Patricia L “Pat” (Bushey) Salmela dies at 78
Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2012

Patricia L “Pat” (Bushey) Salmela, 78, passed away Tuesday, Apr. 10, 2012 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minn. as a result of suffering a stroke on Sunday, Mar. 25, 2012.

Pat was born in Duluth, Minnesota on March 4, 1934 to Chauncey and Hanna (Hansen) Bushey. The family moved to Rochester, Minn. when Pat was in the 7th grade. Pat graduated from Rochester Senior High School in 1952.

Pat attended Luther College in Decorah, and graduated in 1956 with a degree in physical education and a minor in history. Her first teaching job was in Waseca, Minn., where she taught physical education and coached cheerleading. Pat later joined the teaching staff at Albert Lea, Minn. where she met fellow teacher and future husband, Mel.

Pat married Melvin R. Salmela on June 6, 1959 in Rochester, Minn. The couple lived in various communities in Iowa and southern Minnesota where they worked and raised their family. While the children were young, Pat was home as “Mom” and was involved in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, numerous church and school activities, teaching piano lessons and Vacation Bible School. She was also very involved as a church organist/pianist throughout her adult life.

As the children entered high school, Pat returned to teaching. She taught in the Wabasso School District, Wabasso, Minn. from 1974 – 1994. During that time she taught physical education, American History, and coached both girls’ volleyball and basketball teams. Pat often commented that her favorite student population to teach was the Junior High age group. Pat retired from teaching in 1994.
At the time of her death, Pat was living in Duluth, Minn. where she resided since 2001. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and was active in church activities including mailing the church newsletter, The Builder, attending Leah Circle, and playing in the Jubilation Ringers Bell Choir. Pat participated in numerous community activities while in Duluth, and previously served on the Board of Directors for both Aftenro and the Miller Creek Condo Association. She was a devoted cow-bell ringing fan for the UMD women’s hockey program and a season ticket holder for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO).
Pat was very active and full of life. Aside from music and sports, she loved reading and would take a book with her wherever she went. She also loved playing games, traveling, taking day trips, swimming, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a social person who loved drop-in company. The irony is that she was rarely home to enjoy it. She loved her family and friends deeply and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Chauncey and Hanna Bushey and husband, Melvin R. Salmela.
Pat is survived by her sister, Mary (Myron) Windsheimer, Red Bluff, Calif; children Lynn, Duluth, Minn; Larry, Fort Lauderdale, Fla; and Lori (Mark) Tuominen, Shutesbury, Maine (currently on sabbatical in Grenoble, France); grandchildren Ariane (Ben) Laxo, Dan (Cara) Tuominen, Hannah (Seth) Holm, and Abby; great granddaughter, Ailie (Dan and Cara) Tuominen, who was born on Pat’s birthday in 2011; furry friend Sadie, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and many wonderful friends.

Pat’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Essentia Health staff in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit and Solvay Hospice House. They provided exceptional care during Pat’s hospitalization.
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Thursday, April 12 at First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior St. and will continue at the church on Friday, April 13 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service. Burial will take place at Cedar Valley cemetery in Floodwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the CaringBridge website;  www.caringbridge/visit/patsalmela or to the Essentia Health Foundation, 400 E. 3rd St., Duluth, MN 55805, designating either Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit or Solvay Hospice House.

Please leave a memory of Pat or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com

Harold E. Meier dies at 83

Posted: Monday, April 16, 2012 

Harold E. Meier, age 87, of Elma, passed away Friday, April 13, 2012 at Colonial Manor in Elma.


Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Fr. Ray Atwood celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Elma, with Allen Meier, Dave Kostohryz, Tony Urich, Lenny Meier, Jerry Hidding, and Paul Ptacek serving as casket bearers. Military rites will be provided by Elma American Legion Post 597.
Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012 with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Online condolences for Harold’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.
Harold Ernest Meier was born on September 4, 1924, near Alta Vista, to Frank and Veronica (Kanies) Meier. He grew up on the farm and attended country school for eight years. After his schooling, Harold continued working on the farm with his dad and brothers until being drafted into the US Army during WWII. He received his basic training at Camp Walters in Texas. From there he was stationed in Italy for 11 months. 21 months later he received his honorable discharge from the Army. Harold returned from the Army and began farming north of Elma. He was united in marriage to Rosalie Sasarakon November 5, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. To this union a daughter, Susanne, was born. Harold and Rosalie continued to farm north of Elma until they retired and moved into Elma in 1988. Harold enjoyed farming, John Deere tractors, Cubs baseball, playing cards, and traveling. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Elma and The Catholic Order of Foresters.
Harold is survived by his wife, Rosalie of Elma; daughter, Susanne (Douglas) Guy of Osage; grandchildren, Jeremy (Heather) Klobassa of Osage, Daniel Klobassa of Riceville, and Rachel (Cameron) Byrnes of Clear Lake; step grandchildren, Sarah (Rick) Laganiere of Grand Meadow, Minn, and Shelly Guy of Stewartville, Minn; sisters, Agnes Hidding of Elma, and Angeline Helmerick of Austin, Colo; brother, Francis (Lois) Meier of Elma; brother-in-law, George Sasarak of Norwich, Conn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Veronica; brothers, Arnold, Walter, and Jerome and sister, Rosella Ptacek.

Dennis “Denny” D. Paul dies at 66

Posted: Friday, April 20, 2012

Dennis “Denny” D. Paul, 66, of rural Lansing, died following a 16 year battle with prostate cancer on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at his home.

Memorial services will be held Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, with Rev. Monsignor Ed Lechtenberg officiating. Burial will be at a later date in New Hampton City Cemetery, New Hampton. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Dennis Dale Paul was born on August 2, 1945 in Eldora, the son of Marvin “Dale” and Evelyn (Cretin) Paul. Denny lived in Eldora during his early years and the family later moved to Waterloo. While in high school he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and served from 1963 to 1965. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1965. He worked for John Deere Tractor Works and later the Iowa Dept. of Transportation in New Hampton. In 1968 he married Mary E. Schmitt and moved to Lawler. To this union two boys were born William J. and James M. They were later divorced. On May 24, 1986 he married Sherryl Kahn Holland in New Hampton. In 1993 he transferred to the DOT in Waukon and resided there until his retirement when they moved to rural Lansing. During retirement he worked for the Isle of Capri and Wachenhut Security at Trane Manufacturing in La Crosse. Denny served on the city councils of Lawler, New Hampton and Waukon, and served as fire chief for the city Lawler. Denny volunteered at the food pantries in Postville and Waukon and called Bingo at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon and was a member of the Democratic Central Committee for Allamakee County.

Denny was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed fishing, his Koi fish, meeting and talking with people, playing blackjack and enjoying good food. He also enjoyed taking care of his mini dachshunds.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Sherryl Paul of Lansing; 2 sons, William J. Paul of DeSoto, Wisc. and James M. Paul of Marion; a step-daughter, Shana Holland Lair of Charles City; 9 grandchildren, Kelcey Paul of Columbia, OH, Marcel Paul of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bailey Paul, of Palo, Keegan and Kylee Paul both of Marion, Karly Holland of Iowa City, IA and Jordyn, Ryeleigh and Wes Lair all of Charles City; two brothers Darrell (Barb) Paul of Davenport, and Donald (Vicki) Paul of Eldora. He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Joe Bodecker and a step-son, Reed Holland.

Honorary casketbearers are Gene Sweeney, Ron Miller, Jim Hagarty, Tim Parcher, Curt Reisner and Neil Kahn.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.

Betty L. Crooks dies at 76

Posted: Monday, April 23, 2012

Betty L. Crooks age 76 of Charles City, died Saturday morning, April 21, 2012, at her home following a brief battle with cancer.

Friends may greet the family 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Nashua. Private family interment will take place at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. Online condolences for Betty's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com. 

Betty Lucille Crooks was born January 23, 1936, in rural Chickasaw County, the daughter of Charles "Roy" and Avis (Trask) Boggess. She received her education in rural country school and graduated from high school in Ionia. On November 23, 1956, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Nashua, she married Russell Crooks. To this union a daughter and son were born.

The couple had lived in Kansas City for a couple years while Russell went to mechanic school and also lived in Elma and Ionia before moving to Charles City in 1962. In her younger years, Betty enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, playing cards with her family and taking the kids to stock car races. Betty could often be seen on her daily walks which she did year-round. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren and spending time with her family and friends. Russell died March 5, 2012 at the age of 78.

Survivors include, one son, Doug (Gail) Crooks of Charles City; one daughter, Connie (Ralph) Reed of Gilbert, Ariz; eight grandchildren, Lacey, Brittney, Nick, Angie, Jeff, Tim, Derick and Rebecca; five great-grandchildren, Zachary, Danny, Joey, Kaydence and Samuel; three brothers, Earl Boggess of Charles City, Dale (Becky Gores) Boggess of Waverly, Duane (Barb) Boggess of Charles City; one brother-in-law, Clark (Mary) Crooks of OK; four sisters-in-law, Alice Barkhausen of Waverly, Lila Dietrich of Manly, Sue (Julius “Bud”) Drewelow of New Hampton, Pernella (Gerald) Monaghan of Waverly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters-in-law, Laura Boggess, Shirley Silber; one brother-in-law, Wendell Crooks.

Stanley Eugene Ellison

Posted: Monday, April 23, 2012

Stanley Eugene Ellison age 85 of Clarinda, formerly of Fredericksburg died Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2012, at Peace United Church of Christ with Pastor Burt Williams presiding. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Friends may greet the family 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Monday. Online condolences may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Stanley Eugene Ellison was born in rural Chickasaw County, on July 20, 1926, the son of Lyle and Blanch (Thompson) Ellison. He attended Fredericksburg elementary and high school graduating in 1944. On May 29, 1948 he married Lois Elizabeth Mattke at the Evangelical Church in Fredericksburg. Stanley and Lois resided in the Fredericksburg, Iowa area until 2005 when they relocated to Clarinda. They were members of Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, where Stanley served on the church advisory committee of Northeast Iowa for 6 years. Stanley also served on The Chickasaw County Board of Education, Chickasaw County Soil Conservation Board, Chickasaw County Extension Service, and was a member of The Fredericksburg Lions Club. After moving to Clarinda they were members of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Stanley and Lois enjoyed traveling to Port Aransas, Texas over the winter months for the past 20 years.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lois Elizabeth (Mattke) Ellison and their four children, Tom (Myrna) of San Antonio, Texas; Rodney (Beverly) of Omro, Wisc; Sue Milius (Tom) of Denver; and Kristin Smith (Michael) of Clarinda. Stanley always had a special place on his lap for his grandchildren: Sonja, Ann, Thomas, Heidi, Adam, Andrew, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jessica, Caleb, Austin, Owen, & Isabelle. Stanley and Lois were also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, whom he loved and enjoyed very much, as well as extended family and friends.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Blanche Ellison; one brother, Hubert Ellison; and infant son, Edward.

Harold B. Rosonke dies at 85

Posted: Monday, April 23, 2012

Harold B. Rosonke, age 85, of New Hampton, died Saturday, April 21, 2012 surrounded by his family at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton with Fr. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the mass. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery at New Hampton. Military honors will be provided by New Hampton American Legion Post 38 and New Hampton VFW Post 5238.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. scriptural wake service on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences for Harold’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. 

Harold Rosonke was born on March 6, 1927 to Bernard and Clara (Schwickerath) Rosonke in New Hampton. He attended and graduated from New Hampton High School. Upon graduation, Harold enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge and returned to Iowa where he was employed at Rath of Waterloo. On September 1, 1954 Harold was united in marriage to Myrtle Marvin at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista. After their marriage the couple began farming in the New Hampton area. In 1958, Harold and Myrtle made their home on the family farm west of New Hampton where they’ve lived ever since. Harold was active with the farm until January 2012. Harold enjoyed farming, playing cards and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Holy Family Parish ~ St. Mary’s Center, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Harold is survived by his loving wife, Myrtle Rosonke of New Hampton; his three sons, Michael (Lori) Rosonke, Patrick (Linda Stejskal) Rosonke, James (Donna) Rosonke all of New Hampton; his grandchildren, Brittnee (Clayton) Pierse, Dr. Brooke (Sunidh Jani) Rosonke, Ben (Chelsi) Rosonke, Baylee (Andrew Reicks) Rosonke, Jeremy Rosonke, Brian (Becky) Rosonke, Tina Rosonke, Melissa (Ben) Holt, Joshua (Sarah) Rosonke, Lucas Rosonke, Noelle Rosonke; his 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Brus of Alta Vista, Leona Herold of Cresco, Lorna Gorman of New Hampton; one brother, Jerry (Malee) Rosonke of Mansfield, SD and one sister-in-law, Mary Rosonke of New Hampton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter, Kaitlin Rosonke; two brothers, Donald and Glen Rosonke and one sister, Florence Rosonke

Jesse Rose, Jr. dies at 84

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Jesse Rose, Jr., 84, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. A family graveside will be held at a later date. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family.

Jesse Rose, Jr. was born on February 2, 1928 to Jesse and Olga Muske Rose in Ionia. He was united in marriage to Margaret Ford on July 2, 1950 in Nashua. To this union a daughter was born, Brenda Rose Montero. Jesse was a mechanic and farmer; he lived his entire life on his family’s century farm in Chickasaw County.

He is survived by his granddaughters, Felisha Watson of Des Moines and Monica Montero of Seattle, Wash; and nephew, Scott Sheldon of Des Moines.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, sister.

Cecilia Gerleman dies at 101

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Cecilia Gerleman, age 101, of Calmar, died Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah with her family at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2012, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding, burial was in the St. Aloysius Cemetery.

Visitation was 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2012, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home French Chapel in Calmar, with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a scripture service at 5 p.m. there was also visitation after 10 a.m. at the church on Monday.

Cecilia Mary (Kuennen) Gerleman was born on April 15, 1911, on the family farm near St. Lucas, to Henry and Mary (Boeding) Kuennen. Cecilia attended St. Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas. Cecilia married Edmund Gerleman on September 8, 1931, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, by her uncle Monsignor Arnold Boeding. Together they farmed near Calmar, until 1966 when they moved to Calmar. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flower gardens, going shopping, playing bingo, traveling and crocheting; making afghans for every grandchild. Cecilia was very involved in the Calmar Senior Citizen Center and St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Cecilia was very devoted to her Catholic faith and to her family. She always remembered birthdates of her family and friends over the years. Her door was always open to all for lunch and whenever she went someplace she would bring something to share. Cecilia learned to drive at the age of forty-five and drove until she was ninety-two. She lived at her home until the age of 95 and then went to live at the Barthell Eastern Star Home and then to the Aase Haugen Nursing Home. Cecilia enjoyed playing the harmonica, and played on her 101st birthday this past Sunday.

Cecilia’s survivors include her son: Paul (Rita) Gerleman, Decorah. Six daughters: Marie (Ronald) Kreitzer, Cresco; Edna (late husband, Robert) Franke, New Hampton; Margaret (Robert) Koengsfeld, New Hampton; Mardell (Lawrence) Corcoran, Ettrick, Wisc; Betty (Weigel) (John) Pell, Urbandale; and Phyllis (Ronald) Prybelski, Austin, Minn. Cecilia’s grandchildren include: Floyd (Pam) Gerleman, Duane (Viola) Gerleman, Kevin (Sharon) Gerleman, Karen (Duane) Martin, Loren (Stephanie) Gerleman, Susan (Dean) Vrba, Bruce Gerleman, Dale (Jean) Kreitzer, Keith (Brenda) Kreitzer, Micheal (Deniz) Franke, John (Jody) Franke, David (Jane) Franke, Patrick (Melanie) Franke, Jeffery (Natalie) Franke, Laurie (Bill) Herriges, Kevin (Dawn) Corcoran, Brian (Gina) Corcoran, Mary Corcoran, Sue Ellyn (Jeff) Fruchtenicht, Michelle (Joe) Pieczynski, Michael Weigel, Ann Prybelski, and Adam (Mara) Prybelski. Stepgrandchilden: Daniel, David, Suzanne, and Teresa. Great grandchildren: Garrett, Nicholas, Samantha, Adam, Grant, Reece, Brian, Linda, Laura, Brandon, McKenzie, Larry, Jennifer (Chris) Laura, Ryan, David, Bianca, Branden, Claire, Kate, Anna, Lauren, Maria, Tyler, Alexia, Ashley, Grant, Jack, Grace, Evan, Jonathan, Megan (Randy), Olivia, Claire, Shane, Finnegan, Getty, Ellie, Sam, Stepen, Kendra, Peyton, Piper, and Stella Bea. Step great grandchilden: Meagan, Ethan, Nathan, and Cory. She also has five great great grandchilden: Brent and Brice, Khloe, Michael and Waylan. One sister: Mechtildis “Micky” Drilling, Cresco.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Mary (Boeding) Kuennen. Her husband: Edmund Gerleman on March 29, 1992. Two granddaughters: Julie Kreitzer on June 13, 1978 and Sara Franke on July 13, 1994. One grandson: Stephen Weigel on August 4, 1985. Two sons-in-law: G. Patrick Weigel on Nov. 11, 1989 and Robert Franke on July 17, 2011. Brothers and sisters: Anna (Bill) Schmitt, Mary (Peter) Kriener, Frank (Elizabeth) Kuennen, Nick (Frances) Kuennen, Julie (Joe) Kriener, Arnold (Florence) Kuennen, Elizabeth (Ignatius) Hageman, and Sister Francis Kuennen. Five siblings in infancy: Edward, Agnes, Wenceslaus, Mary and Herman. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Urban Drilling, Laura (Al) Hageman, Florence (Ray) Hageman and Viola (Roman) Elpert.

Our mother leaves us with a legacy of compassion, love, loyalty to her family and her God and a quiet unevasive spirit. We are, as her loved ones, thankful for the God-given gift of our mother.

Harlan “Shorty” Flatjord dies at 80

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Harlan “Shorty” Flatjord, age 80, of Alta Vista, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Hoag Memorial Hospital in New Port Beach, Calif.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012 with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to the time of the service at Crane Creek Immanuel Lutheran Church near Jerico. Burial will be in Crane Creek Cemetery.

Online condolences for Shorty’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Shorty’s family.

Beulah Carol Schissel dies at 93

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 2:27 pm

Beulah Carol Schissel, age 93, of Elma, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Fr. Ray Atwood celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Elma.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 with a 4:30 p.m. rosary and a 6 p.m. scriptural wake service at Conway-Markham Funeral Chapel in Elma. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may by left for Beulah’s family at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  

Robert Ohm dies at 44

Posted: Friday, April 27, 2012

Robert Ohm, age 44 of Fredericksburg, died Monday, April 23, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City from natural causes.

Memorial services will be held 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg with Rev. Kevin Frey officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in the New Hampton City Cemetery.

Friends may greet the family 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Online condolences for Robert's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
Robert "Bobby" Joseph Ohm was born Oct. 23, 1967, in Iowa City, the son of James Linus and Leona LaVonne (Franzen) Ohm.

He received his education in Fredericksburg graduating from the Fredericksburg High School in 1987.
While still in school, he began working for the former Beatrice Company in Fredericksburg. After working for Beatrice for 13 years, he worked for several years with Murray Construction, for Jean Woodring and with On-Track Overhead Doors.

In 1988, he welcomed his son Brandon into his life. Bobby also enjoyed time with his grandson, Ashton, as well as his dog, Midnight.

He loved to work on cars and spend time with his friends and family. He will be remembered by his family as a man who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Survivors include his son, Brandon Ohm of Fredericksburg; a grandson, Ashton Ohm of Alta Vista; his mother, Leona (Fred) Murray of Fredericksburg; one sister, Cherie (Randy) Schnieder; one brother, Ricky (Kelli) Ohm all of Fredericksburg;one half-brother, Steve (Sarah) Murray of New Hampton; one half-sister, Lisa (Reed) Pryor of Evansdale; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Arnold and Elsie Franzen; paternal grandparents, Harry and Frances Ohm.

Robert J. Baltes dies at 80

Posted: Friday, April 27, 2012

Robert J. Baltes, age 80 of New Hampton, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Center in New Hampton with Father Mark Osterhaus celebrating. Burial will be at a later date. Military rites will be provided by New Hampton American Legion Post No. 38 and New Hampton VFW Post No. 5238.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, with a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 6:30 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Center and Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. Online condolences for Bob’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.

Robert Joseph Baltes was born on March 18, 1932, to Norbert and Anna Mae (Rodamaker) Baltes in New Hampton.

He attended and graduated from New Hampton High School. After graduating, he attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.

In 1951, Bob entered into the United States Navy serving his country during the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge in 1955 and upon his return home, Bob attended Loras College in Dubuque.
On June 19, 1961 Bob was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Rose Katz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. The couple made their home in New Hampton, where they raised their five children.

Bob worked for Rath Packing Company in Waterloo for 33 years until they closed. He was ordained as a permanent deacon on Sept. 21, 1986, and served as a deacon at St. Joseph’s Church, as well as working for the United States Postal Service until his retirement. In 2003, Bob was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinsonism.

He was an active member of Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Center and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bob enjoyed building and flying model airplanes with his brother, playing his ukulele, singing songs with his family and gardening. He loved trout fishing and many family vacations were spent camping in Yellowstone National Park.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rose; their son, Damian (Sara) Baltes of New Hampton; their daughters, Rachel (Jim) Kiffel of New Hampton, Paula (Kelly) Banes of Cedar Falls, Ann (Bill Rosholt) Baltes of Middleton, Wis., and Jennifer (Jeremy) Erickson of New Hampton; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sisters, LaVonne Snider and Evelyn (Ron) Simon both of Daphne, Ala., Ann Kennedy of Spokane, Wash., Rosalie Owens of Lakeland, Fla., Patti (Jerry) Rochford of Charles City, Debbie (David) Merrill of Mt. Vernon; his brother, Jack (Virginia) Baltes of Circle Pines, Minn.; his stepmother, Phyllis Baltes of Dade City, Fla.; his brother-in-law, David O’Dowd of Charles City and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary O’Dowd and his brothers-in-law, Bill Kennedy and Rollis Snider.