Clifford Brown

February 5, 2003

Clifford Brown, 89, of Charles City, died on Saturday, February 1, 2003, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Bethany Alliance Church. The Reverend Kent Sovine officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Clifford Anson Brown, was born on October 12, 1913 in Humboldt, the fourth child of Wesley and Cora (Hill) Brown. He grew up and attended school in the Orchard area and worked as a farm hand. He was united in marriage to Merna Ritter on April 23, 1932. Three children, Betty, Keith and Garry were born to this union. Clifford lived and worked in Mitchell and Floyd Counties all his life. He worked as a farm hand in his early years, then as a mechanic, carpenter and retiring as an electrician for Salsbury Laboratories.

In his years after retirement he received great pleasure working with his hobby of repairing clocks. Clifford was a long time member of the Bethany Alliance Church, where in years past he served in many positions in the church. He loved eating his evening meal with his close friend, Jean at the Back Door Restaurant where he was lovingly called "Wildman."

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Merna in May of 1995; a son, Keith in 1942; a son-in-law, Dale Kinter in 1993; two sisters, Laura Gaines and Lola Bird; a brother, Charles Brown; and his very special mother and father-in-law, Earl and Hortence Ritter.

Clifford's survivors include his daughter, Betty (David) Holtz of Charles City; a son, Garry (Carol) Brown of Charles City; grandchildren, Deb and Bob Hocking, Laura and Jonathan Jones, Gina and Scott Phearman, Angie and Craig Sinnwell, Kelly and John Powell, Shawna and Kevin Davis; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Allison and Emily Hocking, Ellyn, Alex and Anna Phearman, Dalton and Jadyn Schutjer, Elliott Sinnwell, Brooke and Louis Powell and Orion and Alexis Davis; close friend, Jean Fisher; and life-long friend and first cousin, Howard Barrett.

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

Merlyn L. Vote

February 5, 2003

Merlyn Leroy Vote, age 72, of Riceville, died on Monday, February 3, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Riceville. Rev. Michael Carey officiated. Burial was in the Riceville Cemetery in Riceville, with military honors conducted by Roy Gue Post 244 of Riceville.

Merlyn was born on November 27, 1930 in Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Clarence Guy Vote and Evelyn Edith Erickson Vote. He attended school in Pocahontas and Burnside and graduated from the Riceville High School. Merlyn was united in marriage to Arlys Moses on December 8, 1951, at the Riceville United Methodist Church. Merlyn served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army from 1952-53. After returning home, Merlyn worked for the Farmers Telephone Company and was a partner with Kenneth Hammerstrom operating H & V Electric in Riceville. He and Arlys moved to their present home in August of 1962 and Merlyn began farming. Merlyn also was a substitute rural mail carrier and then a full time mail carrier while he was farming. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1986. He operated the Riceville Bowling Alley from 1968 to 1978.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Clarence Jr. and Bruce Vote.

Those that survive him include his wife, Arlys of Riceville; one son, David L. Vote of St. Ansgar; and one daughter, Lisa and her husband, Darryl Hunt and their two children, Tanner and Ashley Hunt of Ackley; a sister, Ann Padget and her husband, John of Waterloo; two brothers, Bernard and wife, Mary Ann of Riceville and Roger and his wife, Mary Lou of Riceville; and two sister-in-laws, Louise Vote of Omaha, Nebraska and Margaret Vote of Riceville; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Mary Kay (Horsfall) Freese

February 12, 2003

Mary Kay (Horsfall) Freese, 47, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2003, in Austin, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 7, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, with President Robert Flatt officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Mary was born on July 31, 1955, to Harvey and Emma Lois (Trantenalla) Horsfall. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Mary was employed at Hy-Vee Foods in Austin, Minnesota. Her day was brightened at work when she saw people she knew. Mary enjoyed visits and conversations with friends and people she would meet in her daily life.

Mary loved hunting down garage sale bargains and antiquing. She loved visiting her daughter, Christy and son-in-law, Michael and playing with grandson, Nathan. She was looking forward to the expected arrival of a new grandchild in March. Mary's children, Betsy, Jeff and Joe lived with their father in Arizona. Each one of them was in her thoughts and prayers each day. Mary is now at peace with the Lord.

Preceding Mary in death were her grandparents; and one brother, Edward.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Freese and Joseph Freese, both of Mesa, Arizona; daughters, Christine and husband, Michael May of Manhattan, Kansas and Betsy Freese of Mesa, Arizona; one grandson, Nathan May; her parents, Harvey and Emma Lois Horsfall of rural Carpenter, Iowa; three brothers, Stanley Horsfall of Mason City, Frank Horsfall of Carpenter and Harvey E. Horsfall of Mason City; one sister, Linda Kruse of Meyer; and special good friend, Jim Horgen of St. Ansgar Iowa.

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

Esther Katherine Grossman

February 12, 2003

Esther Katherine Grossman, 89, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, Iowa. Rev. Mark Reasoner officiated. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meyer.

Esther was born on August 12, 1913 in Meyer, Iowa, to George and Theresa (Winter) Grossman. She attended grade school in Meyer and went on to graduate from high school and college. After college she worked in Chicago, then moved to Washington D.C., where she worked for a General and traveled overseas, including Korea and Italy. Later she worked in Dayton, Ohio for 15 years, retiring in 1984. She returned to Meyer and lived on the family farm until a year ago when she moved to the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edward, Alfred, Leo, Victor, Joseph and George Jr.; and one sister, Rosie.

Survivors include a host of friends and neighbors.

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

Wilma A. Frank

February 12, 2003

Wilma A. Frank, 86, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, February 7, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 12, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Wilma Alma Frank, was born on June 7, 1916 at St. Ansgar, Iowa, the daughter of Otto C. and Anna (Duenow) Seefeld. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church. Wilma graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1934 and Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, Iowa. After completing her schooling, Wilma taught at the Newburg #5 Country School and at the Grafton Public School. She was united in marriage to Alvin (Sam) Alexander Frank on December 27, 1940, at the St. John's Lutheran Church. He died on December 2, 1990. Wilma continued to live on the farm southwest of St. Ansgar until entering the nursing home on January 29, 2003.

Wilma was active in her church, Garden Club and IC Club. She enjoyed her family, friends, gardening, flowers and playing bridge.

Preceding Wilma in death were her parents; husband; infant son, Kevin; and two sisters, Ardela and Leona.

Left to carry on her memory in their minds and hearts are her son, Roger and his wife, Sharon of St. Ansgar and their children, Matthew Frank and his wife, Diane and daughter, Jayden and Lisa Frank of Iowa City; son, Norman and his wife, Susan of Hudson, Illinois and their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda Frank of Phoenix, Arizona, one grandson, Matthew Frank and his wife, Diane and daughter, Jayden of Mason City; and one sister, Irene Secrest of Waterloo.

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

Marjorie W. Elling

February 19, 2003

Marjorie W. Elling, 90, of Garner, died on Monday, February 10, 2003, at her home.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 15, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. Kay Hooper officiating. Private graveside services were held in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Marjorie Wilhelmina Elling, the daughter of William James and Lila (Dodge) Dorsey, was born on October 19, 1912 at St. Ansgar. She graduated from high school receiving her Normal Teaching Certificate. She taught in the rural schools of Mitchell County and then continued her education at AIB in Des Moines. She was married to Emil C. Elling of Garner. They made their home in Garner the rest of their lives.

They enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner and UMW.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, E. C. Elling; her parents; a brother, Gene Dorsey; and a sister, Dorothy Rogers.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Lavon Dorsey of Osage; two nephews and a niece in Osage and Des Moines; and other nieces and nephews.

The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Magdalin Haas

February 19, 2003

Magdalin Haas, age 96, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Monday, February 10, 2003, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, after a bout with the flu.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 20, at the St. Ansgar Catholic Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Mark Reasoner and Rev. Scott Fleischer (Magdalin's great-nephew) officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar. A special memorial service for Magdalin will also be held on August 8, 2003 in St. Ansgar.

Magdalin Haas, PRN was born on January 17, 1907 in Szulok, Hungary, the daughter of Stephen and Christine (Krainer) Haas. The family emigrated to America around 1915, entering through Ellis Island, New York. Stephen arriving first, followed a while later by Christine and the two daughters, Mary Magdalena (Magdalin) and Julie.

The family resided in Chicago, then moved to St. Ansgar, where Stephen started a blacksmith business in the present Allstate Insurance building on the main street (Fourth Street) of St. Ansgar. They lived above the business. After graduation from the St. Ansgar High School, Magdalin returned to Chicago and completed her Nurse's Training at the Washington Boulevard Hospital (now known as "Rush") in 1929. After graduation, she worked at several Chicago area hospitals, including West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. While in Oak Park, she lived several years with her brother-in-law's sister, Hertha Fleischer (also formerly of St. Ansgar).

Magdalin took on special nursing assignments as a 24-hour live-in nurse for seriously ill patients. She frequently would drop what she was doing and go wherever she was needed, many times caring for young children. To this day several people across the country, adoringly call her their "Aunt Magdalin"!

While Julie's husband, Al Fleischer served in W W II, Magdalin left Chicago to aid Julie who was pregnant with Phil and living alone in Wells, Minnesota. Later she returned to St. Ansgar to be with their ailing mother, Christine in her final days.

Upon retiring from active nursing in Chicago, in 1957 due to health reasons, she lived in her mom's house in St. Ansgar. She became active in the St. Ansgar Catholic Church and helped start the Senior Saints Citizen Center in St. Ansgar. She enjoyed taking care of her neighbor's children, gardening and going on long walks around town. She also enjoyed helping the elderly by getting their mail and food. She walked uptown daily in all weather, including below zero, refusing every offer of a ride. She spent her final seven years at the Good Samaritan Center, where all the staff loved her pleasant, cheerful personality.

Magdalin was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Julie; and her brother-in-law, Al.

She is survived by her nephews, Ron Fleischer of Morro Beach, California and Phil Fleischer of St. Ansgar, Iowa.

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

Edward L. Stayner

February 19, 2003

Edward L. Stayner, age 64, of rural Osage, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 14, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Osage. Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Edward Stayner, was born on August 17, 1938 in Mason City, the son of Wilbur R. and Susie O. (Askelson) Stayner. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1958. Edward was united in marriage to Madelyn Carol Cline on April 16, 1966, at the Methodist Church in Charles City. They farmed at Northwood, Wykoff, Minnesota and then in 1971 moved to a farm near Osage. Edward loved restoring old tractors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His survivors include his wife, Madelyn Carol Stayner of rural Osage; two daughters, Sara Hardy and her husband, Les of Orchard and their children, Rachel and Daniel; Shanan Hackensmith of Osage and her children, Logan, Lucas and Desiree; three sons, Timothy Stayner of Osage, Theadoar Stayner and his wife, Amanda and their daughter, Madelynn of Nora Springs and Samuel Stayner of Osage; one sister, Kathleen Corell and her husband, Roger of Mason City; and one brother, Grayling Stayner and his wife, Marilyn of Northwood.

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

Harley E. Walk

February 19, 2003

Harley Ernst Walk, age 83, of Grafton, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 15, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery in Grafton.

Harley was born on July 11, 1919, on the family farm near Grafton, the son of Christian and Lora (Bruesewitz) Walk. Harley's grandfather built the house in which he was born and he lived there his entire life. He attended the Grafton High School and was Salutatorian of his class. While in high school, Harley participated in basketball. He served in WW II as a field clerk in San Antonio, Texas. Harley was a life long member of the Grafton American Legion Post 616. Harley was united in marriage to Viola M. Frisch of Grafton. To this union two children were born, Anne and Mark. Viola passed away in 1973.

In 1974, Harley was united in marriage to Alphia Rachut. He was an early adopter of turkey farming in Grafton, where he and his brother, Lowell Walk managed Walk Bros. Turkeys until his retirement from farming in 1981. Harley loved the Grafton life. He was a member of the St. Ansgar School Board during the time his children were in high school. For many years, he supervised the grilling of turkeys for the Grafton Turkey Days.

When he was not able to continue this task due to the success of the event and his age, he participated by helping. He loved fishing and was a skilled fisherman. He fished in Minnesota, Canada, and was fortunate to have fished at Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming and the Atlantic Ocean near Boston, Massachusetts. Harley was an avid "500" player and would play anytime given the opportunity.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Viola; and a step-daughter, Shirley Fossey

Harley is survived by his wife, Alphia Walk of the Worth Living Center in St. Ansgar; one daughter, Anne Hammond and her husband, Harry of Boulder, Colorado and their children, David and Christopher; one son, Mark Walk and his wife, Tracy of Osage and their children, Allison and Stephany; three step-daughters, Mary Greenman and her husband, Al of Austin, Minnesota and their families, Darlene Zuehl and her husband, Verle of Northbridge, Mississippi and their families, Betty Brumm and her husband, Stan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and their families; one brother, Lowell Walk and his wife, Virginia of Grafton; and a special niece, Nancy Walk Severson of Grafton.

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

Mary D. Counsell

February 19, 2003

Mary D. Counsell, age 77, formerly of Osage, died on Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 15, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with the Rev. Philip Recker officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage.

Mary was born in Washington D.C. on June 25, 1925, the daughter of Percy and Julia (Burke) Murray. She met and later married Carlin Counsell on December 17, 1950. They farmed for 23 years near New Haven and were the parents of 5 children, Ann, Sharon, Michael, Nancy and Susan. She sold Watkins and Avon products.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary is survived by four daughters, Ann Steenhard and husband, Alan of Mason City, Sharon Counsell and friend, Scott Watson of Mason City, Nancy Goebel and husband, Jerry of Oskaloosa and Susan Hyke and husband, Kenny of Cresco; a son, Michael Counsell and wife, Penny of Osage; two sisters, Jean Moore of Washington D.C. and Margaret Hemann and husband, DeVere of Keokuk; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

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

Gary D. Cole

February 19, 2003

Gary D. Cole, 60, died at his home on Thursday, February 13, 2003, in Plymouth.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 17, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Intern Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Gary was born on September 21, 1942, to Floyd and Lydia (Borchardt) Cole and grew up on the family's farm near the towns of Plymouth and Grafton. He attended elementary school in Plymouth and graduated from the Grafton High School in 1960. He attended U.S. Trade Schools in Kansas City, Missouri, after graduating from high school.

Gary joined and served in the Iowa Army National Guard during the early 1960's. He married Charlotte Marie Borchert on January 1, 1966, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, where they were both baptized and confirmed. They lived in Mason City before moving to his family's farm and their current home. During the beginning years of Gary's farming career he worked for David Manufacturing, American Crystal Sugar and Massey Ferguson in Mason City.

He served on the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Board, St. Ansgar Community School Board and the North Iowa Co-op Elevator board of directors.

Gary's life was filled with passions. He had a passion for agriculture and the importance of the independence of each sector of agriculture and farmers' contribution to our society. He had a great sense of national pride and patriotism and had a thirst for knowledge about current events of the world, national and local levels. He enjoyed activities such as NHRA drag races and shooting sports, but his greatest passion was fishing.

Gary loved being with his family and friends. Whether playing cards, doing activities or going on trips he always shared his practical jokes and good natured mischief. A close friend shared that "Gary had the unique ability to make acquaintances feel like friends and friends feel like family."

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law; two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

Gary's survivors include his wife, Charlotte; his son, Michael Cole and wife, Nicole and their sons, Mitchell and Ryan of Grafton; his daughter, Michelle Hill and her husband, Andy and their daughter, Hannah of Manly; his brother, Eugene Cole and his wife, Mary Pat of Mason City; brother-in-law, Stan Borchert and his wife, Kathy of Marshfield, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Linda Patterson and her husband, Virgil of St. Ansgar; nieces, Candis (Cole) Feldt, Renae (Cole) Weghorst, Mackenzie Patterson and Kyli Borchert; nephews, Kevin Cole, Nathan Borchert, Adam Borchert, Corey Patterson and Tom Gilles; and extended family and uncounted friends and neighbors.

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

Tyrone P. Mullenbach

March 19, 2003

Tyrone P. Mullenbach, age 56, of Tucson, Arizona, died on Friday, February 14, 2003, at the Northwest Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 19, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tucson. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson. Military rites were conducted by army members from Ft. Huachuca, Army Base in Arizona.

Tyrone Mullenbach, was born on February 13, 1947 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Harold and Mildred (Spoden) Mullenbach. He was educated in and graduated from the Osage High School in Osage in 1965. Tyrone was united in marriage to Margaret Hoeffner on March 18, 1978, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tucson, Arizona. He served his country in United States Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. He worked in retail and security for 28 years in Tucson.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his father, Harold.

His survivors include his wife, Margaret Mullenbach of Tucson; one son, Devin Mullenbach of Tucson; one daughter, Deann Mullenbach of Tucson; mother, Mildred Mullenbach of Osage, Iowa; two brothers, Terry Mullenbach of Chandler, Arizona and Tracy Mullenbach and his wife, Darcy and children, Rebecca, Hanna and Kyle Mullenbach of Osage, Iowa; and a nephew, Scott Mullenbach of Chandler, Arizona.

He will be sadly missed by those who survive him.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Maynard Arlo Rake

February 19, 2003

Maynard Arlo Rake, age 88, of Osage, died on Saturday, February 15, 2003, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 19, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Maynard was born on January 20, 1915 in Rake, Iowa, the son of Elias and Carrie (Matson) Rake. He was baptized and confirmed at the Liberty Lutheran Church in Rake. He was educated in the Rake Community Schools. His father passed away when Maynard was 5 years old. The family moved from the farm to the town of Rake in the Spring of 1921. On December 23, 1937, Maynard married Virgie (Schuchart) Rake in Osage. They lived in the Buffalo Center-Rake and Zearing areas where Maynard managed a lumber yard until March 1948, when they moved to the Morton Schuchart family farm near Osage. They continued to live on the farm until 1977 when they built a new home and moved to Osage. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 30 years.

Maynard was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a charter member of the Sons of Norway in Osage, served on the Little Cedar School Board, Mitchell Co. Extension Board and the Farm Bureau board of directors.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Virgie on February 14, 1992; a brother, Leonard; and a sister, Edna.

Those left to cherish his memory include two sons, Elwood Rake and wife, Shirley and Marvin Rake and his wife, Patricia, both of Osage; a daughter, Marjorie Fox and husband, Michael of Riceville; seven grandchildren, Doug Rake of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Dennis Rake of Woodward, Beth Steffensen and husband, Tony of Des Moines, Denise McCourt and husband, Tom of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Michael Dammen and wife, Lisa of Urbandale, Tony Dammen and his fiancée, Cherie Good of Ralston, Wyoming and Jim Rake and his wife, Jennifer of Vinton; 10 great-grandchildren, Hannah and Isabelle Dammen, Gordon and Marissa McCourt, Mercedes, Elijah, Grace and Samuel Steffenson and Joshua and Jace Rake.

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

Lester Otto Kreimeyer

February 26, 2003

Lester Otto Kreimeyer, 62, of Nora Springs and formerly of Geneva, died on Monday, February 17, 2003, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 21, at the United Methodist Church in Ackley, with the Rev. Patricia Connor officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley, with military rites conducted by the Elliott-Keninger Post No. 252 American Legion of Ackley. Visitation was held on Thursday, at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.

Lester was born on January 23, 1941 in rural Ackley, to Otto and Grace (Huisenga) Kreimeyer. He graduated from the Geneva High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1963. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Knipfel on September 18, 1965, in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ackley. They were later divorced. He was engaged in farming and retired in 2003.

Les enjoyed camping, managing the MacNider Campgrounds in Mason City, fishing, spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and playing cribbage with friends. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

His survivors include a son, Leslie J. Kreimeyer of Hampton; a daughter, Melissa Hinders and her husband, Ron of Clarksville; five grandchildren, Megan, Amanda, Jessica and Jacob Hinders of Clarksville and Logan Kreimeyer of Hampton; two sisters, Marlys Kuehne and her husband, Richard of Orchard and Betty Meyer and her husband, Lynn of Marshalltown; and nieces, nephews, several aunts and many cousins.

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

Rose Mullenbach

February 26, 2003

Rose Mullenbach, age 89, of Osage, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 22, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Father Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville. Visitation was held on Friday, at the church in Stacyville where there was a Rosary and a Scripture Service with visitation until one hour before the services on Saturday.

Rose Mullenbach, was born on November 28, 1913, on the family farm near Stacyville, the daughter of Michael and Anna (Rauen) Heimerman. She married Clemens Mullenbach on February 4, 1936, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. They farmed in the Stacyville area. Clemens died in 1972 and following his death Rose moved to Osage. She enjoyed gardening, baking and decorating cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clemens in 1972; five brothers, Gregor, Paul, Francis, Sylvester and Michael; and one sister, Cecilia.

Her survivors include three brothers, Joseph Heimerman of Evans, Colorado, John Heimerman and his wife, Thresia of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and Gilbert Heimerman and his wife, Shirley of Austin, Minnesota; two sisters, Stella Smith and her husband, Leo of Stacyville and Dorothy Larson and her husband, Loris of Austin, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Marian A. Davison

February 26, 2003

Marian A. Davison, of Osage, died on Saturday, February 22, 2003, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 24, at the Little Cedar United Methodist Church in Little Cedar, with the Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery in Osage. Visitation was held on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Marian was born on September 6, 1921, the daughter of Elmer and Grace (Beenken) Heinold of Mason City. On June 30, 1939, she was united in marriage to Robert Davison in Mason City.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert in 1979; one brother; one sister; and a daughter-in-law.

Her survivors include one son, James Davison of New Brighton, Minnesota; one daughter, Charlotte Barker and her husband, Dean of Osage; one brother, Ronald Heinold and his wife, Dorothy of Mason City; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Keith Allen Hill

March 12, 2003

Keith Allen Hill, age 53, of Wisconsin, died on Monday, February 24, 2003, in a hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Graveside services will be held in Little Cedar in the spring.

Keith Allen Hill, was born on August 20, 1949 in Osage, the son of F. Stannard and Amy (DeLaney) Hill. Following his graduation from the Osage Community High School in 1967 and Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa in 1969, Keith lived and worked in New York City and Chicago, an employee for many years of the Jones, Day law firm in Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an older brother, Kent; and a niece, Merry Lynn Balsley.

His survivors include sisters, Sandra Bower and Carol Shanahan of Osage and Kay Hill of Cullowhee, North Carolina; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Karen Hill of Orlando, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Nancy L. Rassman

February 5, 2003

Nancy L. Rassman, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2003.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, Iowa. Rev. Lee Laaveg was officiating clergyman.

Nancy Lynn Rassman, was born on March 8, 1958 in Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Stanley L. and Kathleen D. (Murphy) Goodbrand. She received her education in Riceville and graduated from the Riceville High School in 1978. She married Dennis Rassman on June 7, 1980, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Nancy operated a daycare in her home for many years, caring for her own children as well as others. She worked at Bills Red Owl for several years and in 1995, began working as a secretary at MBT in Forest City. She continued there for these last seven years eventually working a a commercial agricultural loan processor.

Nancy enjoyed her physical fitness classes at the YMCA, liked to garden and attend classic auto shows with her husband. She loved riding their Harley and treasured time spent with family and friends. She was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School. She served as the Honorary Chairman for the Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" in Forest City last summer. She was an outgoing caring person who gave unselfishly of herself and her time. For 12 years Nancy fought a courageous battle with cancer and was an inspiration to those in similar circumstances.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Goodbrand; an infant sister; and two infant brothers.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis of Forest City; son, Shane of Cedar Falls, Iowa; daughter, Sheena of Forest City; mother, Kathleen Goodbrand of Riceville, Iowa; two brothers, James Bohneman and wife, Dorothy of Rockford, Minnesota and Larry Goodbrand and wife, Vivian of Riceville; four sisters, Janice Floyd and husband, John of St. George, Utah, Mary Kay Clausen of Elk River, Minnesota, Connie Goodbrand of Riceville and Linda Haugland and husband, Frank of Clear Lake, Iowa; parents-in-law, Marvin and Esther Shoger of Riceville; two brothers-in-law, James Rassman of North Mankato, Minnesota and Larry Shoger of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters-in-law, Betty Bruesewitz of Rosemount, Minnesota and Dorothy Parson and husband, Lee of Charles City, Iowa; 13 nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and great nephews.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

Shirley "Nanny" F. Wrench

March 5, 2003

Shirley "Nanny" F. Wrench, 72, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 1, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minnesota, with Reverend Dan Baker and Reverend Robert Kruger officiating. Burial was in the Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.

Shirley "Nanny" F. Wrench, was born on November 26, 1930 in David, Iowa, near Little Cedar, the daughter of George and Ruth (Herron) Wilson. She attended and received her education in the Mitchell and Osage School Systems. She was united in marriage to Donald Lewis Wrench on February 22, 1947, at the Lutheran Church in Osage. He preceded her in death on November 26, 1985. After their marriage together they farmed side by side their entire life in rural St. Ansgar. After Don's death she moved to her daughter and son-in-law's home in rural Northwood. Nanny also was a waitress for the Sportsman Lounge in St. Ansgar.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar.

Besides her husband Donald; she was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gary Lee Wrench; and a brother, Richard "Dick" Wilson.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Sandy Trainer and her husband, Jim of Northwood; special friend, Allen Kruger of Morrisville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Jill Trainer, Jolene Cotter and her husband, Marty and Jake Trainer, all of Northwood; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dora "Dode" Eastman and her husband, Charles of McIntire, Alda "Swede" Toye of Rock Island, Illinois and JoAnn "Jodi" Edwards and her husband, George of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two brothers, Robert "Huck" Wilson and his wife, Sylvia of St. Ansgar and Donald Wilson and his wife, Janet of Osage; as well as several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The Conner Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press

M. Charlotte Marcusson

March 5, 2003

M. Charlotte Marcusson, 99, of St. Ansgar, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2003, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services were held at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, on Saturday, March 1, 2003. Rev. Robert Porisch officiated. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Charlotte was born on September 30, 1903 in Barton township, Worth County. She was baptized on September 30, 1903 and confirmed in 1914, at the Mona Lutheran Church, Mona, Iowa. She married Peter Marcusson on June 18, 1926 in Owatonna, Minnesota. Charlotte lived on the Marcusson family farm near Toeterville, Iowa, until the age of 95 when she entered the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, on November 28, 1998.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. She liked to sew, quilt and bake cookies. Charlotte also enjoyed raising chickens.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Nellie Helfritz and Alice Austinson; an infant twin sister; and five brothers, Oscar, Emil, Maynard and two infants.

Her survivors include a daughter, Gladys (Russell) Sampson of St. Ansgar; three grandchildren, Gerald (Diane) Sampson and Jim (Pam) Sampson, both of Lyle, Minnesota and Debra (Timm) Ehret of Rose Creek, Minnesota; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Agnes DeMaris of Riceville, Iowa and Esther Everson of Lyle, Minnesota.

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

Jason Parcel

February 5, 2003

Jason James Glen Parcel, age 27, of Mason City formerly of Riceville, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2003, in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, on Monday, March 3. The Reverend Michael Parris officiated. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Riceville. Visitation was held at the Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, on Sunday.

Jason was born in Osage, Iowa, on May 30, 1975 to James and Sharon (Rosenberg) Parcel. He attended Riceville Schools and graduated from the Riceville Community High School in 1994. Jason was baptized and confirmed at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Riceville.

He enjoyed his family, music and playing his guitar. He was employed by Murphy's U.S.A. in Mason City and enjoyed meeting the many people.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, Glenn and Arlene Rosenberg and Glen and Leona Parcel.

He will be sadly missed by those who survive him including his parents, James and Sharon Parcel of Riceville; a son, Trae Dozark of Riceville; two sisters, Michelle Rush and her husband, Kelly of Mason City and Melanie Ostrander of Jewell; his nieces, Taia Saltou, Danielle and Mariah Ostrander, Kaitlyn and Kourtney Rush.

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

George D. Kloberdanz

March 12, 2003

George D. Kloberdanz, 79, of Waterloo, died on Thursday, February 27, at the Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 3, at the St. Edward Catholic Church, with burial in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the Waterloo AMVETS Post 19 and Evansdale AMVETS Post 31.

George D. Kloberdanz, was born on January 5, 1924 in Osage, Iowa, the son of German parents, Joseph M. and Katharina Frank Kloberdanz who emigrated from Rothammel, Russia. He married Luella M. Marley in 1941 at the St. Peter Catholic Church in New Haven. Iowa. He worked for the Rath Packing Company for 43 years as a foreman and later as a security guard, retiring in 1985. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and fought with the 106th Infantry in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers, John A., Jacob A., Peter A., Joseph D. and three in infancy; four sisters, Christina Redecker, Betty Greenlee, Anna Schwab and Peggy Claassen; and a grandson, Kade Blair.

His survivors include his wife; two sons, Gary (Lynn) of Waterloo and Gregg (Jeanne) of Jesup; nine daughters, Eileen (Joe) Wier, Connie (Tom) O'Rourke, Joann (Dan) Young, Debra (Mike) O'Neil, Diana Kloberdanz, Barbara (Dan) Woodley, Vickie (Rod) Hemsath and Lisa (Van) Blair, all of Waterloo and Jane (Jon) Shirk of Warrens, Wisconsin; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Magdalene Wagner of Osage, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to St. Edward Catholic Church or St. Edward School.
© 2003 Mitchell County Press