(Spencer)– The Iowa Court of Appeals has ruled there was nothing wrong when a Spencer couple transferred their farm and a large sum of money to a friend.
In the mid-1970’s William Muller of Spencer installed a sprinkler system for Burton and Doris Stuckas (stook-ahs) at their Spencer home. Over the years, a close relationship developed between Muller and the Stukas.
In 1995, the Stukas conveyed their farm to Muller. He agreed to pay an annuity of 20-thousand dollars per year until both died. Later, Muller was given the couple’s home and close to 80-thousand dollars.
A Clay County District Court Judge believed Muller was unjustly enriched by the transfer of the house and money.
The Court of Appeals ruled the evidence does not support that conclusion. The decision holds that the Stukas made valid gifts of their house and money to Muller. The Court added that a reasonable person could conclude that the transfers were not in the best interest of the Stukas and were unwise choices. But there is not enough evidence to support a conclusion that Muller committed fraud.
The decision of the Clay County District Court has been overturned.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.).
