands over the years, including Wapsi River Ramblers from 2019-2024. Most recently, he’s been touring with Ramblin Ryne and the Jones. Owen grew up in Ralston, Iowa, not far from Jefferson and is excited to be close to home for a show.

Harrie Ray Buswell, 86, of Owensboro, Kentucky passed away peacefully in his home on March 5, 2025. Harrie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who met him. He never met a stranger. He loved music, often playing the autoharp while singing. He made a ministry of going to nursing homes and playing and singing with the folks there. The evening before his death, he was singing K-K-K-Katy to his beloved bride.

Special to the Jefferson Herald Tom Pevear will perform a live music show at Elliott Art Studio on April 5, 2025 at 7 p.m. Pevear, who hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, will perform a blend of roots music. His set will include his own arrangements of songs from artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Mose Allison, Rev. Gary Davis and The Delmore Brothers, alongside originals and classic songs taught to him by mentors like Jorma Kaukonen, Roy BookBinder, Tom Feldmann and Frank Fotusky.

Special to the Jefferson Herald The Jefferson Public Library will host an author talk and book signing with Iowa author Ann Hanigan Kotz on Tues., March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Depot in Jefferson. Kotzis the first author to be featured in this year’s author talk series.

Lewis Harold Pierson III, known affectionately as “Hap” to his loved ones, passed away peacefully on March 9 in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on July 27, 1965, to Delima and the late Lewis Harold Pierson II, Hap was a cherished son, brother, uncle, stepfather and friend. Raised in Jefferson, Hap was the oldest sibling, with three sisters, Lynda, Jeannette and Jolene, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond. He attended the Jefferson schools and proudly graduated from Jefferson Community School in 1984.

Memorial services for Steve Carlson, age 71, of Jefferson, will be held at 10:30am Friday, March 7, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson, Iowa. The family will visit with friends from 5:00pm - 7:00pm Thursday, March 6, 2025 at SliningerSchroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa. Interment will take place at a later time at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery, Adel, Iowa.

Special to the Jefferson Herald Jefferson Telecom is pleased to donate $500 to the Greene County Christian Action Resource Center (ARC) food pantry, reinforcing our commitment to supporting families in need in our community. As part of a holiday giving initiative, Jefferson Telecom pledged to contribute to the ARC food pantry for every Internet upgrade made before December 31. Jefferson Telecom stepped in to make a substantial contribution of $500 to the organization.

Special to the Jefferson Herald Robert Hurley will be at the Grand Junction Public Library on Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. to discuss his book, “10-31 Crime in Progress.” Hurley, a Jefferson resident of 44 years, is a retired Iowa State Trooper. A Dubuque native, he served in the Air Force in Japan as a security police officer. Returning to the United States, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Nebraska and worked on the police force at LaVista, Nebraska.