Chester W. Simpson, Jr.
Chester W. Simpson, Jr., age 82, of Montezuma, Iowa, and formerly of Hartwick, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
A graveside service with military honors was held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Hartwick Cemetery. A celebration of life reception and luncheon followed from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Hartwick Fire Station.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to Mary Simpson for future distribution to local organizations of the family’s choosing. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347.
Chester W. Simpson, Jr., known as “Junior,” was born on August 24, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Chester and Lucille Simpson. He was raised in Hartwick and graduated from Hartwick High School. Following his education, Junior enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his military service. He was a proud veteran and a member of the Victor American Legion and the Hartwick Volunteer Fire Department.
On May 31, 1964, Junior was united in marriage to Mary Thompson. The couple made their home in Hartwick, where they raised their three children, Kim, Matt, and Corey. Junior managed the M & N Grain Store in Hartwick until its closure. He then worked at Kinze Manufacturing until his retirement. Never one to sit idle, Junior continued working in retirement, assisting with grounds maintenance for Poweshiek County alongside his son Corey.
Junior found peace and enjoyment in the outdoors. He especially loved spending weekends fishing and camping with his family. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, mowing, and simply being outside. Above all, Junior treasured time spent with his family. He took great pride in supporting his children and grandchildren, especially at their sporting events, seldom missing an opportunity to cheer them on.
Junior is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Simpson of Montezuma; his three children, Kim (Bubba) Meeks of Chelsea, Iowa, Matt (Renee) Simpson of Montezuma, and Corey (Athena) Simpson of Montezuma; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and his siblings, Jim (Kay) Simpson, Rick Simpson, and Alicia (Ron) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester “Chet” and Lucille Simpson; his brothers, Larry (Louise) Simpson and Bob Simpson; and sister-in-law Joni Simpson.
Jeffrey Charles Conover
Jeffrey Charles Conover, 64, of Janesville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at UnityPoint-Allen Memorial in Waterloo.
Jeff was born on June 27, 1962, in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Curtis and Mary Ann (Dwyer) Conover. He was baptized on July 8, 1962, and confirmed in November of 1975 into the catholic faith. He grew up on a farm southwest of Holstein and graduated from Galva-Holstein High School in 1981. After high school he farmed for friends and later attended Hawkeye Community College, where he obtained an associates of arts degree in Machining. Jeff was united in marriage to Jennifer Lynne Mastain on November 11, 1995, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly.
In 1993, he started working for Iowa Laser (O’Neal manufacturing Services) in Cedar Falls and where he had been presently working. In the spring and fall you could find him in the fields and after a snowstorm you would find him in a snowplow. Jeff served on the Janesville Fire Department for 22 years and was currently the department’s Safety Officer. He also served on the Janesville City Council.
Jeff enjoyed attending his boy’s sporting events and spending time with his family. His biggest joy was his granddaughter Olivia and he loved playing outside with her and walking along with her when she was on her bike. He took great pride and was meticulous about his lawn and his cars. He always made sure his yard looked good, and his cars were always clean for their trips.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Jennifer Conover of Janesville; two of Independence and Jameson Conover of Janesville; a granddaughter, Olivia Conover and another granddaughter arriving in November; his brothers, Steve (Kim) Conover of Odebolt; Dan (Shelley) Conover of Holstein; Doug (Sheri) Conover of Galva and Mike (Melanie) of Coralville, along with many niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Mary Ann Conover; his grandparents, Charlie and Mary Dwyer and Kenneth and Inez Conover; and his uncle, Charles Dwyer.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm at the Kaiser- Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and continue for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly. Burial will be held in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family.