Wilma Wilhelmine Anna Hansen

April 5, 2005

Wilma Wilhelmine Anna Hansen, 90, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, April 1, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 4, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Wilma was born on May 21, 1914, in Rock Township in Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Anna (Rachut) Beyer. She attended school in St. Ansgar graduating in 1932. Wilma married Lloyd Hansen on June 15, 1932. They lived in Carpenter, Iowa and moved to St. Ansgar where they spent their entire life.

Wilma enjoyed traveling with Lloyd on his charters. She worked for the St. Ansgar Community Schools for many years as a cook. Wilma's family was the joy of her life. She will be remembered for her immaculate lawn and wonderful cookies. She was known to give those extra large helpings to her special kids at school. Her recipes are being handed down to her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Gloria Jordahl of St. Ansgar and Richard Hansen and his wife, Helen of La Habra, California; four grandchildren, Kari and husband, David Fomon of Coralville, Iowa, Erik and wife, Heather Jordahl of Bettendorf, Iowa, Dana Schauster and Mark Hansen, both of Anaheim, California; seven great-grandchildren, Joshua and Kristin Fomon, Taylor and Nicholas Jordahl, Michael, Christopher and Brandon Hansen; brother-in-law, Thomas Zitnak; and several nephews and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; sister, Verna Zitnak; brothers, Arthur and Edwin Beyer; and son-in-law, Jerry Jordahl.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

William "Clayton" Sutton

April 5, 2005

William "Clayton" Sutton 73, of Nora Springs, died on Friday, April 1, 2005, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Monday, April 4, at the United Methodist Church, Plymouth, with Rev. Jim Turner officiating. Inurnment was in the Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth, with military honors conducted by members of the American Legion HDS Post 449. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

William "Clayton" Sutton, was born on March 13, 1932 in Mason City, the son of Ervin and Alta (Molsberry) Sutton. Clayton attended schools in Plymouth, Country School Rock #7 and graduated from the Osage High School. During high school he excelled very well in athletics, especially track, where he received medals for the Drake Relays and wrestling. Clayton was drafted in the United States Army in 1953, where he completed his boot training in Ft. Riley, Kansas, later being sent to Korea and then returning to the family farm where he helped his Dad. Clayton began working for the Nora Springs Creamery on a milk route. He also worked for Oliver White Manufacturing until they closed, then he went to work for Winnebago Industries, Forest City, delivering motor homes.

Clayton enjoyed gardening, riding his motorcycle, puzzles, reading, teaching all of his nieces and nephews how to play chess and how to tie their shoe laces. He attended the Plymouth United Methodist Church.

Clayton is survived by his siblings, Earl (Carrol) Sutton of Texas, Janet Peterson of Nora Springs, Lora (Jerald) Tourtellott of Osage, Clinton (Karen) Sutton of Hastings, Minnesota and Linda (Mike) Kohler of Mason City; aunt, Eva Harmon of Mason City; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Bonnie Crystal and sister, Carol White Green.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Dietrich "Dick" Freese

April 12, 2005

Dietrich "Dick" Freese, age 90, of Osage, formerly of the southern Minnesota area, died on Monday, April 4, 2005, at his home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 8, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Burial was in the Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dick was born on January 4, 1915 at Holland, Iowa, the son of Jakob and Trientje (Bikken) Freese, who had immigrated from Ostfriesland, West Germany. He moved with his family as a youth to Dexter, Minnesota. He farmed near Dover, Minnesota. He worked for the Minnesota Highway Department as a large equipment operator for 32 years and was recognized for never being involved in an accident while working. Dick married Joanne Renken on September 27, 1958. They lived in Stewartville and following his retirement, they moved to Lake City, Minnesota. In 1979, they moved to Arkansas, where they lived until 1990, when they moved to Webster City, Iowa. They have lived in Osage since 1999.

He was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage.

He is survived by wife, Joanne of Osage; a son, Kenneth Freese and wife, Betty of Spring Valley, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Cheryl Lehnertz of Chatfield, Minnesota and Jason Freese of Byron, Minnesota; three great-grandchildren, Jay Lehnertz, Jessica Freese and Jacob Freese; two brothers, Arnold Freese of Pine City, Minnesota and Johannes Freese of Austin, Minnesota.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Elizabeth, Sylvia, Theresa, Henrietta; seven brothers, Herman, John, Jacob Jr., George, Frank and two who died in infancy.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Marian O. Arnold

April 12, 2005

Marian Arnold, 89, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2005, at the DeKalb Area Retirement Center.

A memorial service was held on Friday, April 8, at the Oak Crest Chapel in the DeKalb Area Retirement Center, with the Reverend Curt Anderson of the First Congregational Church of Christ, Madison, Wisconsin officiating. Interment of the cremated remains will be at Grinnell, Iowa at a later date.

Marian Arnold, was born on March 1, 1916 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Irwin R. and Edna G. (Whitcomb) Otto. She married Dr. Don Woodrow Arnold on December 27, 1938. Marian was employed by the Elgin Public Schools and Northern Illinois University Placement Office.

She was an active member of the Northern Illinois University Wesley Foundation and community Methodist Churches and served on the Founding Board of the Oak Crest Retirement Center. She was a volunteer with the DeKalb Family Services Agency Country Store, the Oak Crest Retirement Center, the Kishwaukee Community Hospital, the American Heart and Lung Association and was a member of the NIU University Women. Marian grew up in rural northern Iowa. Marian was a well-known resident of the Oak Crest Retirement Center community.

Her survivors include her children, Frederick (Barbara) Arnold of Madison, Wisconsin, Stephen (Margaret "Peg") Arnold of St. Charles, Illinois/Madison, Wisconsin and Gretchen (Craig) Carpenter of Oregon, Illinois; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two cousins, Don Whitcomb and Ken Whitcomb.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Don W. Arnold in 1992; her half-brother, Robert Cushman Otto; and her father, mother, and step-mother, Ruth M. (McLery) Otto.

A memorial has been established for the Good Samaritan Fund in care of the DeKalb Area Retirement Center, DeKalb, Illinois.

The Anderson Funeral Home, Ltd., DeKalb, Illinois, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Doris Marcella Denning

April 19, 2005

Doris Marcella Denning, died on Saturday, April 9, 2005, at her home in Cedar Falls.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 13, at the Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Reverend Cheryl Doely was the officiator. Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Charles City, Iowa.

Doris Denning, was born on March 2, 1920, the daughter of Martin and Olive (Woodiwiss) Havig, in Osage, Iowa. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1938. She was married to Vernon Brunner and they divorced in 1939. On June 24, 1950, she married William Denning in Nashua, Iowa. She was employed with Marr Knitting Mill (Fox River Mills) in Osage. Then she was employed with the Cedar Falls community food service at Holmes Junior High.

Her survivors include her husband, William of Cedar Falls; two sons, Michael (Sharon) Brunner of Ft. Dodge and Richard (Gloria) Brunner of Toeterville; one daughter, LuAnn Dempsey of Old Town, Florida; three step-daughters, Vicki (Tom) Phelan of St. Louis, Missouri, Cynthia (Guy) Sorensen of Glouchester, Virginia and Julie (Rich) Driscoll of Evansdale, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Marlin Havig of Osage and Wayland Havig of Davenport; and a sister, Marguerite Tosel of Mason City.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Allena Gardner and Gloria Bucknell.

The Richardson Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Albert Boyd Lee

April 12, 2005

Albert B. Lee, age 91, of Riceville, passed away at the Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, on Sunday, April 10, 2005.

Funeral services were held at the Saratoga Presbyterian Church in Saratoga, on Tuesday, April 12. The Reverend Tim Sir officiated. Burial was in the Saratoga Cemetery in Saratoga.

Albert Boyd Lee, was born on May 21, 1913 in rural Wapello County, to Alonzo and Nellie Boyd Lee. He was united in marriage to Ruth Johnston on September 16, 1941 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He farmed there for five years and then moved to Howard County in 1948. Albert was a retired farmer.

His survivors include his wife, Ruth of Riceville, Iowa; two sons, Robert and his wife, Barbara Lee of Rochester, Minnesota and Russell and his wife, Carol Lee of Aiea, Hawaii; one daughter, Patty and her husband, Dick Hughes of Richfield, Minnesota; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Arlene and Dorothy.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Lindsay Marie Fish

April 19, 2005

Lindsay Marie Fish, of Indianola, died on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, in Indianola, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 15, at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Lindsay Fish, was born on May 13, 1981 in Jefferson, Iowa, to Tom and Cindy Fish. She attended elementary school in Ankeny and middle and high school in Norwalk. After graduating in 2002, she worked at the Christian Opportunity Center in Indianola and moved to COC's Easton House in May 2004. Lindsay enjoyed people, going to the mall and listening to books.

Her survivors include her parents, Tom and Cindy Fish of Ankeny; sister, Emily Fish of Waukee; grandmothers, Mary Schlapkohl of Urbandale and Annabelle Fish of Osage; aunts and uncles, Carole Schlapkohl of Adel, Nancy and Dave Spratte of Guthrie Center and Janell and Merle Hinton of Storm Lake; and cousins, Kelli Luzum of Ames and Duff Luzum of Guthrie Center.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Kelly Schlapkohl and Bob Fish.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Opportunity Center or On with Life.

The Ankeny Funeral Home, Ankeny, Iowa, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Arene Holt-Merritt

April 26, 2005

Arene Holt-Merritt, age 81, of Ranier Roost, Ranier, Minnesota, died on Friday, April 15, 2005.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Thursday, April 21, at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in International Falls. Interment was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Alexandria, Minnesota.

Arene Holt-Merritt, was born on December 18, 1923 in Drayton, North Dakota. In her younger years, Arene enjoyed gardening, fishing while living on Rainy Lake, bridge and cribbage, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her many nieces and nephews. She was an active member of the St. Thomas Parish and the VFW, when she resided in International Falls and was a member of the Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Merritt of Sierra Vista, Arizona; son, Charles (Debi) Makidon of St. Paul, Minnesota; daughters, Diane (David ) Peters of International Falls and Carol (Terry) Ohlund of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; step-children, Ronald Holt, Steven (Bernetta) Holt, Robert (Sandi) Holt, Bill (Rita Jo) Merritt, Jim (Cherie) Merritt and Cathy Simon; three grandchildren, John, Matt and Erica; and two great-grandchildren, Collin and Stacia.

Preceding Arene in death were her parents, John and Josephine Rasmussen; her husband of 42 years, Emil Makidon; husband of five years, Archie Holt; daughter, Susan Bibeau; and 13 brothers and sisters.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Norma Wright

April 19, 2005

Norma Martha Wright, age 85, of Osage, died on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 20, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with the Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m., before the services at the funeral home on Wednesday.

Norma was born on August 22, 1919, to Albert and Bertha (Bruggeman) Brandt on a farm north of St. Ansgar, Iowa, where she grew up. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Iowa. She attended school at Clyde and St. Ansgar, Iowa. On April 30, 1940, she was united in marriage to Marion G. Wright. They spent three and a half years in California, after which they moved to a farm west of Stacyville. In 1960, they moved to Osage, where Norma lived at the present time.

She is survived by four nieces, Avis Wood of Rockford, Marlys (Bob) Starry of McIntire, Carole (Darwin) Benson of Cedar Rapids and Joyce (Bill) Squier of St. Ansgar; nine nephews, Darrell (Georgia) Holm of Mason City, Gene Holm of Mason City and friend, LaVonne Wheeler, Merle (Barbara) Holm of Mason City, Merlyn (Dorothy) Gunsallus of McIntire, Burnett (Bonnie) Brandt of Cedar Falls, Dean (Delight) Brandt of Denver, Ron Brandt of Missouri, Larry (Andrea) Dammen of Osage and Kevin Dammen of Osage.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marion Wright in 1976; four sisters, Frances Brandt in her youth, Esther Gunsallus, Ardena Holm and Adeline Dammen; and two brothers, Raymond and Roy Brandt.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Carl Joseph Blake

April 26, 2005

Carl J. Blake, age 43, formerly of Riceville, passed away in Morgan, Minnesota, on Sunday, April 17, 2005.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, on Wednesday, April 20. The Reverend Ray E. Atwood officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Riceville.

Carl Joseph Blake, was born in Charles City, Iowa on February 1, 1962, to James and Genevieve (Retterath) Blake. Carl graduated from the Riceville High School in 1980. He worked as a livestock manager and raised and bred parrots.

His survivors include his father, James of Riceville; three brothers, Michael of Iowa City, Steven and his wife, Carolyn of Shakopee, Minnesota and William of Atlanta, Georgia; five sisters, Ann Kindschuh of Shakopee, Minnesota, Karen Hartman and her husband, Dale, Rose Gansen and her husband, Dale, Cynthia Houser and her husband, Thomas and Marilyn Blake and her partner, Mark Schultz, all of Riceville; and many nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve in 2002.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Helen Mary Nelson

April 26, 2005

Helen Mary Nelson, age 90, a lifelong resident of Belmond, Iowa, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 23, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond, with the Reverend Rod Hopp officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Belmond Health Care Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, or the donor's choice.

Helen Johnson, was born on May 18, 1914 in Belmond, the daughter of William and Mary (Hunst) Johnson. She attended Belmond Schools in her youth. Helen was united in marriage to Richard A. Thompson on May 18, 1935, at Mason City and his children were the six that she became responsible for, ranging in age from 7 to 14. She later married James I. Nelson on July 31, 1952, at Silver Bow County, Montana.

Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her sons, Duan and wife, Linda Thompson of Belmond and Jack and wife, Marlys Thompson of Mesa, Arizona; brother, Henry Johnson and wife, Betty of Sedona, Arizona; daughters-in-law, Ruth Thompson of West Palm Beach, Florida and Betty Thompson of Belmond; sister-in-law, Doris Nelson of Earlham; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 36 great-great-grandchildren; numerous special nieces and nephews; and special caregivers and friends at the care center and retirement apartments.

Richard preceded Helen in death in August of 1974. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sons, William in 2004, Don in 2000 and Roger in 1978; daughter, Anita Whipple in 2002; brothers, Maurice in 1955, Earl in 1949 and William in 1970; sister, Lillian in 1995; a granddaughter in 1954; grandson in 1991; son-in-law, Gerald Whipple in 2001; and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Thompson in 2004.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Elsie Edvina Clara Rachut

April 26, 2005

Elsie Edvina Clara Rachut, age 83, of Osage, died on Friday, April 22, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 26, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, west of Osage, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery.

Elsie was born on May 19, 1921 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, the daughter of Walter and Eleanora (Wilde) Hinsman. Elsie was baptized on June 5, 1921, at her parent's home. She was confirmed on April 14, 1935, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township. Elsie attended grade school at Rock No. 6 in Mitchell County. She attended the Grafton High School, graduating in 1939 as valedictorian of her class. Elsie was married to Wilmer Rachut on September 16, 1945. They farmed in the Osage and Fertile areas. Wilmer passed away on September 22, 1969, as the result of an automobile accident. Elsie and her family continued farming after his death.

Elsie was a life long member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher for 20 years, and taught Bible School for many years. She was a member of WELCA, holding different offices throughout the years. Elsie was the first woman elected to serve on the St. John's Church Board. She also served on the Faith Lutheran Home Board, being the first woman from her church to do so. Elsie was honored to receive the Honorary Chapter Farmer Award from the Osage FFA.

She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and making quilts, many of which were made for Lutheran World Relief and other charities. Elsie retired to Osage in December of 1980.

She is survived by three children, Ronald Rachut and wife, Becky of Mason City, Marjorie Grundel and husband, Dennis of St. Ansgar and Dennis Rachut and wife, Joyce of Osage; six grandchildren, Michael Rachut, Deborah Baardseth and husband, Joel, Robert Grundel, Steven Rachut and fiancée, Beth Mowrer, Kevin Rachut and Rachel Rachut; two step-grandchildren, DeeDee Mead and Laura Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Ellie and Ashton Baardseth and Marcus and Dominic Espinosa; a sister, Rosie Pagel of St. Ansgar; a sister-in-law, Elsie R. Rachut of St. Ansgar; a niece, Joyce (John) Westrum; and two nephews, Jerry (Donna) Rachut and Kenneth (Jean) Pagel.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wilmer in 1969; three brothers-in-law, Oscar and Arthur Rachut and John Pagel; and twin great-grandsons, Alex and Ryan Baardseth.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Alex Dominic Damon Havel Robertson

April 26, 2005

Alex Dominic Damon Havel Robertson, infant son of Damon Robertson and Kristina Havel, died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, thirty two days after birth at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, April 27, at the All Saints Catholic Church, by the Rev. David O'Connor. Burial was in the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his parents of Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are grandparents, Larry and Marcia Havel of Osage and Jon and Gwynne Robertson of Central City; and great-grandparents, Don and Dorothy Robertson of Cedar Rapids and Arnold and Helen Havel of Calmar.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandmother, Michele Untiedt; and his twin brother, Dominic on March 24, 2005.

The Turner West Funeral Home, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Grant G. Gerhart

May 4, 2005

Grant G. Gerhart, age 92, of Sioux City and formerly of Stacyville, died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Country Side Senior Home in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 30, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the Union Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Stacyville. The family suggests that memorials may be given to the Union Presbyterian Cemetery Association, Lyle, Minnesota.

Grant was born on August 13, 1912 at Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Fred and Mina (Barwin) Gerhart. He attended the rural school in Union Township and graduated from the Osage High School in 1931. Grant married Marjory Heckel at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on May 20, 1942. He farmed for more than 60 years on or near the family centennial farm in Union Township.

Grant enjoyed playing billiards, bowling, dancing and socializing with his many friends in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. He was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran church in Toeterville, where he played church league softball for many years. During his life he was a member of the Lion's Club in St. Ansgar and several Mitchell County farm organizations.

He is survived by four sons, Grant R. and his wife, Klaren of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Fred and his wife, Martha Cooper of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steven and his wife, Victoria of Sioux City, Iowa and Craig and his wife, Jane of Ankeny, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Scott and his wife, Christina Gerhart, Jon Gerhart, Kristin Gerhart, David Soast-Gerhart, Ethan Soast-Gerhart, Sarah Gerhart, Melissa Gerhart, Nathaniel Gerhart, Abigail Gerhart, Nicholas and his wife, Jessica Gerhart, Bradley Gerhart and Emily Gerhart; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Harold Gerhart of Sioux City, Iowa.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mina Gerhart.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

John R. Shovein, Sr.

May 4, 2005

John R. Shovein Sr., age 83, of Paradise, California and formerly of Osage and Mason City, died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Hospice House in Paradise, California.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 7, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Osage American Legion Post 278. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship following the Memorial Mass at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Osage.

John was born on November 14, 1921 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Joseph W. and Julia Theresa (McGrath) Shovein. He was a graduate of the St. Joseph High School, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Marquette University College of Engineering and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy as Lt(jg) in the Pacific Theater during WW II. In 1944, he married Madeline Marley of New Haven, Iowa. Together they raised their seven children while moving across the country to follow John's successful career in manufacturing. In 1976, John retired as President & CEO of Armstrong Containers, Chicago, Illinois. He and Madeline retired to Osage, eventually relocating to Paradise, California in 1993.

He is survived by seven children, Julia Shovein and husband, Horst Wolff of Paradise, California, John Shovein of Orland, California, Jeffrey Shovein of Scappoose, Oregon, Joel Shovein of Winona, Minnesota, Janine Shovein and husband, Michael Holmes of Shakopee, Minnesota, James Shovein and wife, Cindy of Savage, Minnesota and Jennifer Stringer of Paradise, California; grandchildren, Julian and Brendan Wolff, Jake Shovein, Ian and Anna Holmes, Jake Kraemer and Riley, Keefer and Madeline Stringer; and also a large extended family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Oulman and Delphine Suter; a brother, James Shovein; and a daughter-in-law, Silvia (Palacios) Shovein.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Helen I. Willey

May 11, 2005

Helen Willey, age 90, formerly of Fridley, Minnesota, died on Monday, April 25, 2005.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, May 7, at the Osage Cemetery in Osage, Iowa. The Reverend R. Dawson Tornes officiated.

Helen was born on August 1, 1914, the daughter of Harry and Daisie Miller. She attended the Osage High School. Helen married Francis Willey and they later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Royetta Snow; daughter-in-law, Rose Willey; brothers, Willard of Nashville, Tennessee and Oral Miller of Casper Wyoming; sister, Cleo Mitchell of Osage, Iowa; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; sons, Edward and Jerry Willey; son-in-law, Charles Snow; sister, Perna Verchow; brother, Roy Miller; and sisters-in law, Arletta Miller and Lois Miller.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Glenn F. Kuenkel

May 4, 2005

Glenn F. Kuenkel, age 86, of Osage, died on Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 30, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Rev. Douglas Brown and Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Glenn was born on May 28, 1918 in Luck, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Ida Kuenkel. As a young man, Glenn worked on many farms in Minnesota and Iowa. He married Marian Young in Osage on January 23, 1944. They farmed north of Osage.

Glenn and Marian were active in the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. After Marian passed away, Glenn married Myrtle Lusk on November 16, 1974. Glenn and Myrtle attended the First Baptist Church, where Glenn served as a deacon, a head usher and was active in Sunday School.

Glenn is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Duck and husband, Miles of Mason City and Colleen Gamble and husband, Scott of Mason City; five step-sons, Edwin D. Lusk, Jr. and wife, Nancy of Fernley, Nevada, Daniel Lusk and wife, Angela of Jonesville, Vermont, John Lusk and wife, Betty of Sioux City, Roland Lusk and wife, Charlotte of St. Ignatius, Montana and Joseph Lusk and wife, Linda of Fort Worth, Texas; 27 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jane (Robert) Fritsche of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin and Ila (Clarence) Chapman of Hastings, Minnesota.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marian; his second wife, Myrtle; one sister and one brother; and twin great-grandsons.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Dorothy Smalley

May 4, 2005

Dorothy Marie Smalley, age 91, of Osage, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, April 30, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Msgr. Paul Steimel officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

Dorothy was born in rural Mitchell County, on October 23, 1913, to Alfred and Rose Weber Kleckner. She received her education in Mitchell County Schools and graduated from the Osage High School. She received Normal Training and then taught in several rural schools in Mitchell County. On November 28, 1939, she was united in marriage to Marion E. Smalley at the St. Peter's Rectory in New Haven, Iowa. They were lifelong residents of Mitchell County, farming near Riceville.

She was active in volunteering in organizations such as the Cancer Society, 4-H, and the St. Peter's Church. She loved playing cards, flowers, and her family.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, Allan Smalley of Osage and David Smalley and wife, Cheryl of Riceville; two sisters, Mrs. Marlin (Elaine) Havig of Osage and Mrs. Dean (Delores) Byrnes of Riceville; seven grandchildren, Mark (Holly) Smalley of Olathe, Kansas, Jill Smalley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Greg Smalley of Ames, Mike Smalley of New York, New York, Matthew (Emily) Smalley of Noblesville, Indiana, Mary Smalley and fiancée, Cory Scanlan of Champaign, Illinois and Elizabeth Smalley of Mankato, Minnesota; two great-grandchildren, Laikyn and Cora Smalley of Olathe, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marion in 1974; three brothers, Duane, Bernard and Donald Kleckner; and two sisters, Margaret Tatge and Kathy Rothenbuhler.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press