John E. Hemann

April 9, 2003

John E. Hemann, age 77, of Osage, died on Friday evening, April 4, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 7, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Reverend Philip Recker officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage. A Knights of Columbus Rosary and Scripture Service was held at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

John, the son of Joseph and Dorothy (Smith) Hemann, was born on September 7, 1925 in Meyer, and attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Meyer. As a young adult John worked as a hired hand for area farmers for six years. John was united in marriage to E. Joan Michels on June 2, 1948 at the Sacred Heart Church in Meyer. They made their home and farmed near Osage for 25 years. In 1973, they moved to their own farm near Riceville, where they lived for 30 years, prior to returning to Osage, after purchasing a home in town in 2003.

John enjoyed playing cards, music, dancing, woodworking and traveling with his wife. He enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren, attending their numerous events in sports, music and theatre. John had a strong faith. He proudly proclaimed he would never have a million dollars but he had a family worth a million.

Preceding John in death were his parents; his parents-in-law, Leo and Pauline Michels; two brothers, Cletus and Robert Hemann; and a sister-in-law, Germaine Michels.

His survivors include his wife, Joan of Osage; four daughters, Marilyn (Dave) Osterhaus of Earlville, Iowa, Karen (Tom) Thome of Osage, Barb (Steve Gulick) of Cedar Falls and Jean (Richard) Porter of Des Moines; six sons, Tom (Mary) of Streator, Illinois, Don (Cheryl) of St. Louis, Missouri, Alan (Linda) of Riceville, John of New York, New York, Michael (Tracee) of New Berlin, Wisconsin and Brian of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; three brothers, Ray (Beatrice) of Adams, Minnesota, Arthur (Darlene) of Osage and Kenneth (Ann) of St. Ansgar; three sisters, Sr. Mary Kenneth of Okolona, Mississippi, Angela (Herb) Werner of Osage and Theresa (George) Theis of Plymouth; two sisters-in-law, Kate Hemann and Norraine Hemann, both of Osage; two brothers-in-law, Leo Michels of Des Moines and Robert (Betty) Michels of Sauke Center, Minnesota; three sisters-in-law, Ann (Tom) Marsolek of Denver, Colorado, Rose (Dale) Bock of Des Moines and Jeanne Brandt of Northfield, Minneota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was loved and will be missed tremendously by his 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, Iowa, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Mervin Nordyke

April 30, 2003

Mervin Nordyke, 78, died on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held in Des Moines on Tuesday, April 15, 2003,

Mervin was born at Little Cedar, Iowa, on November 15, 1924, to Jess and Marie Nordyke. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1942 and served in the Army during World War II as a court reporter. Following his discharge he was employed as a legal assistant for a law firm in Eldora. He then worked as an office manager for Gibbs Cook in Des Moines. He later began work as a legal assistant for the Iowa Department of Agriculture in Des Moines, from which he retired in 1987. Mervin was united in marriage to Rosemary Lovelace on March 9, 1951. They were the parents of two sons.

Nordyke was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy; and one brother, Donald in 1975.

Mervin's survivors include his wife, Rosemary; two sons, Craig Nordyke of St. Charles, Missouri and Brian Nordyke (Cheryl) of Runnells, Iowa; and two grandsons, Kyle and Lucas Nordyke; three sisters, Neva Whitmore of Conrad, Iowa, Zola Borchardt of Plymouth, Iowa and Darla Barrett of Peoria, Illinois; and one brother, Leonard (Dugan) Nordyke of Eldora, Iowa.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Olaf Arthur Thompson

April 23, 2003

Olaf Arthur Thompson, 85, of Northwood, died on Saturday, April 12, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 16, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Karl Hermanson officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church Handicap Accessible Fund, which will be established at the church by the family in his memory.

Olaf Arthur Thompson, was born on June 7, 1917 in Mona, Iowa, in Mitchell County, the son of John G. and Clara (Stromley) Thompson. He was baptized in Mona and reaffirmed his faith through confirmation in the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in the Norwegian language. He attended and received his education in the Otranto School System. He was united in marriage to Wilma Gentz on November 25, 1937, at the First Lutheran Church Parsonage in Northwood. Olaf farmed in the Northwood and Crystal Lake, Iowa areas for 35 years before his retirement.

He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, gardening, flowers and reading. He was a member of the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Wilma Thompson of Northwood; five children, Carol Ann Nehman and her husband, Darvin of Fonda, Iowa, Marvin Thompson and his wife, Diane of Sparta, Wisconsin, Dennis Thompson and his wife, Donna of Glenville, Minnesota, Dale Thompson of Northwood and Calvin Thompson and his wife, Sandra of Osage; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Caroline Gentz of Northwood; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Gladys Lorraine Thompson; three grandsons, Brandon Thompson, Brian and Shaun Nehman; great-grand-daughter, Madison Nehman; and two brothers, Francis and Gerhard Thompson.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Wilma Mae Thompson

April 23, 2003

Wilma Mae Thompson, 84, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 22, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Karl Hermanson officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church Handicap Accessible Fund, which has been established at the church by the family in her memory.

Wilma Mae Thompson, was born was born on July 8, 1918 in rural Mitchell County, Iowa, near Meltonville, the daughter of William Gentz, Sr. and Mathilda (Hanson) Gentz. She was baptized at her parent’s home in rural Northwood and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation in the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. She attended and received her education in the Otranto and rural Northwood School Systems. She was united in marriage to Olaf Arthur Thompson on November 25, 1937, at the First Lutheran Church Parsonage in Northwood. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2003. After their marriage together they farmed in the Northwood and Crystal Lake, Iowa areas for 35 years before their retirement. Wilma also worked as a cook for various restaurants in the North Iowa area before going to work for Fleet Guard Incorporated in Lake Mills.

She enjoyed dancing, playing cards and going to family gatherings, but her great love and enjoyment was her family. She was a member of the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Carol Ann Nehman and her husband, Darvin of Fonda, Iowa, Marvin Thompson and his wife, Diane of Sparta, Wisconsin, Dennis Thompson and his wife, Donna of Glenville, Minnesota, Dale Thompson of Northwood and Calvin Thompson and his wife, Sandra of Osage; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Gentz and his wife, Dorothy of Northwood and William Gentz, Jr. and his wife, Esther of Northwood; a sister, Dorothy Low of Northwood; a sister-in-law, Caroline Gentz of Northwood; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Olaf Thompson; a daughter, Gladys Lorraine Thompson; three grandsons, Brandon Thompson, Brian and Shaun Nehman; great-granddaughter, Madison Nehman; and two brothers, Roy and Art Gentz; and a sister, Florence Bottleman.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Morris J. Serleth

April 23, 2003

Morris Jules Serleth, 76, passed away on Friday April 18, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday April 22, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Osage, with the Rev. Rick Magstadt officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery. A United States flag was folded and presented to the family by the Orchard American Legion Post 641 at the Cemetery.

Morris was born on February 23, 1927 in Osage, the son of Belgium immigrants, Jules and Zulma (DeZutter) Serleth, who farmed in the Orchard area. Morris graduated from the Orchard High School in 1945 and then served in the U.S. Army, stationed in occupied Japan. Morris was united in marriage to Shirley Walstad on April 29, 1950. They lived in different areas, since Morris was a federal meat inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including Omaha, Mason City and Owatonna, Minnesota. In 1989, Morris retired and he and Shirley moved to Osage.

He enjoyed all outdoor activities, especially gardening, fishing, and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Peter in 1986; 2 brothers, George and Eugene; and 1 sister, Irene.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Serleth of Osage; a daughter, Laurel Serleth and husband, Buck Buckley of Evanston, Illinois; three sons, Ned Serleth and wife, Susan of Crossville, Tennessee, Hans Serleth and wife, Corie of Bemidji, Minnesota and Toby Serleth and wife, Mary of La Crosse, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Sophie Buckley, Lynea and Shaylynn Serleth, Samuel and Jillianna Serleth and David Serleth; two sisters, Elaine Wardlaw of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Bertha Tresch of Mankato, Minnesota.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Arthur Dettman

April 30, 2003

Arthur W. Dettman, 99, died on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 23, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wisconsin.

Local survivors include a daughter, Minona Zellmer of St. Ansgar; two granddaughters, Kristin Brown of Toeterville, Iowa and Heidi Zellmer of Charles City, Iowa; and great-grandsons, Eric Zellmer of Laramie, Wyoming and Jared Zellmer of Charles City, Iowa.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Jerry Jordahl

April 30, 2003

Jerry Jordahl, 67, of St. Ansgar, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital Hospice Unit.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 26, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Jerry was born on March 5, 1936 in Rake, Iowa, to Joseph and Margaret (Olson) Jordahl. He graduated from St. Ansgar in 1954. He attended Waldorf College from 1954-1955. He served in the United States Army as a member of the 526th Field Artillery Missile Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 1956-1958. He married Gloria Hansen on June 9, 1956 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. Jerry worked in the furniture business for 36 years most recently retiring from Dungey's Furniture, Osage, where he served as store manager.

Jerry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of 2000. During the following 3 years Jerry's strength and will to survive touched many lives. He became a source of consultation and inspiration to others suffering from pancreatic cancer throughout the country. He was always willing to listen and offer encouragement to all he spoke with. He became active in the American Cancer Society and he along with his wife, Gloria, were chosen as the honorary co-chairs for the Mitchell County Relay for Life in 2002. Jerry was inducted into the St. Ansgar Booster Club Athletic Hall of Fame in April of 2002 for his outstanding athletic achievements.

Jerry enjoyed golf, gardening, and working in his workshop. He loved traveling and especially enjoyed his Panama Canal Cruise with friends and a trip to the East with Gloria. His life was his family and he loved spending time with his four grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; and father-in-law, Lloyd Hansen.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Kari (David) Fomon of Coralville and Erik Jordahl of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Josh and Kristin Fomon and Taylor and Nicholas Jordahl; mother, Margaret Jordahl and Mother-in-law, Wilma Hansen; brother-in-law, Richard (Helen) Hansen of La Habra, California; his niece, Dana Schauster; and nephew, Mark Hansen.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Marcellus H. Meyerhofer

May 28, 2003

Marcellus H. "Shorty" Meyerhofer, 70, of Camp Verde, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at his home in Camp Verde.

Graveside services were held on Friday, April 25, at the Mountain View Memorial gardens, in Mesa, Arizona.

Marcellus H. Meyerhofer, was born on April 26, 1932 in Stacyville, Iowa. Following high school, Shorty served in the U.S. Army for two years and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. Settling in Wisconsin, Shorty was in sales and manufacturing until his retirement. In 1994, he moved to Arizona to the climate and landscape he loved. Although retired, he continued to work with his hands and especially enjoyed small construction projects for friends and neighbors.

Preceding Marcellus in death were two brothers, Clem of Osage and Ambrose of Manly.

Meyerhofer is survived by his wife, Irma; his four children, John, Anna Marie, Tom and Gina; 11 grandchildren; nephew, Nicholas Meyerhofer and his family of Flagstaff; brothers, Wilfred (Anna) Meyerhofer of Osage and LaVerne (Mary) Meyerhofer of Stewartville, Minnesota; sisters, Martha Beland, Dolores Van Feldt of Austin, Genevieve Bassler of Dubuque, Sister Virginia Meyerhofer of Sioux City, Sister Mona Meyerhofer of Martin, Mississippi and Sister Nila of Chicago; and two sisters-in law.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Giles Lea Mallow

April 30, 2003

Giles Lea Mallow, age 78, of Osage, died on Wednesday, April 23, 2003, at his home in Osage, of cancer.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 26, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Reverend Dennis Hanson and Reverend Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment was in the Osage Cemetery, with a flag presentation by the VFW Post 7920 and American Legion Post 278. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Giles was born on May 14, 1924, to George and Fern Mallow in Kanawha, Iowa. Giles graduated from the Osage High School in 1942, then served in the United States Navy during WW II as an officer aboard an LST. He was united in marriage to Imogene Love on June 14, 1946 in Osage. He owned and operated the Mallow & Sons GM Dealership in Osage.

Giles was a life member of the American Legion, a member of the VFW where he went through the ranks of that group, serving as president and then served many years as quartermaster. He was an avid golfer.

Giles was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Imogene; one son, Charles (Kathryn) Mallow of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; two daughters, Kristen Mallow, Adele Mallow (Matt) Spears and their children, Tayla and Rhiannon of Fridley, Minnesota and a son, Christopher (Becky) Mallow of Fargo, North Dakota; four daughters, Claudia Deaton and her son, Drake of St. Ansgar, Constance (John) Litzel and their daughter, Elizabeth and her daughter, Isabelle of Ames, Crystal (Gregory) Darrow of Bartlett, Illinois and Carolyn (Marty) Corwell and their children, Morgan, Mason Giles and Marshall of Denver, Iowa; and one brother, Keith Mallow of Fridley, Minnesota.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Paul "Pappy" Johnson

April 30, 2003

Paul "Pappy" Johnson, 97, of Bloomington, Minnesota, died on Friday, April 25, 2003, at the Martin Luther Manor in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 30, in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville.

Paul "Pappy" Johnson, son of Sam L. Johnson and Mary (Halverson) Johnson, was born on September 23, 1906 in Thomson, Minnesota. When he was three he moved with his family to Belmond, Iowa. He graduated from the Belmond High School, business college in Des Moines, Iowa and in 1940 graduated from the University of Iowa in Dentistry. He began his dental practice in Lake Mills, Iowa. On October 18, 1942, he married Ora Brue, shortly before he was to leave for duty in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. He served in the Navy during World War II and then again during the Korean Conflict. Later after returning from active duty, he began his dental practice in Riceville, where he practiced dentistry for 30 years before retiring in 1982.

Following Ora's death in 1984, Paul moved to Burnsville, Minnesota in 1986. There he was active in the Burnsville Senior Center until his move to the Meadow Woods in Bloomington, Minnesota, in April of 1999 and to Martin Luther Manor in December of that same year.

Preceding Paul in death were his parents; three brothers, Bill, Leonard and Ted; and four sisters, Olga Lester, Helen Johnson, Magdalene Johnson and Sofie Gealow.

Survivors include his son, Brian (Jeanne) Johnson of Burnsville, Minnesota; grandsons, Erik (Christine) Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Scott Johnson of Burnsville, Minnesota; one brother, Henry of Belmond, Iowa; sister-in-law, Helen Johnson of Fort Dodge; brother-in-law, Charles (Rhoda) Brue of Lake Mills; along with nieces and nephews.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Leon K. Thome

April 30, 2003

Leon K. Thome, 70, died on Saturday, April 26, 2003, from an unfortunate farming accident that happened at his rural Riceville farm.

A Funeral Mass was held at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, on Wednesday, April 30, with Father Mark Reasoner and Father John Hemann officiating. Interment was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Leon was a life long farmer and resident of Stacyville, Iowa. His love of the land was well known. He will be missed by his family and many friends. Leon and Joan spent winters in Yuma, Arizona, where he enjoyed desert trips and the sport of sand dunning and desert railing.

Leon was preceded in death by one son, Bruce who was killed in an auto accident in California in 1978; and one infant grandchild, Nathan, son of Peter and Cheryl Thome; his parents, Albert and Rose (Hoerter) Thome; sister, Arlene Grell (known as Tootsie); brother, Gene, KIA in the Korean War; and his former wife, Constance Badker (Duren).

Leon is survived by his wife, Joan (Hollinger); children, James (Babette) Thome of Earlham, Theresa (Roy) Deines of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Denise (Michael) Johnson of Kanawha, Kevin (Shonna) of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Peter (Cheryl) Thome of rural Stacyville, Christopher (Kelly) Thome of Stanwood, Washington and Catherine Logan and special friend, Verne Burk of Rockwell; step-children, Robert Wood of Little Canada, Minnesota, Julie (Arthur) Morrison of Quincy, Michigan and Bruce (Lisa) of Altus, Oklahoma; thirty-two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Arthur and Danial of Stacyville, Dale of Waterloo and Mary Jane Foxen of New Haven.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Dorothy A. "Dottie" Warner

May 14, 2003

Dorothy A. "Dottie" Warner, 59, of Des Moines, died on Saturday, April 26, 2003, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 30, at the St. Theresa's Catholic Church, with burial in the Glendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Theresa's Catholic Church.

Dorothy was born in Little Cedar, Iowa and had lived in Mason City and Osage before moving to Des Moines, 37 years ago. She was a member of the St. Theresa's Catholic Church, St. Theresa's Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters. She collected teddy bears and enjoyed doing crafts.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Rogers; and a brother, Lawrence Rogers.

Her survivors include her husband, David of Des Moines; daughter, Laura Warner of Plymouth, Minnesota; three bothers, Dean Rogers of Nevada, Allen Rogers and Johnny Rogers, both of Osage.

The Westover Funeral Home, Des Moines, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Arnold H. Wilken

May 7, 2003

Arnold H. Wilken, 95, of Clarksville, died on Monday, April 28, 2003, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville.

Funeral services were held at the First United Church of Christ-Pleasant Valley, rural Clarksville. The Reverend Anne Sunday officiated. Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in rural Clarksville.

Arnold was born the son of Edward and Sophia (Nordmeyer) Wilken on October 11, 1907 in Dickens, Iowa. He was baptized into the Christian faith on December 1, 1907 and was confirmed on April 22, 1922, at the First United Church of Christ-Pleasant Valley, rural Clarksville. He received his education from the Fremont No. 7 Pleasant Valley Country School near his home. Arnold was united in marriage with Bertha Wedeking on December 15, 1927, at the First United Church of Christ-Pleasant Valley. They made their home and farmed near Clarksville. This union was blessed with four children, Donald, Dale, Shirley and Darrel. They retired from farming in 1966 and moved to Waverly. Arnold became a resident of the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville on December 28, 2000.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Bertha Wilken on February 13, 2001; a son, Dale Wilken on December 28, 2000; one grandchild, Lynette Wall and a great-grandson, Larry Wall in 1978; three brothers, Bill, Edwin and Carl Wilken; and two sisters, Melinda Stoxen and Louise Wedeking.

Arnold's survivors include two sons, Donald (Gertrude) of Dumont and Darrel (Doris) of Cedar Falls; one daughter, Shirley (Marlin) Klar of Grundy Center; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren. Area residents surviving are grandchildren, Linda Lenz and LeAnn Merfeld; great-grandchildren, Lisa Meek and Richard Meek; and great-great grandchild, G. Dillon Arnold Meek, all of Osage.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Ethel B. Hoven

May 7, 2003

Ethel B. Hoven, age 87, died on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at her home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 2, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. Reverend Dennis Hanson and Reverend Roy Ott officiated. Interment was on Friday, at the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Badger, Iowa.

Ethel Hoven, was born on March 14, 1916 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Einar and Agnes (Amundson) Elster. She married the Reverend Obert Hoven on June 3, 1944 at Minneapolis. Ethel supported her husband in ministry in Lily, South Dakota, Martel, Wisconsin, Ridgeway, Iowa, Osage, Iowa and Badger, Iowa. She returned to Osage following the death of her husband.

Ethel was an active member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church and a volunteer at the Faith Lutheran Home. She was an honorary board member of Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, The Reverend Obert Hoven; and two brothers.

She is survived by two daughters, Diane Haisten of Perry Florida and her children, Jamie and Joshua; Sharon Schlick and husband, Jerry of Perry, Florida; two sons, Michael Hoven and wife, Betty of Marion and their children, Shannon and Amanda; Philip Hoven and wife, Susan of Waterloo and their children, Kendra and Christopher; and two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Chelsea.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press