Robert A. Schroeder

August 4, 2004

Robert A. Schroeder, age 80, of Osage, left to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 1, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Inurnment will be in the Howard Cemetery in Elma, with Military Honors at the grave by the John Frahm American Legion Post 597 of Elma. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion–Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Memorials may be given to the Heifer Project International or the Osage United Methodist Church Roof Fund.

Bob was born on March 30, 1924, on a farm west of Elma, the son of Homer and Myrtle (Diestler) Schroeder. He attended rural school and the Elma High School, where he played 6-man football, and was named an All-State end. In May 1943, Bob was inducted into the U.S. Navy at Des Moines. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the USS San Diego and the USS Crenshaw, and was discharged on December 3, 1945, as a Fireman 2nd Class. On October 5, 1944, he married Adeline Brockney at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Upon returning from the service, he and Adeline began farming, until he retired in 1978, and moved to Osage. Bob was a seasonal employee at the Osage Co-op Elevator for several years.

He enjoyed his family, grandkids, and great-grandkids and going to their church, sport and school events. Bob enjoyed having coffee with the coffee gang. He was a 4-H Leader for 15 years, was a Senior Advocate for the Elderbridge Agency on Aging and umpired girls’ softball games before it was offered in the schools. He was active in Farm Bureau and the Republican Party. Bob served on district and local Methodist Committees, was involved with Walk to Emmaus, and was past Methodist Men’s President. Bob and Adeline worked with Heifer Project International all of their married life, an organization which gives animals to needy folks in the United States and 120 countries throughout the world, celebrating 60 years of activities. Bob liked to fish, but was always busy doing other things such as visiting people in the hospital and at home and working on mission projects.

Bob is survived by his wife, Adeline Brockney Schroeder of Osage; son, Roger (Deb) Schroeder of Elma and their children, Darcy (Matt) Johnson, Steffen (Darcy) Fair, Pat (Andrea) Fair, Katie (Nathan) Lindsay and Willie Schroeder; daughters, Lois (Robert ) Hutton of Le Sueur, Minnesota and their children, Bob II and Ben Hutton, Toni (Rodney) Friedrich of Alta Vista and their children, Abbi, Chelsea and Maddi Friedrich, Connie Shew (deceased) and Paul Shew of Banks, Oregon and their children, Elizabeth Shew and Emily (Kevin) Hughes; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Wanda (Ken) Steuber of Columbia, South Carolina; brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Schroeder of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Dean (Alice) Schroeder of Chester and Ronnie (Janet) Schroeder of Long Beach, California; sister-in-law, Jeanette Schroeder of Elma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Connie Shew; granddaughter, Leah Friedrich; sister, Evelyn Hart; two brothers, Russell and Dale Schroeder; and an infant sister, Lois.

The Champion–Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Jacky Maakestad

August 11, 2004

Jacky Maakestad, 68, of Osage, died on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 9, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Osage. Rev. Dennis Hanson officiated.

Jacky was born on December 14, 1935 in Zearing, Iowa, the daughter of John Hildreth and Ruth Justine (Bretthauer) Snowgren. She graduated from the June Senior High in Marshalltown, Iowa. Jacky then attended the University of Iowa. While there she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Following college, Jacky taught music in the Osage, Mitchell and Orchard Schools. On March 18, 1960, she was united in marriage to Edwin J. Maakestad.

An active member of the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Jacky belonged to the Rachel Circle and taught the Cherub Choir for 34 years. She was also involved in numerous local musical events.

Jacky is survived by her husband, Edwin Maakestad of Osage; her father, John Snowgren of Osage; a daughter, Nicole Maakestad of Des Moines; a son, Jon Maakestad of North Liberty; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Esther N. Stiller

August 11, 2004

Esther N. Stiller, 86, of Nora Springs, died on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 10, at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Nora Springs, with Reverend Ruth Hansen officiating. Interment was in the Park Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Esther was born on October 15, 1917 in Nora Springs, one of nine children of Frank and Pearl (Tibbits) Weaverling. She was raised and educated in Nora Springs before being united in marriage to August Stiller on January 16, 1935, at the Methodist Parsonage in Nora Springs. They farmed near Rudd and Osage before moving to a farm near Nora Springs in 1951. The couple continued to farm outside Nora Springs until 1972, when they moved into town. Esther began cooking at the dormitory kitchen at the North Iowa Area Community College in 1973 and continued her work there for nearly 12 years.

Esther and August enjoyed camping, fishing and playing cards with friends. Esther also was an excellent cook, baker and seamstress, especially fond of crocheting. She and August were members of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church and the Friendly Circle, the Wig Wam Wagon Club, and several square dancing clubs.

Left to cherish her memory are three children and their spouses, June and Richard Merriss of Rockford, Wesley and Kay Stiller of Rudd and Patty and Dennis Holtz of Rudd; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers; and five sisters.

The Sheckler Colonial Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Cyril T. Mader

August 11, 2004

Cyril T. Mader, age 83, died on Saturday, August 7, 2004, at home peacefully following a brief battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 10, at the St. Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Robert Vandenberg and Fr. Jim Lucas concelebrating. Full burial military rites were performed at the church following the service. Interment took place in the Holy Angels Cemetery. The Boettcher Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna, assisted the family.

Cyril was born on May 18, 1921, to the late William and Amelia (Hartzheim) Mader in Darboy. He married the former Eleanor Weyenberg on July 3, 1943 and together they raised ten children until her death on July 7, 1999. Cyril enlisted in the U. S. Army during WW II. He served in the 104th Timber wolf Infantry until his honorable discharge in 1948. Cyril retired from Midtec (formerly Kimberly Clark) in Kimberly after working 44 years.

He was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church, the Darboy American Legion Post 265, VFW Post 10544 Combined Locks, 40/8 Voiture 1434 of Calumet County and Knights of Columbus, Darboy.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family that survives him, Gary of Kaukauna, Allan (Mary) of Potter, Dennis (Kathy) of Kimberly, Anita (Steve) of Rochester, Minnesota, Cyril "Butch" Jr. (Sue) of Kimberly, Donna (Bob) Mischler of Freedom, Deb (Bob) Romenesko of Little Chute, Jeff (Peggy) of Darboy, Fred (Ann) of Darboy and Vicki (Bill) Romenesko of Appleton; 35 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence (Linda) Mader of Menasha and Donald (Phyllis) Mader of Darboy; brothers-in-law, Les Kasten of Little Chute and Lawrence (Adeline) Weyenberg of Kimberly; sisters-in-law, Flo Mader and Rosemary Kersten; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eleanor; a granddaughter; a grandson; four brothers; a sister; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Laverne S. Simon

August 11, 2004

Laverne S. Simon, age 71, of Stacyville, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 10, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, Iowa. Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Laverne Sylvester Simon, was born on August 26, 1932 in Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Joseph M. Simon and Christina Halfman Simon. He was baptized on August 28, 1932, at the Visitation Church in Stacyville. Laverne was united in marriage to Lou Ann Eschweiler on July 18, 1959. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He hauled milk for the Stacyville Creamery and worked at White Farm in Charles City and later for the city of Stacyville.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion in Stacyville. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and working in his yard. He was known for his sense of humor and being a very honest person. He enjoyed spending time with his buddies. He looked forward to family reunions and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann; daughters, Diana Reis and her husband, Brian of St. Ansgar, Judy Kuntz and her husband, Robert of St. Ansgar, Donna Sullivan and her husband, Tom of Osage and Collette Justin and her husband, Jeff of Oronoco, Minnesota; three sons, Roger and his wife, Claire of Adams, Minnesota, Dale and his wife, Diane of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Robert of Stacyville; 17 grandchildren; four sisters, Marion Leonaitis of Zion, Illinois, Helen Church of Stacyville, Arlene (Bob) Hartnell of Austin and Jeanne (Adrian) Blake of Austin; three brothers, Marvin (Milly) Simon of Waterloo, Wilbur (Charlotte) Simon of Osage and Kenneth (Darlene) Simon of Waterloo.

Laverne was preceded in death by his son, Russell; one sister, Kathryn A. Simon; and his parents, Joseph and Christina Halfman Simon.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Viola B. Schuchart

August 18, 2004

Viola B. Schuchart, died on Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at the Life Care Center located in Yuma, Arizona.

Interment will be in the Little Cedar Cemetery at a later date.

Viola was born on March 28, 1916 at Freeborn, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ray and Inez Bucknam. She was educated at the Luverne High School in Minnesota. On July 23, 1936, Viola married Virgil J. Schuchart of Little Cedar. They farmed near there for 40 years, retiring in 1976 and she was employed at the Osage Cleaners from 1976 to 1983. Viola moved to Yuma, Arizona and resided with her daughter from 1993 to 2001 when she entered the Life Care Center.

Her survivors are her only daughter, Colleen Gilliam of Ferndale, Washington; grandsons, Joe Huss and wife, Tara of Ferndale, Washington and Jim Huss and wife Laurie of Roseville, California; three great-granddaughters and one great-grandson, Olivia and Julia Huss of Roseville, California and Miranda and Jackson Huss of Ferndale, Washington; and one sister, Mildred Coonradt of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers; and three sisters.

Memorials for Viola will be designated for the Little Cedar Methodist Church.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Richard A. Hanson

August 18, 2004

Richard Alan Hanson, 74, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Thursday, August 12, 2004, at his home in Northwood, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 16, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, with military honors by the VFW Post No. 6779 Our Buddies Memorial of Northwood, Iowa.

Richard "Dick" was born on January 15, 1930 in St. Ansgar, Iowa, on the family farm during a snow storm, to Harry and Faye (Noven) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. He attended high school in St. Ansgar and graduated from the Devries Institute in Chicago for electronics. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955 being honorably discharged in 1956. Dick married Evelyn (Evy) Wolff on June 22, 1956, and was later divorced. Dick served 45 years on the Northwood Volunteer Fire Company. He was self-employed in his own businesses; Hanson Radio and TV, Northwood; Areo Flight Services, Mason City; Hanson Communications/G&D Auto, Northwood.

Dick is survived by his sons, Rick (Diane) Hanson of Northwood and Ron (Jody) Hanson of Rochester, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Kyle and Cody of Northwood, Ashley and Angela of Rochester; a sister, Shirly (Dennis) Lind of Rochester; sisters-in-law, Ruth Hanson of St. Ansgar and Haddie Hanson of Northwood; and special friend, Marjorie A. Smith of London, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William Hanson of St. Ansgar and Marlin Hanson of Northwood.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Anna Sue Kleckner

August 18, 2004

God reached out his hand to Anna Sue Kleckner, five-month old daughter of E. J. and Neko Kleckner of Grimes, on Thursday, August 12, 2004.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 18, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage, Iowa, with the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. A time of fellowship will follow the services at the church on Wednesday.

Anna was a very special little girl who was loved by many during her short time here. Her memory will be cherished forever in our hearts.

In addition to her parents, Anna is survived by her grandparents, Mike and Sue Nicholson of Osage, Sharon Kleckner and Doug Kleckner of St. Ansgar; by her aunts and uncles, Jeremy, Lisa and cousin, Chase Nicholson of Osage, Jesse Nicholson of Cedar Falls, Ailey Kleckner of Des Moines, Ari-Anne Kleckner of St. Ansgar; great-grandparents, Wayne and Ellen Bork of St. Ansgar, Paul and Clarise Nicholson of Orchard, Clara Wall of Osage and Frances Kleckner of St. Ansgar.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Brenda J. Klehn

August 18, 2004

Brenda J. Klehn (nee Bower), 54, of Burnsville, Minnesota, formerly of Osage, died on Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Fairview Ridges Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 16 (her 55th birthday), at the Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville.

Brenda was born on August 16, 1949 in Riceville, Iowa, to Richard and Eleanor (Miles) Bower. She started school in Brownville, one of the last rural schools in Mitchell County. In fourth grade she entered the Osage Elementary School and graduated from the Osage High School in 1967. She furthered her education at NIACC in Mason City and Mankato State University with a degree in Computer Science. She then spent 16 years in Colorado working in the computer industry. In 1989, she moved back to the Midwest. Since 1990 she had been the office manager at J & E Earll Manufacturing.

Her joys of life included volunteering at church and spending time with her grandchildren. Because of her computer savvy, she spent hours researching her family history and was always ready to help family and friends with her expertise.

Brenda is survived by her husband, James Klehn; two daughters, Julie Engel and Becky Hall; five stepchildren, Dena and Tod Klehn, Jill (Rich) Knowles, Kevin and Scott Engel; her parents, Dick and Eleanor Bower; one sister, Monica (Henry) Rynonti; two brothers, Eric (Verna) Bower and George (Lori) Bower; and seven grandchildren, Khayman, Wisdom, Chloe, Josh, Brendt, Laura and Rachel.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Stella Louise Wright

August 18, 2004

Stella Louise Wright, 94, of Osage, died on Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 14, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Daird W. Korth officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Stella was born on November 10, 1909 at McIntire, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Schmidt) Lutz. She attended school in McIntire and graduated from the McIntire High School. Stella was united in marriage to Harold Wright. They made their home in Osage.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Trinity LWML in Osage and the Remembrance Club in St. Ansgar. Stella enjoyed attending the Osage Senior Citizen's Center.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Harriet Reeve; and two brothers, Elmer Lutz and Leonard Lutz.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon (Gordon) Djuren of Mason City and their children, Dave (Carol) Djuren and their children, Travis, Jason and Crystal; Marie Djuren; Wanda (John) Goranson and their children, Jonna and James; Troy Djuren; Bonnie (Richard) Dickinson of Rockford, Illinois and their children, Michael Janssen and his children, Aires and Tristin; Kelly Janssen; Richard L. Dickinson and his son, Antonio; Ruth Dickinson; and John Dickinson.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Gregory Ahrens

August 18, 2004

Gregory Ahrens, age 34, of Indianola and formerly of Osage, died on Friday, August 13, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 18, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Gregory was born on August 11, 1970 at Osage, the son of Kenneth Ahrens and Susan Saltou. Gregory graduated from the Decorah High School in 1989, after which he attended NIACC in Mason City. He was employed by Pizza Hut starting in high school and was now an area general manager in the Des Moines region.

Gregory is survived by his father, Kenneth Ahrens and his wife, Cheryl of Decorah; his mother, Susan Saltou of Mason City; two brothers, Christopher Ahrens and his wife, Kaylene and their children, Mikayla and Tegan of Rock Falls; and Benjamin Ahrens and his wife, Stacey and their children, Abby and Kelly of Mabel, Minnesota.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Evelyn Elizabeth Lesch

August 18, 2004

Evelyn Elizabeth Lesch, 78, of the Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center, Waterloo, died on Saturday, August 14, 2004, at the Covenant Medical Center, of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Washburn, with burial in the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in Cedar Falls. Friends may call from 4-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball in Waterloo and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Evelyn was born on March 21, 1926 in rural Osage, the daughter of Albert and Edna Schmidt Tabbert. She married Donald Lesch on June 3, 1951 in Osage.

Her survivors include her husband of Waterloo; five sons, Conrad (Tina) Lesch of Joliet, Illinois, Edward (Carlyn) Lesch of Davenport, David (Jane) Lesch of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Robert (Kim Moore) Lesch of Concord, California and Charles (Jean) Lesch of Ann Arbor, Michigan; one daughter, Ruth (Dan) Harken of Waterloo; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and one brother, Eldred Tabbert.

Memorials may be directed to the Redeemer Lutheran Church or the family.

The Garden View Chapel, Waterloo, was in charge of the services.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Richard A. Perry

August 18, 2004

Richard “Dick” A. Perry, age 72, of Lincoln, died on Saturday, August 14, 2004.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 18, at the Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska. Interment will be in the Lincoln Memorial Park.

Richard Perry, was born in Northwood, Iowa, to Ross and Palma (Hanson) Perry. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, 3rd Infantry Division, Korea; past member of American Legion Post #3; a retired sportscaster and radio announcer, inducted into the Nebraska Broadcaster Hall of Fame, Nebraska Basketball Hall of Fame, and was Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year seven times. He was broadcaster for Nebraska football and basketball for KFOR and its Cornhusker Radio Network as well as Armed Forces Radio, 1960 through1978; KFOR “Dick & Bill” Morning Radio Show and known as Lincoln’s “Morning Mayor,” 1960 through 1978.

He is survived by his wife, Carol “Jeanie” Perry of Lincoln; a brother, Phillip L. Perry of Minneapolis, Minnesota; son and daughter-in-law, Greg A. and Deborah of Omaha; step-son and spouse, Robert J. and Shelley Finke of Lincoln; step-son and spouse, Jeffrey L. and Kelli Finke of Lincoln; grandchildren, Elizabeth Perry, James Perry, Seth Sapp, Jordan Sapp, Haylee Finke, Scott Finke, Benjamin Finke, Jessica Meyer and Matthew Meyer.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

The Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Robert E. Meyer

August 25, 2004

Robert E. "Bob" Meyer, age 79, died on Tuesday, August 17, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, New Haven.

Robert Meyer, was born on December 8, 1924 in New Haven, the son of Peter and Catherine (Green) Meyer. He graduated from the St. Mary's Academy in New Haven. Bob farmed south of New Haven. On November 29, 1947, he was united in marriage to Madelyn Peterson in Austin, Minnesota. Upon leaving the farm he went to work for Ralston Purina at several locations through 1982. In 1982, Bob worked for the Harvest Land Co-op in Morgan, Minnesota until he retired and moved shortly after to Osage, working part time doing crop adjusting.

Bob attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He could be found most mornings enjoying coffee and conversation with friends at Hardee's.

His survivors are his wife, Madelyn Meyer of Osage; sons, Don Meyer and wife, Kathy of Vinton, Gary Meyer and wife, Michelle of Perry, Mark Meyer and wife, Tammy of Morgan, Minnesota, Dennis Meyer and wife, Rhonda of Morgan, Minnesota, Dale Meyer of Walker and Bobby Meyer of Perry; daughters, Diane Nekvinda of Brandon, South Dakota, Sue Whiton and husband, Scott of Perry, Kay Drake and husband, Mike of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Laura Bollin, Dan Meyer, Amanda Meyer, Michael Meyer, Zoe Meyer, Kris Nekvinda, Andrea Nekvinda, Erik Whiton, Michael Whiton, Jackie Drake, Michele Drake, Aaron Meyer, Jason Meyer, Ashley Meyer and Cole Embry-Meyer; great-grandchildren, Cody, Jessica, Kaitlyn and Hunter.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Catherine (Green) Meyer; and two brothers, Emil Meyer and Melvin Meyer.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Bryanna Marie Wyatt

August 25, 2004

Bryanna Marie Wyatt, infant daughter of Jeremiah Wyatt and Rebecca Deetz of Osage, was stillborn on Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, August 21, 2004, at the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Rudd. The Reverend Dennis Hanson officiated.

Her survivors include her parents, Jeremiah Wyatt and Rebecca Deetz of Osage; grandparents, Kyle and Colette Wyatt of Osage, Carolyn Brandau of Osage; great-grandparents, Duane and Karen Moe of Forest City, Keith and Nancy Johnson of Osage, Phyllis Brandau of Lake City, Minnesota and special friend, Jerry Ahrens; great-great-grandparents, Walt and Carma Flugum of Lake Mills, Melba Kuper of Osage; and uncles, Jamie Wyatt, Erik Wyatt of Osage and Christopher Deetz, also of Osage.

Preceding Bryanna in death were her great-grandfather, Donald Brandau; and great-great-grandmother, Inborg Peterson.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Mary Louise Havig

September 15, 2004

Mary Louise Havig, age 87, died on Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at the Stanton Nursing Home, following complications of Alzheimer's disease.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, September 17, at 11:00 a.m.

Mary Louise was born on March 6, 1917, to Alfred and Elsie (Christianson) Havig. She graduated valedictorian of her class from the Osage High School in 1934. She then attended Hamilton Business College. She became a private secretary at Wilson's in Albert Lea, Minnesota and later moved to Tacoma, Washington where she was also a private secretary for the Weyerheuer Lumber Co. In 1983 she moved to Nebraska to be near her sister.

Those that survive her include a brother, Dean Havig of Rancho Cordova, California; sister, Ruth and her husband, Gerald Paulson of Norfolk, Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Virgie Havig of Mason City; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Forrest of Mason City.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Dean M. Lewis

August 25, 2004

Dean M. Lewis, 82, of Fairmont, Minnesota, died on Friday, August 20, 2004, at the Fairmont Medical Center-Mayo Health System.

A celebration of life service was held on Monday, August 23, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, with burial in the Orchard Cemetery in Orchard, Iowa. Military Honors at the church were conducted by the Martin County VFW Post 1222 and Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36.

Dean Morse Lewis, was born on January 10, 1922 in Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Lancy and Fern (Morse) Lewis. He graduated from the Orchard High School in 1939 and was a member of the first class of Aeronautical Engineers to graduate from Iowa State University in Ames. Dean was united in marriage to Hazel Irene Stromley on March 20, 1943 in Osage. He served in the United States Navy during WW II and following his honorable discharge was employed by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in both Louisville, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio. Dean moved to Fairmont in 1972 where he worked for Teledyne Aerospace until his retirement.

He enjoyed his memberships in the Grace Lutheran Church, Experimental Aircraft Association, Isaac Walton League, Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36, Minnesota State Sheriffs' Association, Fairmont Trap & Skeet Club, Fairmont Rifle and Pistol Club and the National Rifle Association of which he was a life member.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Lewis of Fairmont, Minnesota; son, Michael Lewis and his wife, Linda of Cedar Falls; two daughters, Carolyn Oanes and her husband, Paul of Fairmont, Minnesota and Sylvia Lewis and her husband, Al Carr of North Liberty, Iowa; two grandsons, Eric Lewis serving in the Air Force in Maryland and Josh Oanes serving in the Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; two granddaughters, Sara Waseskuk and her husband, Chad of West Des Moines and Christina Oanes of Fairmont, Minnesota; two great-granddaughters; and other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by one brother, Clair Lewis.

Memorials are preferred to the Isaac Walton League or the American Cancer Society.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Mary A. Ethen

September 1, 2004

Mary A. Ethen, 89, of the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly, Iowa and formerly of Osage, Iowa, died on Friday, August 20, 2004, at the Bartels Lutheran Home of natural causes.

A private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Burial of her cremains will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage. There will be no visitation, Mary's body has been cremated. The Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mary was born on June 23, 1915 in Stacyville, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Beatrice (Curry) Hovel. She attended the Stacyville Visitation Academy through the 12th grade. She was united in marriage to Richard V. Coonradt and the couple made their home in Osage, Iowa, where she worked as a teller for the Osage Farmers Bank. Richard died in 1952 and in 1963, she was united in marriage to Louis J. Ethen in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Stacyville and later moved to Waverly, Iowa. Louis died on November 11, 1998 and in March of 1999, Mary became a resident of the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community.

Her survivors include three step-daughters and one step-son, Elizabeth (Betty) Condon and her husband, Bill of New Haven, Iowa, Catherine Nordeen and her husband, Donald of Gaylord, Michigan, Barbara Quinn and her husband, Jim of Oceanside, California and Richard Ethen and his wife, Jane of Illinois; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Paul R. Naig

August 25, 2004

Paul R. Naig, age 65, of Osage, died on Saturday, August 21, 2004, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 26, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a scripture service at 7:00 p.m.

Paul was born on December 21, 1938 in Osage, the son of Nels and Arlene (Sewright) Naig. He attended school in Osage and graduated from the Osage High School in 1957. Paul entered the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served 26 years, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He was united in marriage to Joyce A. Kleeberger on August 17, 1963 in Claremont, Minnesota. Following Paul's retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Osage where he worked for the Erdman Motor Co. in Osage, Lake Chevrolet in Clear Lake and Fox River Mills in Osage. Paul retired in 2003. He was a volunteer for the CASA Program.

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

Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce Naig of Osage; children, Kelly (Steve) Stotts of Des Moines, Doug (Mesa) Naig of Osage and Kara Zimmerman of Osage; seven grandchildren; and one brother, John Naig of Seattle, Washington.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Betty Bly Wilkes

August 25, 2004

Betty Bly Wilkes, 82, of Osage, died on Saturday, August 21, 2004, of injuries she received from an auto accident near Little Cedar.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

Betty was born on March 1, 1922 near Little Cedar, the daughter of Grant and Hazel (Griffin) Hill. She attended the Riceville High School where she graduated in 1941. Betty was united in marriage to James (Stub) Callahan on September 13, 1941 in Austin, Minnesota. They were residing in Riceville, when James passed away on December 7, 1971. She attended school in Calmar, where she obtained her LPN License. Betty then was united in marriage to Robert Wilkes in Decorah. They moved to Osage and Robert passed away on February 12, 1987.

Betty is survived by two sons, Craig (Patty) Callahan of Mason City and Michael Callahan of Charles City; four grandchildren, Katie Callahan of Mason City, Grant, Heather and Megan Keith of Hudson; two nephews, Tyrone Hill of Winona, Minnesota and Tom Hill of Sonoma, California; and three nieces, Beverly, Virginia and Iris Hill, all of California.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; a brother, Montel Hill; and a nephew, Terry Hill.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Beverly Allison

August 25, 2004

Beverly Allison, 82, of Duluth, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 22, 2004, at the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 26, at the Edgewood Vista Assisted Living, Hermantown, Minnesota, with Pastor Gregory Garmer officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery, Osage, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, Duluth, Minnesota.

She was born Beverly June Billings on June 1, 1922 in Chickasaw County, Iowa, and graduated from the Osage High School in 1940. On May 31, 1942, she married Gordon Allison. After Gordon returned from service in WW II, they lived in Waterloo, Osage and finally in Mason City, Iowa, where Gordon worked for State Farm Ins. and Beverly was his secretary. She was also a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, was active in PTA, the YWCA, and was a leader in women’s organizations at church. In 1970 they retired to Mesa, Arizona and Beverly was a teacher’s aide with the Mesa School System for several years. She also was a leader of water aerobics, chair aerobics, did many crafts, and she and Gordon enjoyed traveling, singing in church choir, playing bridge and ballroom dancing. Following Gordon’s death in 2001 she moved to Duluth, Minnesota.

She was a resident of the Edgewood Vista Assisted Living and a member of the French River Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Debrah (Robert) Adams of Duluth, Minnesota and Dauri (Robert) Furgerson of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren, Jason (Tina) Gislason of Oklahoma, Kristin (Derrick) Burbul of Boone, Iowa and Jennifer (Chris) Buckley of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Savanna, Katie, Saige, Olivia and Solana; sisters, Evelyn (Lawrence) Dieterich of St. Ansgar, Iowa and Betty (Birney) Gast of Osage, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Gordon.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Dougherty Funeral Home.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Eleanor Marie Olson

September 1, 2004

Eleanor Sheumaker Olson, age 90, of Osage, died on Thursday, August 26, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 28, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Eleanor was born on March 20, 1914 near Marshalltown, the daughter of Ernest and Ethel Belle (Ackley) Pettitt. She attended school in Otranto, graduating from the Otranto High School in 1932. Eleanor was united in marriage to Frank "Sam" Sheumaker. They farmed north of Otranto. Later she owned and operated a grocery store in Carpenter. Eleanor was baptized and confirmed as an adult at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church. They then moved to Osage, where Eleanor worked as a bookkeeper at Cedar Valley Produce. Her husband, Sam passed away. Later she was united in marriage to Art Olson. They made their home in Osage where they owned and operated Art's Shoes. Art passed away in 1997.

Eleanor was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Wa Tan Ye, Sons of Norway and the Good Sam Camping Club. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling and visiting with family and friends.

Eleanor is survived by five nieces, Anita (Dean) Darrow of Charles City, June (Alfred) Schmidt of Rockford, Illinois, Jean (Dennis) Weitzenkamp of Dodge Center, Minnesota, Donna (Donald) Dawson of Paullina and Sandy (Gary) Gilbert of Osage; and a nephew, Robert (Mercedes) Pettitt of Austin, Minnesota.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Frank and Art; three brothers, Albert Pettitt, Charles Pettitt and Oliver Pettitt; a sister, Dorothy Olson; and two nephews, James Pettitt and Ellwood Pettitt.

Funeral arrangements were by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Ethel (Gratias) Moser Taylor

September 1, 2004

Ethel Taylor, 87, of Mason City, died on Thursday, August 26, 2004, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, September 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Mason City. The Reverend Jim Stiles will officiate. A private family inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Marble Rock.

Ethel Taylor, was born on September 21, 1916 in Rock Grove Township, near Nora Springs, to Hugo and Katherine (Ahrens) Gratias. She attended rural school in Rock Grove Township, attended two years of high school in Nora Springs and two years in Rockford, graduating in 1933. Ethel took a Normal Training Course in Rockford which certified her to teach school. She attended night and summer school classes until she had earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 1965. She taught school a total of 35 years, all but two years in Floyd County.

Ethel was active in the Methodist Church in Marble Rock and the Sarah Circle at First United Methodist Church in Mason City. She was also been active in the local retired teachers organization, the Legion Auxiliary and the Alchor Shrine. On March 11, 1940, she married Leonard Moser and they made their home on a farm in Scott Township. To this union a daughter, Frances Marlene was born. Leonard passed away in 1967. In 1969, Ethel married Harold Taylor. They lived on a farm west of Marble Rock until moving to Mason City in 1988.

Ethel's survivors are her daughters, Marlene Gjerset and husband, David of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Mary Scott and husband, Craig of Chariton, Iowa; one son, Jack Taylor and wife, Marcia of Marble Rock; two brothers, Art Gratias of Mason City and Paul Gratias of Osage; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband, Leonard Moser; second husband, Harold Taylor; three sisters, Dorothy Gratias, Helen Quandal and Lorraine Lindeman; and two brothers, Walter Gratias and Ralph Gratias.

The Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Doris L. Pearce

September 1, 2004

Doris Pearce, age 94, of Riceville, passed away at the Riceville Community Rest Home in Riceville, on Saturday, August 28, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 1, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Riceville. The Reverend Gale Richards officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

Doris L. Pearce, was born in Randalia, Iowa, on January 8, 1910, daughter of Emma Duby and Edward Mabb. She attended local schools and after graduating from high school, she was a switchboard operator in Hawkeye, Iowa. Doris was united in marriage to Clifford Pearce on October 21, 1931 in Galena, Illinois. She and her husband, Clifford were long-time residents of Riceville and the owners and managers of the Farmer's Telephone Company and Cornbelt Telephone. She was active in community and church organizations.

Doris is survived by a son, Richard and his wife, Carol of Grinnell, Iowa; a daughter, Diane Fischer of Deerwood, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Edna Mabb of Waterloo, Iowa.

Preceding Doris in death were her parents; her husband, Clifford in 1985; and a son, Donald in 1998; three brothers; and five sisters.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Shirley M. May

September 1, 2004

Shirley M. May, age 82, died on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Meyer, Iowa. Father Mark Reasoner is officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, with Scriptures at 7:00 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Church, Meyer.

Shirley (Ree) May, was born on October 5, 1921 in Austin, the daughter of Peter and Bertha Ree. She graduated from the Austin High School in 1940. She then worked for 15 years at the George A. Hormel Co., where she enjoyed being the grievance for general canning until her marriage in 1956. She married Roman B. May on August 25, 1956 and they moved to a farm north of Meyer, Iowa.

Shirley loved spending time with her grandkids, fishing up north, painting, gardening and yard work, especially burning brush in the groves.

She is survived by one daughter, Cindy Beyer of Osage; two sons, Tom May of Hopkins, Minnesota and David (Sherry) May of Austin, Minnesota; five grandchildren, John (Shannon), Andy and Danny Beyer and John and Julia May; one great-grandchild, Joseph Beyer; one sister, Francis Whalen of San Jose, California; and sister-in-law, Joyce Ree.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Roman May; baby daughter, Diane May; brother, Kenneth Ree; and sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Paul Ulwelling.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Gail Ione Olsen

September 8, 2004

Gail Ione Olsen, 83, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday August 29, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 1, at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Gail was born on April 3, 1921, the daughter of Kristian "Chris" and Clara (Anderson) Olsen on a farm by Otranto, Iowa. Gail attended rural country schools near Carpenter, Iowa, completing the eighth grade. She made her home with her father, Chris and brother, Glenn, after her mother's death on a farm near St. Ansgar. Later she lived with Elmer and Gladys Ketelsen, Gail's sister. On October 5, 1978, she moved to the Good Samaritan Center, which was her home for 26 years. Gail was baptized into the Lutheran faith on September 25, 1921, at St. Ansgar.

Gail was a hard worker and enjoyed doing outside chores. She loved to color pictures and wearing jewelry. She was always so friendly and was good at remembering people's faces and names.

Gail is survived by a sister-in-law, Agnes (Garmen) Olsen of Lyle, Minnesota; niece, Melody (Douglas) Saaranen of St. Ansgar; four nephews, Dale (Pat) Ketelsen of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Derby (Barbara) Olsen of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Derry (Debbie) Olsen and Marty (Deb) Olsen of rural Lyle, Minnesota; niece-in-law, Karen Ketelsen; nephew-in-law, LaVerne Olsen; and several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gladys and brother-in-law, Elmer Ketelsen; infant brother, Geral; two brothers, Glenn and Garmen; two nieces, Dixie Schroeder and Daisy Olsen; and four nephews, Dean Ketelsen, Marty Olsen, Monte Olsen and Merritt Olsen.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press