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The 2020-2021 Waukon wrestling season will be one filled with new experiences as the wrestling Indians get set to take on a bit more than just their fellow mat opponents during this winter campaign. In addition to the challenges posed by those standing directly across the mat from the Tribe grapplers, this year’s wrestlers will also be battling an opponent that can be all around them, on or off the mat, in the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing teams to also focus their preparations on overcoming that foe as well on a daily basis.

Guidance handed down by State of Iowa Public Health officials and the Iowa High School Athletic Association will impact everything from practices, meet and tournament competition, and even weigh-in procedures, among other facets. However, Waukon wrestling head coach Mason Berns and his charges know that all of these changes being made are in an effort to keep everyone healthy and to allow the season to be able to take place.

Orville J. Bratrud, 96, of Waukon died Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at his home in Waukon. Funeral services were held Monday, November 30 at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, both in rural Waterville. Condolences may be sent to Dorothy Bratrud at 207 First Avenue NW, Waukon, IA 52172. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled the arrangements.

Orville Joseph Bratrud was born December 12, 1923 in Allamakee County, rural Waterville, the son of Ingvold and Inga (Olson) Bratrud. He attended country school in the Village Creek area and graduated from Waterville High School in 1942. After he graduated, he worked for several area farmers as a hired hand.

Orville served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945 until 1947. While he was in the service, he participated in the American Army Band and drill team.

Deborah E. “Deb” Livingston, age 59, of Norfolk, NE passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk with Reverend Patrick McLaughlin as the celebrant. Private interment will follow the service for immediate family. Home for Funerals was in charge of arrangements.

Deborah Elizabeth was born September 29, 1961 in Norfolk, NE to Bernard and Patricia “Pat” (Gaul) Ruppert. She graduated from Madison High School in 1980.

June 26, 1982, Deb married Dean Bove at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison, WI. Dean passed away in 1993.

After nine years of dating, Deb married James “Jim” Livingston April 16, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek.

Everett Francis Waters of Hinckley, MN lost his courageous battle with cancer November 19, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. A private memorial service was held in his home.

Everett was born February 12, 1945, grew up in Lansing and later moved to Minneapolis, MN where he met Constance, his wife of 55 years. In his younger years he was a fly fisherman and hunter. He loved spending time with his family and teaching them about his loving and merciful God.

He was a policeman in Minneapolis and in Iowa. Later in life he was a social worker at Hubert Humphrey Job Corps. He was a great man loved by many.

He is survived by his wife, Constance; his sons, Clayton and Rodney, and daughter, Stephanie, and their families; as well as by one sister, one brother and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Leona Waters, one brother and two sisters.

David G. Pfiffner, 63, of Las Vegas, NV, formerly of Lansing, passed away after suffering a heart attack November 8, 2020 at Centennial Hills Hospital in Las Vegas. In consideration of COVID-19, the family will hold a graveside service in Las Vegas Friday, December 4. A second service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held in his beloved hometown of Lansing in 2021, once it is safe to do so. Additional details surrounding that service will be shared at a later date.

David was born March 20, 1957 to Albert “Abby” and Wilma “Boots” (Hirth) Pfiffner. He graduated from Kee High School in Lansing in 1975 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Winona State University in Minnesota.

Kermit G. Martin, 78, of Monona, formerly of Waterville, went to be with the Lord Friday, November 27, 2020 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 1 at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Rev. Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Condolences may be sent to Jessica Winkler at 20382 115th Street, Monona, IA 52159. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled the arrangements.

Kermit George Martin was born February 5, 1942 in Waukon, the son of Edward and Florence (Dresselhaus) Martin. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Eitzen, MN, attended Eitzen Elementary School and graduated from Waukon High School in 1960. While in high school, Kermit started working at Hager’s Grocery Store in Waukon. After high school he went to work at Amana Refrigeration in Cedar Rapids. He served in the Army Reserves from 1964-1969.

Mavis I. Mitchell, 81, of rural Monona died Friday, November 27, 2020 at her home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 1 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial was at IOOF Cemetery, Rossville. Condolences may be sent to Darrell Mitchell at 764 Bigfoot Road, Monona, IA 52159.

Mavis Irene Mitchell was born September 8, 1939 in Decorah, the daughter of Orlando and Helen (Overacker) Otteson. She attended Freeport country schools and Decorah High School. Mavis spent her whole life in northeast Iowa, farming on the family farm in the Rossville area. She married Darrell D. Mitchell.

Mavis enjoyed fishing, plants and flowers, and watching the birds and deer. Her hobbies also included embroidery and playing cards. Mavis loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren grow.

Sandra K. Hove, 81, of rural Decorah passed away peacefully with her family by her side Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at her home. Funeral services were held Monday, November 30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial was at Lincoln Cemetery, Ridgeway. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements. Cards and condolences may be sent to Dr. Brenda Houg at 1421 Old Stage Road, Waukon, IA 52172.

Sandra Kay Hove was born August 12, 1939 in Decorah, the daughter of Clarence and Blanche (Tollefson) Anderson; she was the youngest of two children. Sandra was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Ossian and graduated from Ossian High School. She then started her career at the Ossian Bank.

Betty White of Waukon will be celebrating her 90th birthday November 30.

Her children, Connie White Delaney, Sue Ellen White, E. Clark White (Christopher Jordan), Lora (Randy) McClimon, Loren (Wendy) White, and Ann White are honoring her on this occasion with a card shower. Cards and well wishes may be sent to 206 Sixth Street SW, Waukon, IA 52172.

Rita Dougherty of Waukon will be celebrating her 90th birthday December 2.

In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to Northgate Care Center, 960 Fourth Street NW, Waukon, IA 52172.