Loraine Helfter

August 13, 2003

Loraine Helfter, age 94, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, died on Sunday, August 3, 2003, at the home of her daughter, Harriet Terry.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 12, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, Iowa. The Rev. Ray Atwood officiated and burial was in the St. Peter's parish cemetery, New Haven.

Loraine was born on December 24, 1908 in Marion, South Dakota, to Bernhard and Loraine (Merrill) Heer. She grew up in Doland, South Dakota. She graduated from the Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She married Joseph C. Helfter on October 15, 1935 in Doland, South Dakota. She and her husband farmed in the New Haven, Iowa area and the Doland, South Dakota areas prior to moving to St. Cloud in 1954, where they operated a family business. She was a longtime member of the St. Peter's parish.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 1988; granddaughter, Jill Stapleton 1994; and three brothers, Edward, Frank and Lyle.

Survivors include her children, Bernard and his wife, Carole of Holland, Manitoba, Canada, Thomas and his wife, Lucy of LeCenter, Minnesota, Angela Korsmo and her husband, Michael of West Fargo, North Dakota, Rachel Stapleton and her husband, Michael of Browns Valley, Minnesota, Mark and his wife, Hella of Fargo, North Dakota and Harriet Terry and her husband, Philip of St. Cloud; 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Nettie Gergen and her husband, John of Sartell.

The Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud, Minnesota, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Austie Smith

August 13, 2003

Austie Smith, age 80, of Osage, died on Wednesday, August 6, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.

Austie Smith, was born on December 19, 1922 in Manly, the daughter of Robin and Mary (Popp) Pelleymounter. She moved to Osage with her family and graduated from the Osage High School in 1941. Austie was united in marriage to Robert Smith on December 28, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They lived in Osage where she worked as a cook at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital for 22 years.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Ladies Guild, Osage American Legion Auxiliary and Osage VFW Auxiliary. Her life was centered around her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Kenneth, Richard and Robert Pelleymounter.

Austie is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Smith of Osage; three daughters, Barb and Russ Krahenbuhl of Osage, Nancy and David Broome of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Pat and Tony Halbach of Osage; two sons, Larry and Yvonne Smith of Madison, Wisconsin and Tom and Betty Smith of Osage; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Kay Elliott of Osage; and two brothers, Roman and Marge Pelleymounter of Osage and Bernard and Myrna Pelleymounter of Ackley.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Robert A. Michels

August 20, 2003

Robert A. "Bob" Michels, age 70, of Sauk Centre, formerly of Shakopee, Minnesota, died on Thursday, August 7, 2003, at the St. Michael's Hospice, Sauk Centre, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 12, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shakopee. The Rev. Joseph P. Fink and Rev. Larry Blake officiated. Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee. Military honors were conducted by the Shakopee Veterans Memorial Unit.

Robert Michels, was born at McIntire, on October 21, 1932, to Leo and Pauline (Werner) Michels. He was united in marriage to Bette Schammel on December 27, 1955 at Rose Creek, Minnesota. He was an accountant and owned and operated Michels Accounting and Tax in Shakopee prior to his retirement.

Robert was an Eagle Scout, a 35-year honorary life member of the James Campbell 1685 Knights of Columbus of Shakopee, served in the United States Army during the Korean War, was a member of the American Legion and a 35-year member of the St. Mary's Church Choir.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Germaine Michels; grandson, Griffin Robert Michels; and other relatives.

His survivors include his wife of 48 years, Bette; children, Cindy (John) Engebretson of Sauk Centre, Mari (Steve) Thomas of Excelsior, Dan (Carrie) Michels of Stacy, Katie (Jeff) Geske, Jon (Linda) Michels, Tony (Kathee) Michels, all of Shakopee; grandchildren, Heidi (Tim) Hackbarth, John Jr. (Jolene) Engebretson, David and Matthew Engebretson, Michael, Joseph, Jeffrey and Stephen Thomas, Greg, Maggie and Mollie Geske, Lance and Cory Michels, Evan and Corbin Michels; great-grandchildren, Shelby and Elizabeth Engebretson, Riley and Colin Hackbarth; other relatives and friends.

The Cavanaugh-McNearney Funeral Home, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Veronica Salz-Miller

August 13, 2003

Veronica "Ronnie" Salz-Miller, age 79, of Osage, died on Friday, August 8, 2003, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.

Veronica Salz-Miller, was born on March 27, 1924 near Stacyville, the daughter of John Salz, Jr. and Anna (Wiesbrock). She married Hans Miller on November 10, 1972, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. They farmed west of Stacyville. Following his death in 1982 Veronica moved back to Osage. She retired from the Osage office of the ASCS.

Veronica was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Osage VFW Auxiliary and enjoyed travel and bowling, (she won many bowling events).

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hans in 1982; three brothers, Al, Norbert and Art Salz; and one sister, Germaine Albrecht.

Veronica is survived by a brother, John Salz and wife, Arlene of Mason City; three sisters, Marie Walsh and her husband, Glen of Stacyville, Frances Kratoska of Evansdale and Joanne Toye of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Donna C. (Jensen) Lewis

August 20, 2003

Donna C. (Jensen) Lewis, age 44, of Mill City, Oregon, formerly of Riceville, passed away at the Rochester Methodist Hospital, on Wednesday, August 13, 2003.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, August 16, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, Iowa. The Reverend Ray E. Atwood officiated.

Donna Lewis was born on December 5, 1958 in Cresco, Iowa, to Harold and Arlene (Ollendick) Jensen. She attended local schools and graduated from the Riceville High School. After graduation, Donna attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned her Bachelors Degree with honors in broadcast journalism. She continued her education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, where she received her Masters Degree in speech and taught for three years at Oregon State University. Donna then chose a position with Cottage Grove Hospital in Cottage Grove, Oregon in public relations for three years. She continued her career with Associated Oregon Industries as Executive Vice President until her passing.

Donna was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Her survivors include her parents, Harold and Arlene Jensen of McIntire; two brothers, Harry and his wife, Deb of Riceville and Robert and his special friend, Jan of Decorah; three sisters, Patty and her special friend, Chris Jones of Mountain Home, Idaho, Jolene and her husband, Cliff of Urbandale and Barb Kasel of Lyle, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Michelle and her husband, Matt Fox, Mitchell and his special friend, Lindsay, Heather, Travis and Angie Sprung, Lindsay, Lacy, Corbin, Nicole and Travis, Melissa and Aaron and Dustin, Amanda and Adam; and two great-nieces, Grace and Madison.

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

Ruth Margaret (Scharper) Briggs

November 12, 2003

Ruth Margaret Scharper (Richardson) (Andersen) Briggs, passed away peacefully from congestive heart failure on Saturday, August 16, 2003, at the Mercy San Juan Hospital in Sacramento, California. Her California family and cat "Precious" were by her side.

A private memorial service was held as per her request. Ruth was cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Rancho Cordova, California.

Ruth was born on September 30, 1917 at Cumberland, Wisconsin. She was a licensed practical nurse employed by several health institutions, private duty nursing and employed as a nursing administrator. Her quiet strength, deep love of family and devotion to friends will be very much remembered, she will remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers by those fortunate to have known her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel F. Briggs; brother, Robert Scharper; and son, Arnold Andersen.

Her survivors include a sister, Evelyn Fletcher of Denver, Colorado; brother, William Scharper and wife, Lucille of Osage; sister-in-law, Lucile and daughters, Beth McKnight of Colorado, Carol Milobar of California, Audrey Timmons of Florida; daughter-in-law, Gwen Andersen living in Connecticut; sons, Alvin Andersen and David Richardson, of Omaha, Nebraska and Donald Richardson of Council Bluffs; many of the Briggs family members who were also so much a part of her life as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their extended families and their families.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Jeffrey Scott Lynch

September 10, 2003

Jeffrey Scott Lynch, of Rochester, died on Monday, August 18, 2003, at his home at the age of 40, of cancer.

A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 21, at the St. Peter Catholic Church in Hokah, Minnesota, with the Reverend Paul J. Breza officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Hokah. Visitation was on Wednesday, August 20, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester, with a 6:30 prayer service by Father Caesar Dralega.

Jeffrey was born on October 17, 1962 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was formerly of Hokah, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and was involved in all aspects of farming. He graduated in 1981 from the Houston High School in Houston, Minnesota. Jeffrey attended Winona State University and from 1986 to 1990 he majored in aeronautical engineering. He lived in Rochester since 1984. He was just married to Julie Lovik on June 19, 2003 at their home. Jeff and Julie were together for 13 years before their marriage. His wife, Julie, is a registered nurse and is employed by the Mayo Medical Center. Mr. Lynch was a self-employed building and housing contractor for 20 years.

Mr. Lynch attended the Park Institute of Rochester and held a second degree Black Belt in the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do. Jeff received the Black Belt of the Year award and was inducted in the 1991 Hall of Fame at Park Institute in recognition of exceptional devoted service and leadership as a Black Belt, presented by Grand Master Kun Yoo Park.

Survivors include his wife, Julie Lovik Lynch of Rochester; his wife's family include her parents, Kathryn Lovik and Clemens Lovik of Mitchell, Iowa; two brothers, David and wife, Jan Lovik; nephews, Lee and Matthew Lovik and Justin Wojahn, of Charles City and Scott and wife, Aimee Lovik, Caden and niece, Morgan of Rudd, Iowa; mother, Marion (Flannery) Lynch of Houston, Minnesota; two brothers, Tim Lynch and nieces, Cassie and Katie of LaCrescent, Minnesota and Brian and wife, Beth Lynch and nephew, Ben and nieces, Danielle, Rachel, and Bridget of Houston, Minnesota; three sisters, Kelly and husband, Mike Beckman and nephews, Mitchell and Kevin of Houston, Kathy and husband, Tom Oldenburg and nephew, Justin of Hokah, Minnesota and Karen and husband, Nawaf Al-Sharif and nephew, Neif of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and his paternal grandmother, Ester Lynch of La Crescent.

Preceding him in death was his father, Francis (Bud) Lynch in 1983; his paternal grandfather; and maternal grandparents.

The Macken Funeral Home in Rochester attended to the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Eddie Kratchmer

August 27, 2003

Eddie Kratchmer, 93, a former resident of Charles City, died on Friday, August 22, 2003, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 26, at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, located in Charles City.

Eddie Louie Kratchmer, was born on April 14, 1910 at Shell Rock, the son of John and Rina (Albers) Kratchmer. He received his education at the Shell Rock school. Eddie worked for several years as a rural fuel delivery truck driver in Plainfield. On July 9, 1934, he was united in marriage to Mary Renelda Atkinson at Lena, Illinois. In 1937, Eddie began working at the Oliver Corporation, where he worked as a pattern maker, retiring in 1972.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and had been a Boy Scout Leader. His hobbies included working outside, woodworking, fishing, hunting and gardening. Eddie was always looking forward to spending time with his family.

Preceding Eddie in death were his parents; his wife on April 19, 2001; a daughter, Elaine Hirschler; three brothers, John, Martin and Earl Kratchmer; and two sisters, Mayme Wylam and Ella Avery.

His survivors include three sons, Vernon (Sally) Kratchmer of Osage, Perry (Kerry) Kratchmer of Harrah, Oklahoma and Dean (Sharon) of Jay, Florida; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The Hauser Funeral Home, Inc. of Charles City had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

James Wilson McGahey

August 27, 2003

James Wilson McGahey, age 91, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2003, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Monday, August 25, 2003, at the Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka. McGahey was cremated.

James McGahey, was born on August 16, 1912 at Seymour, Iowa, the son of James and Edith (Wilson) McGahey. He attended the University of Houston, located in Houston, Kansas, Iowa State University, Washburn University, located in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from the Pittsburg State University, located in Pittsburgh, Kansas, with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in England during WW II. He was a printing instructor for Haskell Institute, located in Lawrence, Kansas.

James is survived by two step-brothers, Marvin Merritt of Osage and Milo Merritt of Arizona; a half-brother, Robert Merritt and his wife, Bernice of Texas; a nephew, Jim Merritt and his wife, Cherie of Osage; second cousin, Charles McBeth and his wife, Mary of Topeka; his third cousins, Gayle Shirazi and her husband, Nader of Topeka, Matt McBeth of St. Joseph, Missouri and Glen McBeth of Topeka.

The Davidson Funeral Home, Topeka, Kansas, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Frank Valasek

August 27, 2003

Frank Valasek, 89, of Northwood, died on Saturday, August 23, 2003, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, August 26, at the Lutheran Retirement Home Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Allen Stoa officiating. A graveside service was held the same day at 12:45 p.m., at the Osage Cemetery. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Frank was born on June 12, 1914 in Alexandria, Minnesota, the oldest of five children of Tony and Appolena (Smysik) Valasek. The family moved to the Mitchell area when Frank was a child, where he attended country school near St. Ansgar and Mitchell. He began farming at an early age using an eight-horse, 14-inch, tandem disk. With a horse-drawn plow, he farmed 80 acres. In 1930, Frank bought his first Hart-Parr tractor to begin farming 1000 acres. He farmed and raised cattle all his life. Frank would never wash his pickup truck, saying the rain would do that for him.

He was an excellent cook who loved to bake pies. He also enjoyed traveling to places like Montana and spending time with his dog, Reno. Frank moved to the Lutheran Retirement Home in 1998 where he enjoyed reading the newspaper, watching TV, bowling, being a part of the Men's Group and joking around with "His Girls" at the retirement home.

Frank is survived by his brother, William Valasek and his wife, Norma of Osage; three nieces; two nephews; two great-nieces; and two great-nephews. He will be sadly missed by Nancy, Dave, Tony, Carol, "His Girls" at the retirement home, and his special friends, Harvey Ackerman, John Springer and Jenna, Jacina and Jalisa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several siblings.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Germaine Ann Michels

August 27, 2003

A Memorial Mass for Germaine Ann Michels, age 65, formerly of Meyer, will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 30, 2003, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer. Rev. Mark Reasoner will officiate and inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer.

Germaine died on March 21, 2003, at the Monterey Pines Skilled Nursing Facility in Monterey, California.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Gwendolyn Irene Pike

September 3, 2003

Gwendolyn Irene Pike, of St. Ansgar, died on Monday, August 25, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 29, at the St. Ansgar Baptist Church, with Rev. Gary Gonnerman and Rev. James Goodhue officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Gwendolyn was born on April 14, 1907 in Otranto Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, to Elmer L. and Ethel (Van Camp) Wilder. She married Archie Pike on November 7, 1925 in Austin, Minnesota. She liked gardening, started crocheting at the age of 76 and did doilies for all her children and grandchildren. She spent 62 years on the family farm.

Gwendolyn was a lifelong member of the Otranto Community Church, was a member of the Ladies Aid and a member of Garden Club. She also raised sheep. Her home was always open for coffee and meals and was a summer home for relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1983; daughter, Dawn McCormack; three brothers; two sisters; three grandchildren; and three sons-in-law.

Gwendolyn is survived by seven daughters, Georgia Lindley of LaPorte City, Barbara (Oral) Leraaen of St. Ansgar, Mary (Edward) Kittleson of Greene, Audrey (Carroll) Goodew of Lewisburg, North Carolina, Frances (John) Milne of Waterloo, Sandra (Roger) Keith of Algona and Gwendolyn Eileen (James) Helfter of Sherrard, Illinois; 41 grandchildren; 100+ great-grandchildren; 25+ great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Dorothy Naber of Mason City, Alice Olson of Northwood and Thelma Delaney of Austin, Minnesota.

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

Jean E. Nikolas

September 3, 2003

Jean E. Nikolas, age 77, of Osage, died on Thursday, August 28, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, August 31, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. The Reverend Dennis Hanson and Reverend Roy Ott officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Jean E. Eikenberry, was born to Chester and Josie (Miller) Eikenberry on December 5, 1925 at Marble Rock, Iowa. She attended grade school in a one-room country school, later graduating from the Greene High School in 1943. In 1963, she fulfilled her dream to become a nurse, after attending and completing the requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Mason City Junior College's School of Practical Nurse Education. Jean was fourth from the top of the group of four hundred when she took her exam for State Licensing in Des Moines. She worked at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital for 24 years. Prior to that she worked as a nurse's aide, police radio dispatcher and a waitress.

Jean was baptized and confirmed at the Calvary Baptist Church in Greene. She later became a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, where she was a member of the women's WELCA. Jean was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. She was always one of the first to arrive at friends and relatives homes to help in their time of need. Over the years she helped with the Red Cross Blood Mobile and American Cancer Society. Jean spent countless hours crocheting afghans for her grandchildren. Jean was always one to be found reading a good book at a speed that was unreal. She utilized her library card well. She also enjoyed baking and her chocolate pies were enjoyed by many.

Jean was united in marriage to Eugene B. Nikolas on December 12, 1949 in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. She was the proud mother to six children, LaWanna, Eddie, Rhonda, Robin, Leonard and Chester. "Granny" will be missed by her 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Chester and Josie Eikenberry; her daughter, Robin; a sister, Claudia Boyd; and brothers, Raymond Eikenberry, Byron Eikenberry and Myron Eikenberry.

Her survivors include her husband, Eugene of Osage; children, LaWanna and Jim McSweeney of Menomonee, Wisconsin, Eddie and Sheryl Nikolas of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Rhonda Kramer of Pipestone, Minnesota, Leonard and Louella Stephens of Los Alamitos, California and Chester and Carolyn Stephens of San Antonio, Texas; and twin brother, Dean Eikenberry of Charles City.

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