Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is providing an update on coronavirus in Iowa at 11:00 a.m. today. She is speaking from the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston. The news conference will be...

Several hundred cars were parked outside a food bank in San Antonio on Good Friday — the food bank fed 10,000 people that day. Such scenes, increasingly common across the nation and evocative...

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11 a.m. Iowa sees 214 more positive tests for coronavirus The Iowa Department of Public Health on Saturday reported nine more deaths from COVID-19, for a total of 252 since March 8. An additional 214...

LARRY BICKEL
Cedar Rapids

Larry Bickel, 68, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Because of state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having services for the public at this time. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion is assisting the family.
Larry was born Jan. 5, 1952, in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of Robert and Martha (LeClere) Bickel. He graduated from Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids. Larry worked for the Salvation Army for many years. He loved bicycles and would ride his bike to work. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his siblings, Henry (Annitta) Bickel of Marion, Marie (Kenneth) Westphal of Fairbank, Iowa, Clifford (Judy) Bickel of Anamosa, Leonard Bickel of Cedar Rapids, Janet Bickel of Marion, Donna Bickel of Cedar Rapids and Barbara (Dennis) Stevens of Highland, Ill.; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers in infancy, Robert and Wayne; sister-in-law; and one niece.
Please share a memory of Larry at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

MARIE FRANCINE
Iowa City

Marie Francine, 57, of Iowa City, died at her home on Monday, April 27, 2020.
For instructions for the visitation and services, a complete obituary and to share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

PHYLLIS WASSAM KELSO
Iowa City

Phyllis Wassam Kelso, lifelong resident of Iowa City, died peacefully May 2, 2020, at her residence in Coralville at the age of 102. Honoring her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association or Iowa City Hospice.
Phyllis was born Nov. 13, 1917, in Iowa City, and was raised by Clarence W. and Minnie M. (Abell) Wassam. She graduated from high school in Iowa City, where she later earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1939. Phyllis married the love of her life, Hugh Kelso, on Aug. 3, 1940, in Iowa City. The couple spent 56 memorable years together in Iowa City, where they raised their daughter, Chris, and son, Bill. Hugh died on Sept. 21, 1996.
Besides being active in her children's lives as a stay-at-home mom, Phyllis was an active volunteer in the community for many years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Phi Beta Kappa, Delta Delta Delta and Mortar Board. She also was a United Way board member and volunteered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Mercy Hospital.
She is survived by her daughter, Chris Reynolds of Coralville; and her son, BIll (Gail) Kelso of Baton Rouge, La. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Tyler Reynolds (Sheila Buccola), Amanda Reynolds, Camden (Kelly) Kelso and Gretchen Kelso (Drew Taylor); and one great-grandson, Noah.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son-in-law, Terry Reynolds.
Her family would like to extend their appreciation to Kay Smith, who provided the best love and care to Phyllis for almost 20 years and was with her when she passed away.
Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.

JENNIFER SUZANNE LIEN Raleigh, N.C. Jennifer Suzanne Lien, 51, of Raleigh, N.C., passed away Monday, April 27, 2020, in Raleigh.

She was born April 2, 1969, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Dennis Hobel and Carla Lange. She was predeceased by her father, Dennis.

Jennifer graduated from Linn-Mar High School. She loved working with the elderly, going to the beach and laughing with her friends and family, with a glass of pinot grigio. Jennifer loved her two dogs, Cici and Fran.

Along with her mother, Carla, Jennifer is survived by her husband of 25 years, Chris Lien of Raleigh; her daughters, Gwen of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Lily of Raleigh; her sister, Lisa Moon of Melbourne, Fla.; and her brother, Rob Hobel, and his wife, Danielle, of Cedar Rapids.

Private services will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gofundme: www.gofundme.com/manage/help-support-jennifer-liens-family-thankyou-xo.

A service of Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587, www.brightfunerals.com.

SOLON
Timothy Beranek, 60, died Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, Solon.

DOUGLAS CAREY ROBISON
Cedar Rapids

Douglas Carey Robison, 53, died April 30, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held later this month in Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his children: daughter, Kerrie Ann Robison (36), daughter, Jamie Lee Robison (32), and son, Bradley Douglas Robison (31); brothers, Joseph, Steven, Robert and Michael; a sister, Tina Robison; his mother, Rose Gates; and 10 grandkids. Brandon Hugh Robison (22), was the eldest among them, Doug loved to show him off. Doug also had two great-grandkids who he adored.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Lynn Robison; and his father, Robert Hugh Robison.
Doug liked to play pool and cards. He loved to see his grandkids grow and play. He was hardworking, and his last permanent job was doing construction. Doug recently volenteered at Olivet to help pass time. He was loved by many. He was so proud of all of his children and grandkids.
One thing everyone knew about our dad is that he always had a beer in his hand. Rest in paradise, Dad. You are missed and loved by many.We love you!!

ZONGXIAN "PETER" CHEN
Iowa City

Zongxian "Peter" Chen, 90, of Iowa City, died on Friday, May 1, 2020, at Windmill Manor in Coralville.
Peter donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. No services are planned at this time. At a later date, burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed to the Chinese Church of Iowa City or the Chinese School of Iowa City. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.
Zongxian was born June 24, 1929, in Zhangjiakou, China, to Yingji Chen and Yufang Hu. He grew up in China, where he earned his bachelor's degree in English from Beijing Normal University. Peter later married Yueling Li in Tianjin, China, on Jan. 17, 1975. The couple moved to Iowa City in 1989 and enjoyed 35 memorable years together before she died in 2010.
Peter founded the Chinese School of Iowa City located in North Liberty, where he was a dedicated teacher and principal for 17 years and later received an Award of Excellence in teaching cultural diversity from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He also was a longtime Christian of the Chinese Church of Iowa City. Peter had worked for the Department of Physics at the University of Iowa as a custodian and for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a custodian for 17 years, retiring at 78 years old.
His dedication to helping the Chinese community of Iowa City was seen by all, and he will be missed by many.
While in Iowa City, he married Yuqin Sun on March 26, 2019.
He is survived by his wife, Yuqin Sun of Iowa City; two daughters, Xiaofang "Kathy" Chen of Miami and Shen (Zhang) of Los Angeles; two stepdaughters, Wei "Willa" Bian of Pennsylvania and Xiaohe Chen of China; five grandchildren, Jinzhao Sheng, Ningning, Andy Su, Liang Cui and Jiuzhou Cao; and three siblings, all of China.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his ex-wife, Yueling Li; one sister; and one son.
Condolences: www.lensingfuneral.com.

LEILA CURRAN
Decorah

Leila Curran, 81, of Decorah, died on Monday, May 4, 2020, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis.
A memorial service for Leila will be held at a later date. Details and date of Celebration of Life will be posted at a later date.
Leila was born on March 28, 1939, to Leslie and Marie (Smith) Moyle, on their Clayton County, Iowa, rural home. She graduated from Strawberry Point High school on May 23, 1956, and married Carlyle Curran on June 2, 1956.
She was employed at United Way as a bookkeeper in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later worked as an office manager for Wathan Flight Service in Cedar Rapids. After retiring, she moved to Decorah. She enjoyed crafting and instructing class on porcelain doll making and started her own Leila's Dolls business. One of her favorite pastimes was her travels to Marquette, Iowa, to the "Boat." She entered Wellington Place in July of 2019.
She is survived by two children, Carlotta Ellison of Decorah and Shannon (Sandy) Curran of Henderson, Nev.; grandchildren, Don Ellison of Charles City, Iowa, Clayton Ellison and Jessica Ellison of Decorah, Tim Curran Henderson, Nev., and Justin (Hayley) Curran of Riverside, Calif., and Rebecca (Dillon) Dyches of Salt Lake City, Utah; great-grandchildren, Hayden Dyches, Dylan Bakke, Breyer Ellison and Rhylen Ellison; an uncle, Glen Smith of Waterloo, Iowa; sister, Linda Floyd of Cedar Rapids; and sister-in-laws, Mary Moyle of Dundee, Iowa, Mary Moyle of Arizona and Karen Meese of Edgewood, Iowa.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Marie Moyle; and four brothers, Leslie "Les", Lyle, Leland "Lee" and Lynn.

MERVIN L. CHAMBERLIN
Olin

Mervin L. Chamberlin, 89, of Olin, passed away quietly May 4, 2020, at the Clarence Assisted Living Center. Private graveside services will be held at the Olin Cemetery. Dawson Funeral Services of Olin is assisting the family at this time.
Mervin was born Feb. 17, 1931, on the farm between Stanwood and Olin to Clarence and Mae (Jackson) Chamberlin.
He graduated from Stanwood High School. On May 29, 1955, at the Olin Community Methodist Church, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Hart.
He was a farmer at heart and loved spending time hanging around his farm. He enjoyed bird watching, hunting, fishing and telling a good sports story from the old days. He had a great love for horses and polka music and enjoyed spending his time watching both on TV.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Ann; his five children, Randy (Valerie) Chamberlin of Center Point, Rick Chamberlin of Webster City, Mitzi (Virgil) Matzen of Davenport, Rodney (Kathy) Chamberlin of Jesup and Melody (Chris) Rady of Poplar Grove, Ill., 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
He has preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Theola; and a brother, Gerald.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dawsonfuneral.com.
Memorials may be left in his honor to the Olin Community Methodist church.