Opinion ID: 1244906
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: All matters here involved were submitted, tried and determined by the trial court as a proceeding entirely in equity. The appeal is likewise presented.

Text: Under these circumtances it will be considered by us de novo. See rules 344(a) (3) and 344(f) (7), R.C.P., and Henderson v. Hawkeye-Security Ins. Co., 252 Iowa 97, 100, 106 N.W.2d 86. But see section 633.33, Code, 1966. In that regard a statement contained in Luse v. Grenko, 251 Iowa 211, 214, 100 N.W.2d 170, 172, is here appropriate: Although our review is de novo we give weight to the trial court's findings. Groves v. Groves, 248 Iowa 682, 692, 82 N.W.2d 124, 130, and citations. Indeed, where similar issues were involved we have said, `We deem this a proper case for us to lean heavily on the judgment of the trial court, even though we try it on apppeal de novo.' Luebke v. Freimuth, 248 Iowa 58, 67, 78 N.W.2d 473, 479. At the same time our review is confined to those propositions asserted and argued in support of a reversal. Steele v. Northup, 259 Iowa 443, 143 N.W.2d 302, 304-305, and citations. II. All evidence presented as to conversations and transactions between Martin and Mertz, executor, with ruling reserved on objections, was ultimately excluded by the court under our dead man statute. Sections 622.4 and 622.5, Code, 1962; In re Estate of Lenders, 247 Iowa 1205, 1211-1212, 78 N.W.2d 536; In re Estate of Conner, 240 Iowa 479, 488-492, 36 N.W.2d 833; 97 C.J.S. Witnesses § 155, page 596; and 58 Am.Jur., Witnesses, sections 299-303, pages 185-187. III. However the record discloses competent evidence to the effect that sometime just prior to March 5, as Mertz was passing the Barber home one noon, Martin rapped on the window and motioned for Mertz to come in. Martin was then alone and the two men talked. In this regard see O'Dell v. O'Dell, 238 Iowa 434, 447-448, 26 N.W.2d 401. Also, Martin's box was opened on or about March 9, single payee certificate # 26302 removed, and alternate payee certificate # 27691 then placed in the depository. There were other certificates in the box payable to Martin alone. In addition the bank records, properly identified and admitted in evidence, disclose certificate # 27691 was issued by the bank in the regular course of business. See section 622.28, Code, 1962. Furthermore, no showing whatsoever is made upon which to base a finding there existed any confidential or fiduciary relationship between Martin on one hand, and the Barbers or Mertz on the other. Neither is there any basis upon which to conclude Mertz acted other than in good faith, or that he or the bank stood to profit in any degree by virtue of possible benefits conferred upon Barbers by the decedent. See Knigge v. Dencker, 246 Iowa 1387, 1392-1393, 72 N.W.2d 494; Menary v. Whitney, 244 Iowa 759, 764-765, 56 N.W.2d 70; and 24 Am.Jur., Fraud and Deceit, section 256, page 88. The trial court found no indicia of fraud or overreaching by Mertz or Isal Barber. We are satisfied that finding is factually consistent with the record. From the foregoing it may reasonably be inferred: Martin delivered his bank box key to Mertz, the box was opened, and certificate # 26302 being removed was replaced by certificate # 27691, all in accord with Martin's knowingly expressed intent and desire. See Stenberg v. Buckley, 245 Iowa 622, 626-627, 61 N.W.2d 452.