Duane "Duke" Eidness

September 11, 2002

Duane "Duke" Eidness, age 75, of Osage, died on Sunday, September 1, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. The Rev. Christian F. Gugal officiated. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery at a later date. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

He was born on February 26, 1927 in Newburg Township in Mitchell County, the son of Albert and Olga (Feldt) Eidness. He was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. He attended school in St. Ansgar. Duane was in the Army from 1945 to 1948. He served in Europe and Japan during World War II. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for ten years, and then Decker's Packing Plant in Mason City. After Decker's closed he was self-employed until retirement.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Osage VFW Post 7920 and the Osage American Legion Post 278. Duane enjoyed reading, fishing, walking and spending time with his grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his children, Steven Eidness and his wife, Judy K. of Lake Mills, Kimberly Johnson of Osage, Denise Beaudoin of Evanston, Illinois and David Eidness and his wife, Judy A. of Lake Mills; sister, Margaret Schultz and her husband, Fred of Mason City; sister-in-law, Lois Eidness of Osage; 11 grandchildren, Joshua, Lacie, Jenna, Valerie, Elizabeth, Danielle, Clinton, Shana, Stephanie, Courtney and Katlyn; four great-grandchildren; and Yvonne Eidness of Lake Mills also survive him.

His parents and a brother, Dean Eidness, precede him in death.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Jerome J. Halbach

September 11, 2002

Jerome J. Halbach, 81, of Stacyville, Iowa, died on Monday, September 2, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 5, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Father Mark Reasoner and Father Marvin Salz officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.

Jerome J. Halbach, was born on August 24, 1921, to Ernest P. and Veronica (Hermann) Halbach in Stacyville, Iowa. He entered the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1942 to 1945. Jerome married Monica Salz on August 10, 1954 at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. He was employed at Theobald Implement as a tractor mechanic for 37 years. Then delivered flowers for Ed's Floral for 15 years.

He was a member of the Stacyville Fire Department serving as Fire Chief for many years. Jerome was also on the Stacyville Town Council for 10 years. He enjoyed wood crafting as a hobby. Jerome was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Hale Penny Fuller Post 569 of the American Legion, Stacyville, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kenny; two sisters, Alverna Halbach and Kathryn Brumm; and one brother, Leo Halbach.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Monica of Stacyville; three sons, Ed Halbach and his wife, Therese of Stacyville, Joseph Halbach and his wife, Deb of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Mark Halbach and his wife, Teresa of Glenville, Minnesota; three daughters, Jeanne Traaseth and her husband, Pete of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Angie Kruger of St. Ansgar, Iowa and Paula Halbach of Minneapolis, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Danielle and Jacklyn Halbach, Stacey Kruger and Leah Traaseth; one brother, William Halbach and his wife, Shirley of Grundy Center, Iowa; sister, Edith Halbach; brother-in-law, Francis Brumm of Stacyville; and sister-in-law, Maxine Halbach of Austin, Minnesota.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Loren F. Muller

September 11, 2002

Loren F. Muller, age 80, of Osage, died on Monday, September 2, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 5, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, south of Osage. The Reverend Christian F. Gugel officiated. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery.

Loren F. Muller, was born on April 25, 1922 at Osage, the son of Ferdinand and Caroline (Troge) Muller. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church, south of Osage. He graduated from the Osage High School and served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Loren was united in marriage to Bernice Dieterich on March 12, 1947 and to this union two daughters were born. Bernice died in 1986. He then was united in marriage to Marjorie Beye on December 7, 1987. Marjorie died in 1990. Loren was then united in marriage to Ione (Rosendahl) Beier on July 18, 1992.

Loren farmed south of Osage until retiring in 1986. He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, south of Osage, in which he was an Elder and had held various offices in the church. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Loren also served on the Calvary Cemetery Board, along with the St. Ansgar Mutual Insurance Board and the Osage Elevator Board.

Preceding Loren in death were his parents; wives, Bernice and Marjorie; one sister, Nina Muller; and one brother, Glenn Muller.

Survivors include his wife, Ione Muller of Osage; two daughters, Janet Boll and husband, Joe of Toledo and Kristine Cassel of Mason City; four stepdaughters, Jeralyn VerHelst of Emmetsburg, Jody St. John of Ft. Dodge, Joan Arndt of Fort Dodge and Jennifer Slattery of Taylor Ridge, Illinois; one step-son, Benjamin Beier of Lake Mills; 11 step-grandchildren; and one sister, Hilda La Coste of Osage.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home of Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Pamela K. Burns

September 11, 2002

Pamela K. Burns, age 52, of Osage, died on Wednesday, September 4, 2002, at the Faith Lutheran Home is Osage, following a lengthy illness with multiple sclerosis.

A memorial service was held on Monday, September 9, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, with Rev. Rich Murray and Rev. Tom Healy officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Pamela was born on March 8, 1950 in LeMars, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Elnora (Grady) Burlage. She graduated from the Osage High School and Hamilton's Business College in Mason City. Pamela was employed by Control Data in Minneapolis, Minnesota until 1985, when she retired due to health reasons. Pamela married Neal Burns on April 25, 1992 in Mason City.

She was preceded in death by a brother, James Burlage.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Neal Burns of Osage; her parents, Edward and Elnora Burlage of Osage; brothers and sisters, Deanna Teaford, Dennis Burlage, Roger Burlage, Cyril Burlage, Norma Jean Perrigo, Brian Burlage and LuAnne Hall.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Dean Arnold Wolff

September 18, 2002

Dean Arnold Wolff, age 73, formerly of Little Cedar, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 14, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Karen Nichols Dungan officiating. Interment was in the Liberty Cemetery in Little Cedar. Memorials may be given to the Mitchell County Care Facility, Osage.

Dean Wolff, was born on November 10, 1928 near Little Cedar, the son of Lawrence and Alice Mable (Minnis) Wolff. He attended school in Little Cedar. Dean was an avid John Deere Tractor enthusiast.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister.

Those that survive him include one sister, Vesta Allen of Aurora, Missouri; nephew, Dave Allen of Aurora, Missouri; two nieces, Carla Maples of Aurora, Missouri and Linda Hilton of Crane, Missouri; five grand-nieces and nephews; aunt, Elva Funte of Clarion, Iowa; and uncle, Ivan Minnis of Aurora, Missouri.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home of Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Leo F. Beyer

September 18, 2002

Leo F. Beyer, age 79, of Osage, died on Friday, September 13, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 17, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Philip Recker officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Leo was born on December 28, 1922 at rural Dows, Iowa, the son of Carl F. and Barbara T. (Uthe) Beyer. He was united in marriage to Gertrude A. Johanns on November 13, 1954 in New Haven. They farmed in the Riceville area for 40 years, moving to Osage in November of 1994.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and the Knights of Columbus. Leo enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, playing cribbage and his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parent; wife, Gertrude in 1995; one sister, Rosemary E. Beyer; and an infant brother.

His survivors include two sons, Donald Beyer and his wife, Cindy of Mitchell and Thomas Beyer of Osage; two daughters, Jane Beyer of Crystal, Minnesota and Julie Johnson and her husband, Steven of Osage; two brothers, Maynard Beyer and his wife, Barbara of Clear Lake and Melvin Beyer and his wife, Roseanne of Dows; and 12 grandchildren.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home of Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Rose Ruth Nickerson

September 18, 2002

Rose Ruth Nickerson, 94, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, September 15, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 19, at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar. Reverend Jay Amundson is officiating. Burial will be in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter, Iowa.

Rose Ruth Nickerson, was born on the Gerlach farm in Newburg Township, on April 16, 1908, the eighth of 11 children to Frank and Emma (Priem) Gerlach. She graduated from the Carpenter High School in 1928. She attended music school for one year studying piano, which she taught to many children. She married Harold Nickerson at the Gerlach home on February 19, 1930.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, H.B. Nickerson in 1996; three brothers, Roy, Earl and Art Gerlach; five sisters, Irma, Lucille, Ruth and infant twins.

She is survived by five children, Verle and his wife, Evelyn of Osage, Joanne Borchardt and husband, George of Holland, Gene and wife, Nedra of Paradise Valley, Arizona, H. James and wife, Gretta of Marchfield, Wisconsin and Mary Loomer of St. Paul, Minnesota; 21 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and two brothers, Bill and Gene Gerlach of St. Ansgar.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Phyllis R. Schmidt

September 25, 2002

Phyllis R. Schmidt, age 68, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 20, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. The Reverend Wayne Ellingson officiated. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery in Grafton.

Phyllis was born on February 11, 1934 in Manly, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Orpha (Buhrer) Trettin. She was united in marriage to Robert E. Schmidt on April 25, 1954, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. She was a homemaker. Phyllis worked at Mode-O-Day in Mason City for 17 years and Fox River Mills in Osage for 15 years, retiring in 2001.

She was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, making quilts and playing bridge.

Preceding Phyllis in death were her father, Roy in 1974; mother, Orpha in 2000; husband, Robert in 1991; sister, Maxine Braun in 1993; and sister-in-law, Judith Westcott in 2001.

Her survivors include three daughters, Vicki Kroneman and her husband, James of Osage, Robin Tabbert and her husband, Duane of Grafton, Kimberly Spitz and her husband, Michael of Osage; one brother, Dale Trettin and his wife, Coleen of Grafton; three brothers-in-law, Leslie Schmidt and his wife, Helen of Georgetown, Kentucky, Wayne Braun and his wife, Lavon of Granite, Oklahoma and Melvyn Westcott of Savannah, Georgia; grandchildren, Keith Kroneman and his wife, Bonnie of Osage, Tim Kroneman of Osage, Melinda Kroneman of Iowa City, Kyle Tabbert and his wife, Kristine of Grafton, Troy Tabbert of Grafton and Autumn Spitz of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Alvina M. Barlow

October 2, 2002

Alvina M. Barlow, age 87, died peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2002, in the Ambassador Good Samaritan Center, New Hope, Minnesota.

A graveside service was held on Friday, September 27, at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Toeterville, Iowa.

Barlow was born on December 6, 1914 in Stacyville, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Fred Buntrock Sr., Walter Kara and Byron Barlow; son, Fred Buntrock, Jr.; and grandson, Wade Buntrock.

Survivors include grandchildren, Dean (Tami) Buntrock and their children, Eric, Cory and Demi, Glen Buntrock, Karla (Jeff) Shafer and their children, Kaitlyn and Hailey; and step-children, Sarah (Roger) and Hannah, Bonnie Barlow, Deborah (Gary) Bertolin, Douglas (Barbara) Barlow and Steven Barlow.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Glen Hernan

October 2, 2002

Glen Hernan, age 86, of Osage, died on Monday, September 23, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Reverend Philip Recker officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Glen Hernan, was born on December 20, 1915 in Mitchell County near Osage, the son of Raymond and Rose (Severson) Hernan. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1934. He was united in marriage to Nadine Loden on September 30, 1936, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They started farming in the New Haven area and northeast of Osage. He then purchased a farm southwest of St. Ansgar in 1943, where he farmed until retirement in 1981. They then moved to Osage where he spent his retirement fishing, playing saxophone with the “Meitner Brothers Band” and helping his sons with farm work.

As a young man he enjoyed boxing and playing saxophone at weekly dances. He is remembered as a very devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Preceding Glen in death were his parents; and two sisters, Darlene Herman and Madeleine Berg.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Nadine Hernan of Osage; one daughter, Janice Duren of Osage and her five children, Deb (Paul) Pederson of Kansas City, Missouri, Julie (Ken) Gabby of Byron, Minnesota, Vickie (Steve) Johnson of Osage, Marlin (Kelli) Duren of Osage and John Duren of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Montel Hernan and wife, Kay of St. Ansgar and their five children, Christine (Ervin) Follmuth of Mason City, Charlene (Jim) Pajer of Carpenter, Carolyn (John) Werner of Osage, Darlene (Robert) Niess of Osage, Geri (Dan) Angiulli of Appleton, Wisconsin, Neil Hernan and wife, Theresa of Osage and their three children, Jessy Hernan of St. Louise, Missouri, Jill Hernan of Iowa City and Becca Hernan of Osage; 14 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Joyce Maxine Buehrer

October 2, 2002

Joyce Maxine Buehrer, age 78, of Osage, died on Friday, September 27, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 2, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Osage. The Reverend Rick, Magstadt officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery in Osage.

Joyce was born on November 4, 1923 near Otranto, Iowa, the daughter of John “Fritz” and Mamie (Nelson) Ogden. She went to the Otranto High School where she played basketball and graduated in 1942. She went to the Mission Church in Lyle, Minnesota, where she received Christ into her life. She drove school bus at Otranto for two years and moved to Osage in 1946 where she worked for the Cedar Valley Produce, Farmers Produce and St. Ansgar Produce. Joyce was baptized in Lake Okoboji by R.R. Brown.

She married Everest Buehrer in June of 1956 at the Dockum farm near Carpenter, Iowa. A daughter, Terri was born to this union in 1958. They purchased the Ritter Garbage Service and it became Buehrer Sanitation, which they operated for 20 years in Mitchell County. Everest died in 1983.

Joyce was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where in her younger years she was a Sunday School teacher and worked with children’s evangelism, and continually worked throughout the church in various capacities. She worked with her daughter in her antique business for 24 years. She enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with her grandsons.

Preceding Joyce in death were her parents; husband, Everest; and two brothers, Nolan and Leo Ogden.

Her survivors include one daughter, Terri Lancaster and husband, Ric and their children, Gabe and Isaiah of Osage; one sister, Ardene Dockum and husband, Harry of Carpenter; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Richard J. Jung

October 9, 2002

Funeral services for Richard J. Jung, 66, of St. Ansgar, were held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 9, 2002, at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa. The Rev. Robert Porisch officiated. Burial was in the Garden of Memories in Waterloo, Iowa. Military honors were conducted by the Walter T. Enneberg Post #358 of the American Legion.

Jung was born on May 21, 1936 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Harold and Dorothy (Collins) Jung. He graduated from the West High School, Waterloo in 1954. He entered the U.S. Army and served his country in the 404th Signal Corps. Richard married Mary Lou Schulz on October 8, 1961, at the College Hill Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls. He was active in the banking industry, retiring from the Federal Reserve, 7th District in December 1999. He lived in Waterloo for 53 years, Des Moines for 10 years and St. Ansgar for three years.

Richard was an active community member serving in various organizations and boards including church treasurer, City Council, Veteran's Affairs Administration, Economic Development Board, American Legion Post #358 and the Elks. One of Richard's favorite hobbies was bowling.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, Robert Jung.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou of St. Ansgar; daughter, Debbie Lynn Kirkpatrick and husband, Kevin of Waterloo, Iowa; two sons, Scott Richard Jung and his wife, Suzanne of Phoenix, Arizona and Brett Alan Jung and his wife, Tasha of Waterloo, Iowa; and four grandchildren, Justin and Josh Kirkpatrick, Chelsea and Chad Jung.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Patricia Louise Coen

October 2, 2002

Patricia Louise Coen, 63, of Northwood, died on Sunday, September 29, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 3, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City, with Rev. William Smith of the St. Anthony Church, Des Moines officiating. Following cremation, inurnment will take place in the Osage Cemetery in Osage. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday, until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Patricia was born on June 29, 1939 in Creston, Iowa, the daughter of Robert D. and Ruby M. (Campbell) Smith. She lived in various communities in Iowa, most recently in Northwood, moving to Mason City in July of this year. She worked for Fieldstone Cabinetry in Northwood and most recently as a CNA for the Lutheran Retirement Home. She retired in December of last year.

She enjoyed crocheting doilies for her family and friends, gardening, flowers, vegetables, riding her bike and had a special place in her heart for her great-grandson, Christopher.

Patricia is survived by her children, Pamela Marie Clausen of Cincinnati, Ohio, Diana Mae Fleenor and husband, Joel of Mason City, Timothy Lee Coen of Mason City and Laurie Ann Duryee of Mason City; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan, Alexander, Russell, Jeremy, Justin, Kassondra, Douglas, Darin, Kirsten and David; one great-grandchild, Christopher; siblings, Robert D. Smith Jr. and wife, Dorothy of Sedalia, Missouri, Beverly Broege and husband, Keith of Poplar Bluffs, Missouri, Rev. William Smith and wife, Pat of Des Moines, Eugene Gary Smith of Kansas, Joyce Schmidtke of St. Ansgar, Ray Smith and wife, Marcia of Osage and Rozella Melancon and husband, Bruce of Lafitte, Louisiana.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Larry Coen.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Gertrude "Gert" Pollard

October 9, 2002

Gertrude "Gert" Pollard, age 90, of Faribault, Minnesota, died on Sunday, September 29, 2002, at the Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Faribault.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 2, at the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church in Faribault, with the Rev. Richard Ormsby officiating. Interment was in the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault. Members of the Faribault Aerie 1460, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary conducted a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Gertrude Evelyn Beck, the daughter of Frank and Frances Lillian (Smith) Beck, was born on July 16, 1912 in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from the Grinnell High School in 1930. She was united in marriage to Harry Pollard on July 4, 1938 in Lancaster, Missouri. He preceded her in death on December 26, 1961. They lived for several years in Montezuma, Iowa and later moved to Osage. In 1944, they moved to St. Ansgar until 1950, when they made their residence in Faribault. Mrs. Pollard worked at the Faribault Turkey Plant before working as the bookkeeper at Lockwood Autos for many years. She was a member of the Faribault Eagles Auxiliary.

Preceding her in death were her husband; a son, Frank LeRoy Pollard on April 1, 1959; and a brother.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary (Mike) Fay of Patterson, New York, Jean DeRider (Will Parra) of Duluth, Minnesota and Jill (Harvey) Degen of Owatonna, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; three great-grandsons; two sisters, Mabel Brown of Montezuma, Iowa and Carol (Bud) McDaniel of San Jose, California; a sister-in-law, Bessie Pollard of Osage; and other relatives and friends.

The Parker Kohl Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press