Julie "Kim" Cornell

August 5, 1957 - December 26, 2014

ONEONTA - Julie "Kim" Cornell, 57, of Oneonta, passed away Friday, December 26, 2014, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown with her family by her side.

Kim was born August 5, 1957, in San Diego, CA, a daughter of Donald W. and Betty Jean Wadley Cornell.

Kim grew up in Memphis, TN, and relocated to New York State in the late 1980s, but never lost her southern accent. Kim loved to travel and was involved in various church organizations. An avid Waltons and I Love Lucy fan, Kim collected Shirley Temple memorabilia and refrigerator magnets and also enjoyed singing songs from The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.  

Kim is survived by her daughter  Haley and grandson Hunter; father Donald and step mother Kendra; brothers Donnie, Zane, Travis and his wife Kristin; sisters Patricia and Evelyn of Memphis, and Lacey; nephews Marshall, Zane Michael, Jacob and Dalton; niece Morgan and great niece Ava; and several nieces and nephews residing in Memphis.  

She is predeceased by her mother Betty Jean and brother Donald Carl.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015, from 1-5 p.m. at the Grand Gorge Firehouse.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Ernest D. Woodin

January 24, 1933 - December 25, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Ernest D. Woodin passed away Thursday evening, December 25, 2014, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 81. 

Born on January 24, 1933, in Marseilles, Illinois, Ernie was the third of five children of Eugene and Helen née Morey Woodin. He graduated from Marseilles High School in 1951 where he served as class president. The first in his family to have the opportunity to attend college, he earned his Associate Degree in 1953 at LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby (LPO) Junior College, where he studied pre-veterinary science while working for a local veterinarian. He then went on to attend the University of Illinois but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury to his foot, and was drafted into the United States Army. Stationed in Germany, he proudly served his country as a water supply specialist with the H&S Co. 5th Engineer Battalion and received his honorable discharge from the military in December 1955.

Following his military service, Ernest embarked on an 18-year career with the phone company starting out as a lineman for Illinois Bell. After successfully completing a test for programming aptitude, he rose from programmer to programming manager, which in turn led to him becoming a programming instructor. In 1964, Ernie came to Cooperstown and taught programming courses for the AT&T Company's Data Communications Training Program held at the Otesaga Hotel. He and his family returned to Illinois in 1966, and later moved to Somerset, New Jersey, where he was "on loan" to Bell Labs. In March of 1972, the Woodins returned to Cooperstown, where Ernest became employed at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in the computer department. He served for many years as the Director of Hospital Information Systems and retired from Bassett in the Spring of 1990.  

Ernest is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlene née Viviani. They were married in their hometown of Marseilles, Illinois, on December 21, 1957. He is further survived by their two children, Beth Torruella and her husband, Reese, of Garner, North Carolina, and Alan Woodin and his wife, Allison, of Cobleskill; three grandchildren, Connor and Logan Torruella and Erika Woodin; a sister, Helen Peek of Ottawa, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Martin and Richard, and a sister, Marlene.

Ernest had a life-long love of country living and was skilled at making things with his hands. A master carpenter and woodworker, he built his families first home in Illinois, a garage in Cooperstown, and "Bennie the Burrow", a rocking horse he crafted for his grandchildren. His family will also cherish many other pieces he carved throughout his life. In addition to working with wood, he enjoyed gardening, his Schnauzers and seeing draft horses at the fair. He was a proud "Pa Pa" and spoke often of the accomplishments of his grandchildren in the arts, sports and the classroom. Ernest will be remembered by those who loved him for his desire to take on new challenges. Overall he was truly a great man who lead a wonderful life.   

Services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

For those who wish to make a memorial gift in memory of Ernest, his family suggests that the following organizations be considered:  Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY  13326 or Friends of Bassett for the benefit of Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY  13326.  

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Francis J. Marr

August 2, 1928 - December 14, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Francis Jay Marr, a life-long area resident, died Sunday evening, December 14, 2014, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego. He was 86.

Born August 2, 1928, at home in the Town of Burlington, Francis was raised and lived in several different areas around Hartwick. In his youth, he attended district schools, beginning with the Potter School and later the White House School.

On March 9, 1957, Francis married the former Barbara E. Race at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartwick Seminary. 

Francis' first full-time job was working on Stephen King's farm just south of Cooperstown. After working for several other area farms, Francis went to work in 1958 at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. For 35 years, he was employed in housekeeping, distributing linen and making sure bedding got to patients when they needed it. As a Bassett employee once wrote, "He is the Rock of Gibraltar" and one of those behind the scenes people who made Bassett Hospital go. Besides a near spotless attendance record at work, the other profound thing about Francis were his feet. Undaunted by rain, sleet, snow or dark of night, he walked the three miles from his home in Toddsville to work and back several times a week, something he did ever since he started at the hospital.  He never got a driver's license and even though he hopped an occasional ride to work, foot power remained his preferred means of travel.  

He will be remembered as a soft spoken, amiable person who spoke through his actions.

Francis is survived by one son, Paul Francis Marr of Unadilla; four sisters, Dorothy Knapp and her husband, Anson, of Milford, Alma Baker of Cooperstown, Virginia Rathbun of Schenectady and Elaine Himes of Manassas, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Dennis Baker, who provided Francis with so much care in his final years.

He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Barbara Marr, who died March 20, 2001; one brother, Frederick E. Marr who died December 27, 1993; and one sister, Helen Lincourt who died August 31, 1996.

A memorial service will be offered at 11a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014, at the Hartwick Christian Church with the Rev. Laverne H. Saxer, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be private at a later date in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Francis' family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Arc of Otsego County, P. O. Box 490, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.  


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Ruth A. Covert

November 8, 1933 - December 7, 2014

HARTWICK - Ruth Ann Covert, 81, passed away Sunday morning, December 7, 2014, at her home on West Hill surrounded by her family.

She was born November 8, 1933, in Paterson, New Jersey, a daughter of Girard and Florence (Muller) Schilling.

On September 22, 1956, she married Robert Ellis Covert in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed gardening, reading, knitting and animals. An avid Bingo player, she could be seen on Tuesdays at Bingo at the Elks Club in Oneonta. She and Bob enjoyed their life on the West Hill Toy Farm, and were active members of the Wanderers and Reminiscers Car Clubs. Ruth will be fondly remembered as a Mom to many kids. 

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bob, of Hartwick; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael K. and Terry Covert of Hartwick; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Jon Sammis of Petersham, Massachusetts; her faithful caregiver and friend, Deborah Wengert; three granddaughters, Colleen Witter and husband, Jason, of Hartwick, Dana Conte and husband, Nathan, of Hartwick, and Lisa Covert and companion, Jason Rashkow of Stony Brook, Long Island; one great grandson, Joseph Conte; a brother, William Schilling and companion, Marilyn Dougherty, of Hartwick; two sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820 or Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY  13348 or Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Fred Dykstra

June 29, 1929 - December 4, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Fred Dykstra, a realtor, builder, farmer and family man,  passed away late Thursday night, December 4, 2014, at his home in the Town of Hartwick. He was 85.

Born June 29, 1929, in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, he was one of 10 children of Richard and Frances (Minnema) Dykstra. Raised in New Jersey, he was a graduate of Ramsey High School.

After high school, Fred entered into active service with the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge from the military having attained the rank of Lance Corporal. 

In 1957 Fred married Fernande "Nonnie" Deligny in Monsey.

Fred and Nonnie moved from Campbell Hall in 1977 and settled in the Cooperstown area. They owned and operated Otsego Hills Farm in Pierstown until 1986, when he started Dykstra Construction, Inc. with his sons, Fred and Karl. This company builds fine homes in the Cooperstown area.  

Fred always loved boating, fishing and most of all cherished time spent with family and friends. He will be remembered for honesty, vision and determination.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nonnie, of Cooperstown; three sons and their families: Fred Dykstra, Jr., wife Lorrie and children Vanessa and Trenton; Karl Dykstra, wife Catherine and children Karl, William, Julie and Elizabeth; and Eric Dykstra, wife Maureen and daughters Victoria and Olivia; three daughters: Joanne Osterhoudt, husband Bruce and children Justin, Amanda, Lucas and Cassandra; Jeanine Harter, husband Jason and daughter Janelle; and Jerilynn Bachanas, husband Bruce and his daughters Whitney, Kelsey, and Lillian, and Whitney's son, Connor.  

He is further survived by one brother, Robert "Bob" Dykstra and wife Meredith;  one sister, Frances Butscher, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Frank, John, Peter, Tunis, Sidney ("Sid") and Richard ("Hick") Dykstra, Jr.; and one sister, Jeanette Shuart.

Fred's family will receive friends at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Saturday morning, December 13, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 12Noon.

A Funeral Service will be offered at the funeral home at 12 Noon on Saturday, with the Rev. William H. Delia, pastor of the Cooperstown United Methodist Church, officiating.

Burial will be private at a later date next spring in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek.  

As an alternative to flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY  13348, Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820. 

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. 


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.