Sidney W. Frerichs

December 10, 2003

Sidney W. Frerichs, 87, of Osage, died on Monday, December 1, 2003, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 4, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. The Reverend Thomas Healey, chaplain of Hospice North Iowa, officiated. Interment was in the Holland Cemetery in Holland, Iowa.

Sidney Frerichs, was born on December 5, 1915 in Holland, Iowa, the son of Weert Harmanus and Hinderika (Stoehr) Frerichs. He was raised and educated in the Grundy Center area, graduating from the Grundy Center High School in 1933. He received a business degree from Gates Business College in Waterloo, Iowa and began his business career as a salesman for Archer Oil headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. He moved to Osage in 1946, where he owned a local tavern and later purchased the Osage Beverage Company, which was affiliated with the Old Style Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was the credit manager at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital, Osage, from 1970, until his retirement 10 years later.

Sidney was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, E. Edward Frerichs and an infant brother, Harmanus Frerichs.

His survivors include a sister-in-law, Myrle Frerichs of Osage; one niece, Deborah Frerichs of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; one nephew, William Frerichs of Laramie, Wyoming; one grand-nephew, Philip Frerichs of Dover, Delaware; and one grand-niece, Rebecca Frerichs of Mumbai, India.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Dale Lee Anderson

December 10, 2003

Dale Lee Anderson, formerly of Osage, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2003, at the Israel Family Hospice House, Ames, Iowa.

Memorial services were held on Monday, December 8, at the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa.

Dale was born in Osage on March 29, 1935, to Ren and Myrtle (Lee) Anderson. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1953 and Luther College, Decorah, Iowa in 1957. He taught in the Cedar Rapids school system from 1957-1967 and completed a graduate degree at the University of Iowa. While in Cedar Rapids he coached the high school boys gymnastics team to two state championships. He began coaching and teaching at Iowa State University in 1967. He was assistant gymnastics coach from 1967 to 1969 and men's golf coach from 1968-1998. Dale was NCAA District 5 coach of the year in 1997 and Big 12 coach of the year in 1997-98.

Dale was a member of St. Andrews, where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He supported the Curt Lindholm event, a fund raiser for spinal research and the ISU Foundation. He also did volunteer work with the Ames Boys and Girls Club, Saturday Morning Kiwanis and the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Research Foundation. He enjoyed golf, sailing, singing, playing guitar and storytelling.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon and his four children and seven grandchildren, Marla and Troy Eagen and children, Megan, Molly, Brian and Laura of Rochester, Minnesota; Paul Anderson of Ames; Jim and Ivy Hanson-Anderson and children, John, Grace and Kate of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Holly Anderson of Roseville, Minnesota; and sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Milt Monicken of Duluth, Minnesota; and his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Carol Anderson of St. Ansgar.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Mayo Clinic, Robert A. Kyle, Hematologic Malignancy Fund, Rochester, Minnesota, University of Iowa Colon Cancer Research Foundation, Iowa City, Iowa or St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Harry Heins

December 10, 2003

Harry Heins, 97, of Riceville, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2003, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 10, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, Iowa. The Reverend Michael Parris officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Harry, son of Fred and Emma Helwig Heins, was born in Hampton, Iowa, Franklin County on September 11, 1906. He was united in marriage to Genevieve Opal Foughty on October 15, 1927, at the Methodist Parsonage in Mason City. Harry started farming in 1929. He sold corn for two years then was a District Sales Manager. He was supervisor for Pioneer Seed Corn for a long time.

Harry helped start the Riceville Community Rest Home and was on the rest home board. He was active in church as a superintendent of the Sunday School and helped to move St. Peter's Church to its present location.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and four sisters.

His survivors include his wife, Genevieve of Riceville; his children and their spouses, Lois and Bob Thompto of Manly, Wayne and Ardith Heins of Cedar Falls, Barbara and Delmar Austinson of Osage and Harry Jr. and Jeannie Heins of Waterloo; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Matthew Milbrandt

December 10, 2003

Matthew "Chuck" Milbrandt, age 21, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 7, 2003, of injuries he received in an auto accident near Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, December 11, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Matthew was born on January 30, 1982 in Osage, the son of Mark Milbrandt and Cindee (Johnson) Clark. He attended the Osage Community School, where he participated in various school activities. He was currently working as an EMT for the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Ambulance Service.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Joanne Milbrandt; and one sister, Jackie Johanns.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Cindee Clark and her husband, Bill of Osage; his father, Mark Milbrandt and his wife, Nancy of Osage; five sisters, Christina Milbrandt, Amy Milbrandt and Jessie Johanns, all of Osage, Tami (Clark) Manz and her husband, August of Council Bluffs and Angie Clark of Mason City; one brother, Jeremie Johanns of Osage; maternal grandparents, Harley and Clarissa Johnson of Osage; maternal great-grandmother, Elleanora Rex of Osage; and paternal grandfather, Ralph Milbrandt of Grafton.

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

A. G. Dunkelberg

December 17, 2003

Albert Gibbs Dunkelberg, 81, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, December 22, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Rites by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 21, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church on Monday. Memorials may be given to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage, the Mitchell County Memorial Foundation, Osage or the charity of your choice.

Albert was born at Hull, Iowa, on June 29, 1922, the son of Elmer Cornelius and Mildred (Gibbs) Dunkelberg. As a child, he lived in Hull, Storm Lake, Iowa, Creighton, Fremont and Omaha, Nebraska. He attended junior high and high school while living at Alton, Iowa and graduated from the Alton High School in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 as an Apprentice Seaman and served in the Atlantic, American, and Pacific Theaters in World War II as an aviation machinist's mate in an escort fighter squadron at sea and on shore stations. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Chief Petty Officer. Dunkelberg contracted poliomyelitis shortly after discharge from the Navy and was hospitalized in Chicago for many months. Upon leaving Chicago, he attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from the Drake Law School in June, 1952.

He was married on September 7, 1950 at Millersburg, Iowa, to Leone Kathryn Schultz, a nurse at the Veteran's Hospital in Des Moines. They moved to Osage, on February 14, 1953, where he entered the private practice of law and she was employed as a nurse at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital. Later in 1953, he joined Joseph H. Sams in the law partnership of Sams & Dunkelberg which he continued until the death of Mr. Sams in 1966. He then formed a partnership with Keith A. McKinley which was joined by Jerry H. Folkers in 1968, Bryan H. McKinley in 1977 and Mark Walk in 1992. He retired from the practice in September 1994.

Active in community affairs, Dunkelberg served as city treasurer for 34 years, was a member and past president of the Osage Chamber of Commerce, a charter member and the first president of the Kiwanis Club of Osage, which he also served 7 years as secretary, served a number of terms on the Mitchell County Soldier's Relief Commission, was a member of the board of directors of the Osage Farmers National Bank for 30 years and a life member of Osage Post 278 of the American Legion where he served 40 years as Finance Officer. Al was baptized as an adult at the Osage Lutheran Church, now Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in 1954, and was an active member there, having served as president of the congregation, twice as secretary of the congregation, seven years as a Sunday School teacher and on various boards and committees.

He is survived by his wife, Leone Dunkelberg of Osage; daughter, Kathryn Lucero and her husband, Rudy of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two sons, Kermit G. Dunkelberg and Kim Mancuso of Ashfield, Massachusetts and Kendall A. Dunkelberg and Kim Whitehead of Columbus, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Lucero, Michael Lucero, Zoe M. Dunkelberg and Aidan W. Dunkelberg; two foreign exchange student "sons", George Ulrich, wife Judith and son Joshua of Venice, Italy and Jon Mangersnes, wife Sissel and children Maria, Birgit and Lars of Stavanger, Norway; one sister, Marion Mulvihill of Seattle, Washington; one brother, Peter Dunkelberg of Orlando, Florida; brothers-in-law, Arthur Schultz and wife, Norma of Centerville, Ohio and David Schultz and wife, Darlene of Humbolt, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Piepenbrink and her husband, Ray Piepenbrink; and a brother-in-law, Francis Mulvihill.

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

Charles Petefish

December 17, 2003

Charles Petefish, age 81, of rural Little Cedar, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 15, at the Little Cedar United Methodist Church in Little Cedar, Iowa. The Rev. Jay Amundson officiated. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Rites by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Little Cedar United Methodist Church, Hospice of North Iowa or Faith Lutheran Home of Osage.

Charles Petefish, was born on February 4, 1922 in Alleman, Iowa, the son of Rollo and Merle (Hildreth) Petefish. He grew up in Polk County and graduated from the Ankeny High School in 1940. Charles served in the U.S. Army during WW II in Manila, Philippines. On July 27, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Halsted at the Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, Iowa. They farmed in Story County before moving to Mitchell County in 1951.

Charles loved farming, but also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and Lake Michigan and trips to see his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Little Cedar United Methodist Church and served on the Little Cedar and Osage School Boards and on the Little Cedar Co-op Elevator and the Mitchell County Swine Boards. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Petefish of Little Cedar; one son, Dennis Petefish and his wife, Janet of Floyd; three daughters, Kathleen Petefish of Chicago, Illinois, Diane Iyegha and her husband, David of Prattville, Alabama and Janette Skaar and her husband, Mark of Diamond Bar, California; two sisters, Betty Bodensteiner of Riceville and Joan Robovsky of Marshalltown; two brothers, Harold Petefish and his wife, Louise of Dodge Center, Minnesota and Raymond Petefish and his wife, Geri of Ames; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Petefish of Des Moines; one sister-in-law, Ruby Petefish of Des Moines; two brothers-in-law, Chris Bodensteiner of Riceville and Robert Robovsky of Marshalltown.

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

Margaret Gladys (Wright) Schaub

December 17, 2003

Margaret Gladys (Wright) Schaub, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 16, at the United Methodist Church in Northwood. The Reverend Richard Jensen officiated. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Margaret Schaub, was born on January 12, 1904 in Northwood, to Edward D. & M. Julia (Mitchell) Wright. She attended schools in Iowa, Washington and Minnesota. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught several years in Worth County Schools. She married Earl D. Schaub of Kensett on November 28, 1927 in Motley, Minnesota.

Margaret was active in 4-H, Red Cross, United Methodist Church women's organizations and Eastern Star. Margaret loved to paint and used her talent to make beautiful hand-painted china plates, porcelain dolls and ceramics. She loved gardening and had done extensive research on her family history. Margaret lived in her own home until October 2003 and was looking forward to her 100th birthday party with family and friends.

Margaret's survivors include her daughter, Ruth (Albert) Robb of Northwood; sons, Kenneth (Karen) Schaub of Austin, Minnesota, James (Carol) Schaub of Northwood; daughter-in-law, Joan Schaub of Westfield Center, Ohio; her sister, Dorothy Helgeland; sister-in-law, Edith Wright; grandchildren, Julie (Peter) Faria, Penny Robb, Dan (Julie) Robb, Mary (CK) Christianson, Tracy (Jeannie) Robb, Kasey (Sharon) Schaub, Tina Schaub and Chuck Schubert, Matt (Dana) Schaub, Heather (Jared) Brown, Diana Schaub, Kathy (Stephen) Rudolph; great-grandchildren, Michael Mogk, Isaac (Jenn) Mogk, Calsee Robb, Tyson Robb, Bryan Christianson, Bradley (Jennie ) Christianson, Kerby Christianson, Jacob Robb, Katie Brown, Kimberly Brown and Karter Schaub; great-great grandsons, Garrick and Damon Mogk. There are also several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; sons, Roger Schaub in infancy and Russell Schaub in 2003; her brother, Donald Wright; and brother-in-law, Elmer Helgeland.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar and Northwood, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Minnie Marie Randall

December 24, 2003

Minnie Marie Randall, 98, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Rev. Jerry Newland and Rev. Duane Lacock officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Minnie was born on April 26, 1905 in Ackley, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Bertha (Kothenbeutel) Fistler. She married Roy Randall on June 10, 1922 in Hampton, Iowa. They moved to a farm south of Osage in 1933 and in to the city of Osage in 1939.

Minnie was active in the VFW Auxiliary, Osage Senior Center, First Baptist Church and EverReady Circle, Kitchen Klatter Band and Grandmother's Club. She was named the Osage Athletic Booster Club's Member of the Year in 1982-83. She was a 25-year charter member of the Osage Congregate Meal Program. In 1997, she received the "Mother's Day Tribute to Special Mother of Many" from the Mitchell County Press News.

She is survived by seven children, Ruth Molstad of Mason City, Ransom Randall (Kathryn) of Cedar Rapids, Doris (Dale) Erickson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rose Tobin and special friend, Loren of Mason City, Beverly (Edward) Boehmer of Osage, Earl (Janet) Randall of Waterloo and David (Dorothy) Randall of Osage; one son-in-law, Charles Moore and special friend, Neva of Osage; 26 grandchildren (22 spouses); 70 great-grandchildren (8 spouses); and 22 great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Viola Murphy of Cedar Falls.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Bertha Fistler; her husband, Roy Randall in 1976; one son, Merle Randall in 1976; one daughter, Mildred Moore in 2002; two sons-in-law, Dean Molstad and James Tobin; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

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

Margaret Serina Jordahl

December 24, 2003

Margaret Serina Jordahl, 96, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, December 18, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery.

Margaret was born on August 2, 1907 at McCallsburg, Iowa, to Pernelle (Knudtson) and Martin Olson. She graduated from Lake Preston, South Dakota. She attended Eastern State Teachers College in Madison, North Dakota. She taught in rural schools for several years and at Rake, Iowa for three years. While teaching at Rake, she met and married Joseph S. Jordahl on April 21, 1935. She taught in Mitchell for four years and then in St. Ansgar for 20 years, retiring in 1972.

Margaret was an avid reader. Her greatest joy was sharing her love for reading with her students and grandchildren. Crafting and knitting were her favorite pastimes. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember her for her story telling and her poetry. She belonged to Circle at First Lutheran and IC Club. She was a longtime member of the Iowa State Teachers Association and after retiring, the Cedar Valley Retired Teachers.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Gloria Jordahl; granddaughter, Kari and husband, David Fomon of Coralville; grandson, Erik of Bettendorf; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Kristin Fomon, Taylor and Nicholas Jordahl; and several nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her son, Jerry; three brothers; one sister; and one niece.

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

Mary M. "Mim" Hemann

December 24, 2003

Mary Hemann, 69, formerly of Meyer, Iowa, died on Friday, December 19, 2003, at the Riceville Community Rest Home in Riceville, from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. She had resided at the rest home since October of 1991 and had spent a short time at the Patty Elwood Alzheimer's Center in Cresco during her stay.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, with burial in the church cemetery.

Mary Hemann, was born on October 5, 1934 in New Haven, Iowa, to Leon and Catherine (Elgas) Dostart. She graduated from the St. Peter's Catholic School in New Haven. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator for the New Hampton Telephone Company. On June 1, 1954, she married Arnold Hemann at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. After marriage they farmed the Hemann family farm in rural Meyer, Iowa. Mary was a cake decorator for many years.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, where she was active in starting the religious education program and was also a member of the church choir.

Her survivors include her children, Elaine (Tim) Felton of Decorah, Myron (Monica) Hemann of Meyer, Lori (Lloyd) Turner of La Crosse, Wisconsin and formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, Theresa (Keith) Speltz of rural Altura, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brandon (Allison) Hemann, Jacob (Jess) Hemann, Holly Hemann, Myron "Sonny" Hemann, Heather (Todd) Womack, Lloyd Turner III, John Turner, Daniel Herman, Tyler Speltz, Erin Speltz and Caleb Speltz; great-grandchildren, Raelei and Austin Hemann and Jacob Womack; sisters and brother-in-law, Irene (Vincent) Hemann and Delores Hemann, all of Osage; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Rosemary Hemann of Osage; and also by many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Arnold on July 5, 1983.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm, Minnesota, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Harold Keith Marshall

December 24, 2003

Harold Keith Marshall, age 80, of West Des Moines, formerly of Osage, died on Friday December 19, 2003, at the Mercy Capitol Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 23, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Rites by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Keith Marshall, was born in Osage, Iowa, on September 4, 1923, the son of Robert and Jennie (Davis) Marshall. He graduated from the Osage High School and from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. Keith served in the United States Army during World War II in the China-Burma-India Theater. Following his military service, he returned to Osage. He was united in marriage to Annette Bloomquist on May 19, 1946 in Osage. Keith owned and operated the Marshall Truck Line for 25 years. Keith served on the Osage City Council for three terms.

In 1978, Keith and Annette moved to Tucson, Arizona and in 1982 returned to Iowa, living in West Des Moines until the present time. In Des Moines, Keith was very active in the Blinded Veteran's Association, serving on the national board of directors for 15 years. He served as a volunteer at the Veteran's Hospital in Des Moines for 18 years. He was also a member of the Kiwanis and Lions service clubs. Even though blind for the past 25 years, Keith enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, working on his computer and doing amazing woodworking projects for his family and friends.

Keith is survived by his wife of 57 years, Annette; four daughters, Sheila Fawcett and her husband, Jerome of Williamsburg and their daughters, Jenifer and Kristin, Kay Tetrault and her husband, David of Tucson, Arizona and their sons, Eric, Sam, and Kyle, Jane Marshall of Iowa City and her children, Jeff, and Erin Dyson and her husband, Chad, Wendy Paulson and her husband, Jim of Boone and their children, Kelli, Nick and Stephanie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Kenneth Randolph Clayton

January 14, 2004

Lemoore, California resident Kenneth Randolph Clayton, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 19, 2003.

Graveside services were held on Monday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m., at Lemoore Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, Fresno, California.

Ken was born in Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada on April 14, 1922. In 1925 the family moved to Mitchell, Iowa. He was confirmed in the Osage Lutheran Church and attended school in Mitchell. He went into the Navy on April 16, 1940 and retired August 1, 1967. Ken earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and National Defense Medal. Ken was very proud of his time in the service.

Survivors on the Clayton side is one sister-in-law, Dorothy Clayton of Mitchell; eight nieces and nephews - many great nieces, great nephews and cousins. He leaves behind his second wife, Mary Alice Clayton of Lemoore, California. Ken was a very brave man to take on a new wife and 12 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra and they had no children; his parents, Matt and Anna Clayton; his grandparents; two brothers, Robert and Harold and wife, Hedwig; one sister, Mildred Reasland; one niece, Pamela Clayton; two nephews, Jerry Reasland and Roger Clayton; plus aunts, uncles and cousins.

He will be missed and so will his story telling.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Pernnie Ethel Cowell

December 24, 2003

Pernnie Ethel Cowell, 99, died on Saturday, December 20, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, December 23, at 2:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Pernnie was born on August 21, 1904 in the Oklahoma Territory, the daughter of Peter and Mattie Belle (Lowe) Jones. She married Vern Cowell on July 29, 1922. She wore many hats as she worked for the McKinley's in the cabbage and potato fields, the St. Ansgar Produce, Tillies Cafe, Bernsteine (later Duenow) Hardware, Al Jordon's Skogmos and the Gamble Store. She retired at the age of 80.

Pernnie loved to crochet and made many afghans for the family. She was also an avid reader.

Pernnie is survived by four sons, Lee (Margaret) of St. Ansgar, Donald (Mickie) of Hawaii, Allen (Joan) of Charles City, Iowa and Russell (Diane) of New Hampton, Iowa; three daughters, Iva Bruesewitz of St. Ansgar, Betty (Dale) VanHorn of Fort Collins, Colorado and Karen (Larry) Crilly of Austin, Minnesota; 30 grandchildren; and many great and great, great grandchildren.

Pernnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters; two sons; one stepson; one stepdaughter; and one granddaughter.

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

Mercedes Hubbard Gilbert

January 28, 2004

Mercedes Hubbard Gilbert, died at the Northcrest Health Care Center, Ames, Iowa, on Monday, December 22, 2003.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, January 4, 2004, in the Green Room of the Northcrest Retirement Community in Ames. The Adams Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

She was born in Osage, Iowa on January 19, 1916, the only daughter of Edward and Alice (Turner) Hubbard. Her only brother, Lynn, preceded her in death. Mercedes attended public schools in Osage, graduating from high school in 1933. After graduating from Sioux Falls College, she was married to John Gilbert. They attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Massachusetts and served a church in New Hampshire until 1954.

Mercedes returned to Iowa in 1955 and began work in the office of the Iowa Baptist Convention, now the MidAmerican Baptist Churches. She continued as administrative assistant until her retirement on July 1, 1981, when she moved to Ames, where she became a resident of the Northcrest Retirement Community.

She is survived by a niece, Lynette Beheler of Trinity, North Carolina.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Evelyn Scholl

December 31, 2003

Evelyn Frances (Malek) Scholl, age 90, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Reverend Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rockwell.

Evelyn Scholl, was born on May 20, 1913 in Schley, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Petska) Malek. She married Walter C. Scholl on June 5, 1939 in Rockwell, Iowa. They were engaged in dairy farming in Cerro Gordo and Mitchell Counties until they retired to Osage in 1974. For the past three years Evelyn received loving care at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Her survivors include two daughters, Darlene Karen (Scholl) Schaefer (Thomas) of McIntire and Sandra Frances (Scholl) Foster (William) of Carrollton, Texas; three grandchildren, Sheila Marie (Schaefer) Flaherty (Thomas) of Adams, Minnesota, Renae Susan (Schaefer) Cody (Tim) of Stewartville, Minnesota, Lawrence Dean Schaefer (Elizabeth) of Manassas, Virginia; seven great-grandchildren, Sean Padraic Flaherty, Lila Rose Flaherty, Lindsey Rae Cody, Kati Jo Cody, Cory Robert Cody, Stephen Karl Schaefer and Daniel Thomas Schaefer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Charles Scholl; two brothers, Rudolph Malek and Clarence Malek; and two sisters, Helen Malek and Louise Malek.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Mary T. Anderson

December 31, 2003

Mary T. Anderson, age 78, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, December 30, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, with Reverend Mark Reasoner officiating. Inurnment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer.

Mary Anderson, was born on April 26, 1925 in Stacyville, the daughter of Joseph and Cecilia (Adams) Niess. She grew up in Meyer. In 1953 she moved to Mason City, where she spent most of her life. Mary was an avid golfer and was a lifetime member of the Mason City Bowling Association. She was inducted into the Mason City Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Mary was owner and operator of the "Red Llama Restaurant" in Mason City. She was an employee of Mercy Hospital in Mason City as a Unit Clerk retiring in 1990.

One of Mary's cherished moments was when she flew to Germany to see her father's home and met her relatives. She loved to tend to her small garden and precious roses. She loved life, her family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Barbara (Duane) Petz of Iowa City, Carol (Mark) Sekas of Fairhope, Alabama, Patrick (Rochelle) Brown of Scottsdale, Arizona and Donald (Mary) Brown of Ankeny; six grandchildren, Anthony Brown, Andrea Mowers, Holly Sisson, Christopher Brown, Joe Louis Brown, Emily Theresa Brown; one great-grandchild, McKenzie Brown; four sisters, Sr. Catherine Niess of Dubuque, Margaret (William) Tray of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Rita Schrandt of Stacyville, Joan (Deo) Koenigs of St. Ansgar; two brothers, Matt (Dorothy) Niess of Osage and Joseph Niess of Lincoln, Nebraska; seven step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Edmund, Francis and Gustav Niess; two sisters, Helen Bena and Celia Guy; and a grandson, Terry Petz.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Lauraine Miles Dinger

December 31, 2003

Lauraine Miles Dinger, age 94, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at the Riceville Community Rest Home, from complications after a series of strokes.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 27, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Riceville. Reverend Gale Richards officiated. Private inurnment took place in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Lauraine was born on May 22, 1909 on a farm northeast of Riceville, Iowa, to William and Estella (Wildman) Miles. She attended rural school and graduated from the Riceville High School in 1926. She graduated with honors from Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1930, with a B.A. Degree in French. She spent her early years of teaching in Riceville, Lime Springs, Ida Grove and Clinton, Iowa Schools. During World War II she moved to Chicago and was employed at the First National Bank as a reviewer of trust accounts. It was the job she loved the most out of her varied professional career.

On June 3, 1944, she married Lyle Dinger, a Navy Seabee, in Denver, Colorado. After their honeymoon, Lauraine returned to Chicago and Lyle shipped out to the Pacific Theater for the next 15 months. At the end of the war they settled in Riceville, where they happily spent the rest of their years. In 1964, Lauraine returned to teaching and taught at the Riceville High School until 1975. Lauraine was a devoted wife and mother and created a loving and nurturing home.

Lauraine was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church, the Golden Rule Circle and the Riceville Garden Club. She was a charter member of the Cedar Valley Retired Teachers Association. She loved to cook and had a passion for reading. She read several books a week until she was 90. She took many wonderful family trips over the years and enjoyed visiting her children as they moved around the world. Lauraine was the only mother in U.S. history to have two sons rise through the ranks of the State Department to become U.S. Ambassadors. She was a person filled with gratitude and often said "I have had a wonderful life." She was always there for her family and will be dearly missed.

Her survivors include her children, Ambassador Larry (Paula) Dinger of Kolonia, Pohnpei, Micronesia, Jan (Reverend Daniel) Duggan of La Crescent, Minnesota, Ambassador John (Michie) Dinger of Washington, D.C. and a step-son, Glenn (Elizabeth) Dinger of Riceville, Iowa; grandchildren, Cristina, James and William Dinger, Joshua, Whitney and Andrew Duggan and Tai Dinger; four step-grandchildren, Beth Dinger, Brenda Singelstad, Paul Dinger and Susan Swancutt; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Lauraine was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Donald and Manley Miles; and infant daughter, Peggy; and her husband, Lyle in 1986.

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

Edmund Weber

December 31, 2003

Edmund Mathew Weber, age 89, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 27, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Father Mark Reasoner officiated. Interment was in the Visitation Cemetery in Stacyville, with military honors by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569.

Edmund Weber, was born on April 22, 1914 in Stacyville, the son of Joseph and Anna (Gilgenbach) Weber. He grew up and attended schools in Stacyville. Edmund served in World War II. Following his discharge, he worked for Oliver/White Farm for 30 years until his retirement in April 1978. He was married to Virginia Rose Adams at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville on May 14, 1946. To this union was born three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Edmund survivors include his wife, Virginia Weber of Stacyville; three sons, Denny Weber and his wife, Linda of Cedar Rapids and their children, Chad Weber and Nicole Kemp, Tom Weber of Robins, Don Weber and his wife, Sue of Stacyville and their children, Jackie Hanna and Chris Weber; one sister, Theresa Blake of Stacyville; two brothers, Leo Weber and wife, Marge of Charles City and Sylvester Weber of Marshalltown; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Kenneth Weber, Gilbert Weber and Al (Shorty) Weber.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Clair Hammond

December 31, 2003

Clair Hammond, 84, of Charles City, died on Thursday, December 25, 2003, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City, after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 30, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. The Rev. Dennis Niezwaag, pastor of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. There was a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Clair Edgar Hammond, was born on January 6, 1919 in Nashua, the son of Edgar and Pearl (Tracy) Hammond. He attended school in Nashua and graduated from the Charles City High School, where he participated in baseball and football. In December of 1938 he was united in marriage to Caroline R. Rodemaker in Osage. After their marriage they made their way to California where Clair worked at Lockeed Aircraft before he enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Clamorour  as Gunner's Mate First Class. After the war, Clair and his family returned to Iowa and made their homes in the Osage and Charles City areas. Clair was involved with construction most of his life and was co-owner of the Triad Construction Company. After the 1968 tornado in Charles City, Triad Construction rebuilt many of the municipal buildings that are present in the community today. He retired in 1981 and for 11 years traveled to Texas to spend the winters with many friends and family.

Throughout his life, with the involvement of many friends and family, he enjoyed softball, football and other sports, playing cards, camping and spending time fishing in Minnesota and South Dakota. Clair was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Most recently Clair and Carol celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

His survivors include his wife, Carol of Charles City; a son, Del (Wendi) Hammond of Excelsior, Minnesota; two daughters, Jodi (Guy) Edwards of Charles City and Julie (Alan) Knutson of Waterloo; six grandchildren, Jake and Jack Hammond, Jaclyn and Jamie Swiggum, Allison and Cassandra Knutson; a brother, Max Hammond of Witner Haven, Florida; and three sisters, Loraine Powers of Charles City, Margie Hagerty of Jesup and Elna Ponto of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Preceding Clair in death were his parents; and a brother, Glenn Hammond.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Barbara Nelson

January 7, 2004

Barbara Nelson, age 63, of Columbia, died on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at the University Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 31, at the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Nelson was born on July 2, 1940 in Austin, Minnesota to Melburn E. and Floa I. Boyd Finholdt. She married C. Jerry Nelson in Austin on September 17, 1960 and he survives. She played a leadership role in the start-up of, and was active in, Meals on Wheels. She was also a leader in Girl Scouts. Barbara was a member of the St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

Her survivors include her mother, Floa Finholdt of Austin, Minnesota; a son, Daniel C. Nelson of St. Louis; a daughter, Deborah A. Coats of Columbia; two sisters, Kay Wagner of Owatonna, Minnesota and Judy Ferguson of Austin; a brother, Ken Finholdt of Owatonna; four grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and JoAnn Nelson of Rolla, Missouri, Tom and Bette Jo Nelson of Osage, Dick and Nancy Nelson of Charles City, Mary and John Hamilton of Altoona and Pat and Jim Hanson of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.

It is suggested memorials be given to Meals on Wheels, Columbia, Missouri or a charity of the donor's choice.

The Memorial Funeral Home of Columbia, Missouri, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Dorothy B. Zuehl

December 31, 2003

Dorothy Zuehl, age 87, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, December 28, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 31, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, with Dr. Elaine Siemsen officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter Cemetery in Toeterville.

Dorothy Zuehl, was born on December 29, 1915 in Mitchell County, Iowa, to Leo and Lydia (Kruger) Bublitz. She was baptized on January 23, 1916, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton and confirmed on March 29, 1931, at the same church. Dorothy received her education in the Carpenter Consolidated School in Carpenter. On November 25, 1934, she married Kenneth W. Zuehl in the Grafton church. God blessed their marriage with four children, Kenneth Dean, Roger, Harriet and Verle. January 1, 1939, they moved to Toeterville, where Kenneth worked for the Co-op Oil Company. Soon after moving to Toeterville they transferred their church membership to the St. Peter Lutheran Church. There Dorothy was an active member of the ladies aid and also an honorary member of Ruth Circle.

She enjoyed helping make quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. In November 1995, Kenneth and Dorothy moved to the Worth Living Center in St. Ansgar. Dorothy moved to the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar in August of 2001.

She is survived by her four children, Kenneth Dean and his wife, Mary of Osage and their children, Bonnie, Donnie, Jim and Terrie; Roger and his wife, Diane of Racine, Wisconsin and their children, Mark, Karla and Lois; Harriet Schulz and her husband, Gerold of St. Ansgar and their children, Kimberly, Steven, Craig and Kaye and Verle and his wife, Darlene of Northbridge, Massachusetts and their children, Laura and Barbara; and by 29 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her husband, Kenneth on March 26, 1997; and twin great-grandchildren.

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

Dean W. Gilles

January 7, 2004

Dean W. Gilles, of Bradenton, Florida, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at the Blake Hospital.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, January 5, 2004, at the St. Bernard Catholic Church located in Holmes Beach, Florida. Father John Ellis officiated. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Dean "Porky" Gilles, was born in Osage, Iowa, on May 16, 1915. He came to Manatee County from Clear Lake, Iowa in 1973. Dean owned and operated The Ritz Supper Club for 36 years prior to his retirement.

He was a charter member of the Holy Name Society of St. Bernard Parish and a fervent participant in all fund raising activities.

His survivors include his wife of 63 years, Pat; two sons, Jack of Clear Lake, Iowa and Tom of Prescott, Wisconsin; daughter, Barbara Leith of Ames, Iowa; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The Griffith-Cline Funeral Home Manasota Chapel, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press