DEATH NOTICE
David Koch, 80, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at the Clarinda Regional Health Center surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services were held Monday, Oct. 27, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Clarinda, Iowa with Reverend Jay Cline officiating. Visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 26, at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Visitation attendees were encouraged to wear red or white (or Nebraska volleyball gear if you have it!). Burial will be held at a later date in the Clarinda Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Clarinda Lied Center, Clarinda Lied Library Foundation or donor’s choice. Memories can be shared with the family at www.nodawayvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda. David Lloyd Koch passed away peacefully in his sleep after a seven-year battle with leukemia. Dave was 80. He was born November 11, 1944 to Alice Mae (Wagner) Koch and Lloyd Alvin Koch. He was born and raised in Lincoln. He earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska, where he also met Nancy Baker. Dave and Nancy married on Dec. 17, 1966. They moved to Clarinda in 1969 when he got hired as a pharmacist at Hawley Rexall Drug. He then bought Koch Pharmacy (formerly Oehler Drug), before eventually going to work for Easter Pharmacy and finishing up his career at Medicap.
Dave was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. When his parents were getting on in years, he made the trip from Clarinda to Lincoln every Tuesday for years to help them out. He coached his little brother Dan’s little league team as a young adult. Sometimes as a kid he was a little too adventurous, such as when he fell out of a tree and broke both wrists, and had to rely on his sister Connie for help with lots of things. Nancy remembers volunteering to run to Beechner’s Grocery Store in Lincoln in order to see the cute, funny checkout boy who worked there. Dave was always available to play tennis or ping pong with his kids, and never once considered taking it easy on them to let them win. Ever since becoming a grandparent, he became Gramps to the whole family. When each grandchild was born, he checked them over to see if they had crooked pinkie fingers like he did. The grandkids got a box of tic tacs every time he saw them when they were little, and they always loved playing electronic golf with him.
He played all sorts of racquet sports through most of his adult life, including tennis, racquetball, and ping pong. He was also an avid bridge player, playing every Thursday with good friends. Dave was an avid Nebraska fan, especially volleyball. Another passion was travel. Some of his favorite memories were of taking pictures of leopards and elephants in Africa, going on church trips to Central America, visiting his kids in Japan or the Netherlands, playing bridge in a beach cabin in Fiji until management kicked him out, or drinking bottomless margaritas on a Mexican beach.
He was active in the Clarinda community, beginning with The Lions Club and the Clarinda Arts Council, and acted with the Clarinda Community Theater for many years, playing such roles as Abraham Lincoln, the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, and Oscar in the Odd Couple.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Alice, and his grandson Nathan David Koch.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Tom and his wife Brooke Thaden-Koch and their children Paxton and Ivery, son Jon and his wife Teresa and their sons Adam and Ian and their bonus daughter Alberta Harlan and her family, sister Connie (Terry) Chambers, brother Dan (Kris) Koch, and brother-in-law Kelley Baker, as well as nieces, nephews, and AFS exchange students.
ANTIQUE JOHN'S AUCTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 10:00 BOB AND PHYLLIS KENDALL ESTATE SHIRLEY HERZBERG HOUSEHOLD AND OTHER 505 EAST GLENN MILLER DRIVE, CLARINDA, IOWA ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES, FURNITURE, TOOLS, YARD AND GARDEN ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES: BLUE BAND CROCKS, OLD BUTTER CROCK, CROCK BOWLS, SPONGE WARE, JEWEL T CASSEROLE, OLD ROUND SCHOOL TIN LUNCH BOX, DEPRESSION GLASS INCLUDING 15 PIECES OF MADRID, CHRISTMAS NIKKO DISHES (16 COMPLETE PIECES),CANDLE STICK DESK PHONE, PHILCO DECO RADIO, MOON/STAR CANDY DISHES, DEPRESSION AMBER SNACK BOWLS, #7 GRISWOLD SKILLET, CROCK JUGS, HAND CORN PLANTER, FRANKOMA CHRISTMAS PLATES, TONKA ROAD GRADER, MEAT GRINDER, BIRD CAGE, BEAUTIFUL PICTURES MADE WITH TILES, FENTON BASKET AND OTHER ITEMS, CHERRY BLOSSOM PINK DEPRESSION, LOT OF HAND PAINTED ITEMS, SILVER SPOONS, MINATURE LANTERNS, CRYSTAL BASKET, SOME CANDLE WICK, HUMMEL FIGURINES, JAN HAGARA (AROUND 40), FENTON LAMP, JEWELRY, PICKLE JAR FULL OF COOKIE CUTTERS, SLIGH WALL CLOCK, MANTEL CLOCK, SOME FIESTA, 1991 PG. CO. CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT W/STAND, SALT WELLS, OLD CHILDREN'S 33 1/3 RECORDS W/STORY BOOKS, CHILDREN'S 1950'S XYLOPHONE, ENAMEL WARE, SCHOOL BELL (OUTSIDE) SCHOOL HOUSE BELL W/BRACKET 19"IN DIAMETER, 2 VINTAGE LAWN CHAIRS, VINTAGE OAK SWIVEL DESK CHAIR, 2 OLD SLEDS, OLD ROLL TOP DESK, WESTMINSTER CLOCK, PAPER WEIGHTS, SAMPLER, KEROSENE LAMPS, ANTIQUE CLOCK (MHI), STEREO OPTIC VIEWER, SETH THOMAS CLOCK, RETIREMENT CLOCK, MCCOY PLANTERS, SALT AND PEPPER NODDERS. FURNITURE AND KITCHEN ITEMS: OAK ROLL TOP DESK, OAK DINING ROOM TABLE W/LEAF 4 CHAIRS MADE BY BYLER, 2 OAK WOOD CHAIRS, OAK HUTCH W/GLASS FRONT, 2 MATCHING GLIDER ROCKERS, 2 LAZY BOY RECLINER ROCKERS (GREEN), MISSION OAK QUEEN BED, QUEEN BEDS, SMALL TABLES, RECLINER SOFA, GLIDER ROCKER, TV STAND, WRITING DESK, ASSORTMENT OF LAMPS, OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS AND DRESSER W/MIRROR, DOUBLE BED, 4 PIECE MATCHING BEDROOM SET, BOOK CASE, 2 OVAL NIGHT STANDS, FLOOR LAMPS, MAGNIFYING READING LAMP, OFFICE CHAIRS, COMPUTER DESK, 4 SAMSONITE CHAIRS, OAK CONSOLE, 6'PLASTIC TABLES, MISSION OAK BOOK STAND, SOFA TABLE, 3 DRAWER NIGHT STAND, RECLINER LOVE SEAT, BROWN RECLINER, BROWN LIFT CHAIR, MATCHING LAMP TABLES, KITCHEN NOOK, DROP LEAF TABLE W/2 CHAIRS, WALL WOOD SHELVES, LIKE NEW BEIGE SOFA, WALNUT SERVER CABINET W/INLAY, CARD TABLE W/4 CHAIRS, BLACK STORAGE CABINET, OAK BENCH, OAK SOFA TABLE, 42"SONY TV, JANOME SEWING MACHINE IN CABINET, SEVERAL FILE CABINETS, SPEAKERS, COFFEE TABLE W/BASKETS, AMISH HEATER, ROCKER RECLINER, 6' FOLDING TABLE, GIBSON REFRIGERATOR, 2 UPRIGHT FREEZERS, STACKABLE WASHER/DRYER MAYTAG, WICKER SHELF, ROUND OAK TABLE, MAPLE HUTCH, WHITE PANTRY CABINET, 3 PIECE BOOKCASE SHELVING, SONY TV, FLORAL SOFA, 3 RECLINERS (2 GRAY 1 BLUE, HIGH RISE TABLE W/6 CHAIRS, PARLOR TABLE, RADIATOR BENCH, CHEMISTRY TABLE, MAGAZINE TABLE, 2 WIRE BASKET SHELVING, FRIGIDAIRE FRONT LOAD WASHER, 2 SAFES, LOT OF POTS AND PANS, BAKING AND COOKING WARE, PFALTZGRAFF, KITCHEN AID MIXER AND ATTACHMENTS, AIR FRYER, CROCK POTS, COFFEE POTS, PANASONIC MICROWAVE, FOOD PROCESSOR, STEMWARE, DISHES, ROASTER, 8 PLACE SETTING NORITAKE CHINA REVERIE, WAFFLE.
TOOLS, YARD, GARDEN, ANDMISC.: TABLE TOP DRILL PRESS, DRILL BITS, GIGANTIC SPOT LIGHT, DREMEL TOOLS, DRAFTSMAN TOOLS AND SUPPLIES, HAND TOOLS, JEWELERS TABLE, SHERLINE METAL LATHE, LEATHER WORKING TOOL, POWER SUPPLY, PICZA 3D SCANNER, SHOP VAC, CREEPER, TOOLERS BENCH, MACHINIST TOOLS, LEVEL, HOBBYEST DESK, PRECISE MEASURING TOOL, CENTERING PUNCH, DESK LIGHT, LOT OF JEWELRY MAKING ITEMS, ALLEN WRENCH SET, TOOL BAG AND TOOLS, METAL RULERS, BAR CLAMPS, ALL KIND OF ORGANIZERS, CONCHOS, 0-1" MITUTOYO, DROP CORDS, TRASH CANS, 2 225 70R TIRES, GAS CANS, LEAF BLOWER, BLADE FOR MOWER, GARDEN HOSES, METAL SHELVING RACKS, LAWN REINDEER LIGHTED, FLOWER POTS, SPRAYER, HOOVER STEAM CARPET CLEANER, TOOL BOXES, COOLERS, BELT SANDER, HUFFY VENTURA LADIES MOUNTAIN BIKE, MOTORCYCLE HELMET, DECORATIVE PILLOWS, FABRIC, ART PRINTING STAMP BLOCKS, SHORT WAVE BAND RADIO, X-MAS ITEMS, LARGE NATIVITY SET, GOLDGYM RECUMBENT BIKE, ARTIST PAINT, CAT MATS, PICTURES, FRAMES, SLEEPING BAGS, CRAFT SUPPLIES, LIGHTHOUSE LAMP PUZZLES, MIRRORS, FANS, TV TRAYS, MAGAZINE TABLE, WICKER SHELF, 2 AREA RUGS, FILE CABINETS, VCR/DVD PLAYERS, COMPUTER,
David Koch 1944-2025
SW Iowa Happenings – Early November
By LIZ SKILLERN lizskillern2@gmail.com
Cooler days, colorful leaves, and hometown spirit
are filling the calendar this month! From holiday open houses and theater performances to family dinners and creative workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to connect and celebrate across
4
southwest Iowa. Here’s a look at what’s happening around our communities in early November — and why you won’t want to miss it!
Red Oak Holiday Open Houses - Nov. 7–8
Downtown Red Oak
Kick off the holiday season by visiting participating businesses throughout Red Oak, including Bee Quilty, Mark Jackson’s Red Oak Hardware Hank, Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Shop, The Rustic Blonde, and more!
Discover local treasures, festive décor, and holiday cheer.
Shenandoah Middle School Presents: Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.Nov. 7–9
Friday & Saturday at 7:00 p.m. | Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Gladys Wirsig-Jones Auditorium, 1000 Mustang Drive, Shenandoah Dive under the sea with the Shenandoah Middle School cast as they bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. to life!
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the beloved Disney film, this show is full of color, music, and magic.
Tickets: Adults $6 | Students $3 Buy tickets online: shenmusical.ludus. com
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pork Loin Dinner - Nov. 9
1510 Highland Ave, Red Oak
Enjoy a delicious pork loin meal complete with sides, a drink, and dessert from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. with takeouts available in the church hall.
Adults: $13 | Ages 5–12: $7 | Under 5: Free
10th Annual Grandma’s House Daycare Holiday Vendor & Craft FairNov. 8
Wibholm Hall, 200 S. 6th St., Clarinda Shop local this holiday season!
Featuring crafters, vendors, boutiques, and food trucks — both indoors and outdoors.
Great for finding
handmade gifts and festive décor.
Doors are open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Rocks, Gemstones & Cabochons with Tammy & Allan Jeanneret - Nov. 12 6:30–8:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Clarinda Lied Public Library
Tammy and Allan Jeanneret of Aerie Rock in Nebraska City will share their expertise in rock hunting, gemstone collecting, crafting, and identifying rock values. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, this free program offers something for everyone!
SMC Food Pantry Challenge - Oct. 28 - Nov. 11
Shenandoah Medical Center, 300 Pershing Dr. SMC is taking on Community Medical Center of Falls City, NE, in a friendly food drive competition! Donations of food or money will benefit local food pantries. Each dollar counts as one pound toward the total.
If both hospitals reach 2,500 pounds, both CEOs will dress up as either a turkey or Bluey wearing “The Cone of Shame.” Drop donations at the old hospital entrance or send checks to the SMC Foundation. Contact Chelsey at cjuarez@smchospital.com or 712-246-7074.
Clarinda Support Local Christmas CampaignNov. 10 - Dec. 14 Shop at participating Clarinda businesses and earn entries for every $10 spent (up to 10 slips per transaction).
Over $5,000 in Clarinda Dollars and gift certificates will be given away! Weekly winners will be announced each Monday with a grand prize drawing on December 15. Drop completed entries in the decorated mailbox outside the Chamber Office.
Create-a-Book with Arleen at Shenandoah Library - Nov. 12
Children ages 5 and up are invited to write and illustrate their own books with instructor Arleen Fackina at the Shenandoah Public
See HAPPENINGS, Page
Library at 2:00 p.m. Each participant creates and takes home their own storybook!
Essex Dinner & Talent Show – “Trojans Take the Stage!” - Nov. 14 Trojan Hall, Essex Join the Essex community at 6:00 p.m. for a night of food, fun, and fantastic performances! Enjoy a pasta dinner, a silent auction, and student musical talent throughout the evening. Proceeds help band and choir students fundraise for their upcoming Disney performance trip. Come hungry — and ready to cheer on local talent! Have an event coming up? Send your community event details and a short description to lizskillern2@ gmail.com or call Phil Cobb at 712-438-7438 to be included in the
CROSSING PATHS AND CATCHING TREATS
PHOTO PROVIDED
A little black cat collects some Halloween treats along the route during the Clarinda Ghost Walk on October 25.
SERVING THE CLARINDA COMMUNITY SINCE 1875
Clarinda Fire Department marks 150 years of service
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
For 150 years, the Clarinda Fire Department has been answering the call—protecting homes, farms, and businesses while standing as a proud symbol of community service and teamwork.
On October 11, firefighters, families, and residents gathered to celebrate the department’s milestone anniversary with food, activities, and gratitude for generations of local heroes.
Fire Chief Roger Williams, who has served in Clarinda for 45 years, reflected on the remarkable history of the department and how much has changed since its early days.
“When you think about how far we’ve come— from bucket brigades and horse-drawn steam engines to today’s hightech equipment—it’s mindboggling,” Williams said.
“Even in my 45 years, we’ve gone from rubber
boots and long coats to full protective gear, breathing apparatus, and batteryoperated rescue tools. The technology keeps improving every year.” Williams joined the department in 1980 and became chief in 1992.
During his tenure, he’s watched both the tools and the teamwork evolve.
“We’ve got a great group of firefighters—many of them have been here for decades,” he said.
“The turnout for our open house was amazing—over 300 people came. We had free food, activities, and a chance to show off our trucks and equipment. It was our way of saying thank you.”
Williams noted that community support extends beyond special events.
“Our farmers deserve special recognition,” he said.
“During field fires, they’re right there beside us, putting their tractors and their own equipment on the line to help stop the flames. It shows the heart of this community.”
While proud of the department’s legacy, Williams acknowledged that challenges lie ahead— particularly in recruiting and retaining volunteers.
“That’s one of the biggest struggles,” he explained.
continued recruitment efforts and eventual fulltime staffing to meet the community’s growing needs.
“We’ve got plans for an addition to the north side of the station and we’re exploring more full-time positions,” he said. “That’s the next step to make sure we’re ready for the next 150 years.”
One of the department’s long-standing traditions still brings smiles today.
“When a new firefighter joins, we have a little initiation,” Williams said with a laugh.
“They get tossed—or these days, step—into the drop tank. It’s all in good fun and part of the camaraderie that makes this job special.”
The anniversary was not only a chance to celebrate the past but also to thank the community for its incredible support. “We couldn’t do this without them,” Williams said.
“It takes everybody working together. That’s what makes this department strong.”
“Younger generations are busy, and firefighting requires a real commitment. Training takes time, and calls can come at any hour, any day. But once you’re part of this, it’s a family.”
Looking to the future, Williams hopes to see
For Williams, the 150th anniversary is a moment of pride—and reflection.
“It’s an honor to be part of something that’s served this town for a century and a half,” he said.
“We’ve got great people, great support, and a great community. That’s what keeps Clarinda strong.”
FUN FOR THE FAMILY
PHOTO PROVIDED
Clarinda Fire Chief Roger Williams and members of the Clarinda Fire Department mark 150 years of service to the community in 2025.
LEFT: The Miles family of Shenandoah arrived in full costume, ready for an evening of Halloween fun at the Shenandoah Medical Center’s Trunk ‘R’ Treat and Haunted Trail.
PHOTO BY LIZ SKILLERN REACH FOR THE SKY!
RIGHT: Dressed as Woody from Toy Story, a little cowboy carefully selects his treat from a candy bucket during the SMC Trunk ‘R’ Treat and Haunted Trail.
PHOTO BY LIZ SKILLERN
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
More than 30 runners and walkers gathered for the Pink Run on Oct. 18, showing their support for the Shenandoah Medical Center Foundation and the Robert S. Holmes Cancer Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Haley Weis, SMC Foundation Director, said she was thrilled with the turnout and the community’s continued generosity. “Events like this remind us how special this community is,” Weis said. “Every person who participates helps us continue to provide compassionate, quality cancer care close to home.” Weis and the Foundation extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated, or volunteered. “Your presence made this event unforgettable,” Weis added. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making a difference.”
ECC TRUNK OR TREAT
Chris Wiebold, Essex Tri Valley Bank branch manager/vice president, hands out candy during the Essex Community Club sponsored Trunk or Treat Oct. 26.
NEW INDUCTEES
Monday, Oct.
AUTOMOBILES
2006 Ford Freestyle, third row seats, 132,000 miles, $2,900, Essex, 712-7892577
2013 Nissan Rogue, AWD, low miles, clean SUV, $4,800, 712-789-2577
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, 200,000 miles, "Ugly Betty." Side doors don't work, but reliable start, go, and stop.
1990 Chevy 2500 4WD, long bed, rough, but solid engine, transmission and tires, 712-246-5016
2011 RAM 1500 Hemi, SLT, with topper, 92,000 miles, 218-639-0686
2011 Mazda 3, 200k miles, reliable car, $3,100, 712789-2026
2010 Lincoln MKX SUV, low miles, clean, $5,100, 712-789-2026
2011 Nissan Juke, blue, low miles, clean car, $4,250, 712-789-2026
2014 Jeep Patriot, silver, 4x4, 150k miles, $4,300, runs great! 712-789-2026
2014 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible 6-speed manual, new tires, garaged, not driven on salted roads, very low miles and in perfect condition, 5.0 V8, racing stripes and hood scoop added, rest is factory. Serious buyers only – 660562-4449.
PETS
For Adoption: 8-week old half Australian Shepherd pups, 712-246-5016 FOR SALE
Toro Snow Blower, $600, 712-215-2714. Sentry Safe, $50, 712-2152714.
Cargo Hauler, mounts to trailer hitch, $45, 712-2152714.
Singer Sewing Machine, Model #600, $75, 712-2152714.
Lift Chair: Dark blue lift chair, recently professionally cleaned, good condition, $350 or best offer, 712-2468540.
Ping Golf Clubs: Irons, 3-9; Woods, Driver, 3, 4, 5, Call 402-981-5830
Apples for sale: 5 gallons for $5, B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bucket), 2000 Badger Ave., New Market, 712-3706738
15 HP Chipper/Shredder, 2" trash pump, variable speed pool pump, 2002 Dodge Dakota: runs good, 712-314-0938
Shop Sink $20. Other miscellaneous items. Call: 954-829-6928 - Clarinda.
Oak coffee end table with one drawer and glass top, asking $40, 712-215-5206
Ceramic lamp with floral design, shade included, $25, 712-215-5206
2 8x10 tarps, brand new in package, 712-246-5440
4 Brand New Trash Barrels with wheels, Rubber Neck, 32-gallon, never been used712-246-5440
Vintage Huffy Dr. Pepper Bike, boys 26-inch, 712246-5440
4 metal lawn chairs, 712246-5440
Professional decorative silver wooden frame, 6 inches wide. For 12X16 picture. Hangs horizontally or vertically. 712-202-6333 Restored antique furniture and weather vanes, Clarinda, 712-438-1940
Disassembled complete set of numbered piano keys. 712-202-6333
APARTMENT FOR RENT
One bedroom apartment for ages 55 and older and/or disabled. Utilities
PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TESS NELSON
PHOTO PROVIDED
Essex High School held its National Honor Society induction
27. Newly inducted members were, Isaiah Sholes, Bella Simmons, Halle Riley, Mark Cabeen, and Lisa Bustani. They joined existing members, Lydia Edwards, Addy Resh, Mariska Kirtchert, Ella Sandahl, Kylie Valdez, and Aila Valdez. The NHS is under the direction of Kathleen Johnson.
Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street | Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street | Red Oak: 1605 N. Broadway Street