John Ohden

July 6, 2005

John Ohden, age 82, of rural Floyd, died on Saturday, July 2, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 7, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, Rudd, with Rev. Galen Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before the services at the church on Thursday.

John was born on March 9, 1923, on the family farm near Riceville, the son of Herman and Trena (Abels) Ohden. He attended country school near McIntire and graduated from the McIntire High School in 1941. John was united in marriage to Alice Brandau on June 21, 1946, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, with the ceremony being officiated by Rev. Henry Sinning. They made their home near McIntire and then moved to a farm east of Rudd. In 1950, they moved to their current farm near Floyd.

He was a member of the Eden Presbyterian Church and enjoyed farming, woodworking and his family (especially his grand and great-grandchildren.)

He is survived by his six children, Donald (Cheryl "Buffie") Ohden of Nora Springs and their children, Brandy (Aaron) Wilson and Paul Ohden; Edward (Jane) Ohden of Grafton and their children, Renee (Darren) Petersen and their children, Nicole, Ryan and Jenna; Krista (Jerry) Prazak and Amy Ohden; Ann (Arnold) Knoll of New Hampton and their children, Sarah (Chad) Buchholz and Benjamin Knoll; James (Barb) Ohden of Floyd and their children, Jamie (Chad) Schriever and Juli Ohden; Robert Ohden of Floyd; and Keith Ohden of Forest City; by three sisters, Erma Ahrens on Renville, Minnesota, Joyce (Harold) Davenport of Seattle, Washington and Marion Opitz of Seattle, Washington; by five sisters-in-law, Pauline Ohden of Tucson, Arizona, Lucille (Neil) Bisbee of Stacyville, Eunice (Homer) Stockdale of Aplington, Elinor Sinning of Rudd and Madge Brandau of Osage; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice in 2004; brother, Richard; a grandson, J. Ohden; and three brothers-in-law, Chester Ahrens, Reuben Brandau and Norval Sinning.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Nathan C. Blanck

July 13, 2005

Funeral services for Nathan C. Blanck, were held on Saturday, July 2, 2005, at the Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball, Waterloo, Iowa. The Reverend Kevin Wilkening pastor for the Cedar Heights Baptist Church, Cedar Falls officiated.

Nathan Blanck, was born on December 5, 1928 in Charles City, the son of George F. and Hazel D. Gideon Blanck. He married Darlene A. Huffman on June 25, 1950 in Charles City. She preceded him in death on December 12, 1993. He then married Margaret Marie Mohring on June 28, 1996 in Waterloo. Blanck was employed at the Waterloo John Deere Tractor works as a machinist and trucker for 26 years, retiring in 1989.

He was a member of Local #838, was active in the Allen Memorial Hospital Stroke Club, community affairs and his neighborhood association.

His survivors include his wife; two sons, Charles G. (Rosiland) Blanck of Apalachacola, Florida and Duane E. (Sandra) Godderz of Rudd; four daughters, Sue L. (Rick) Pettit and Marie (Keith) Wright, both of Waterloo, Sally L. (George) Culpepper of Rockford, Illinois and Patricia (Kerry) Kruger of Nashua; two sisters, Virginia Moore of Des Moines and Ramona (Galen) Morse of Osage; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Preceding Nathan in death were his first wife; two brothers in infancy; and three sisters, Dorothy Slater, Darlyn Gerberding and Edith Gerberding (they married brothers.)
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Randi Jo Krukow

July 20, 2005

Randi Jo Krukow, age 52, of Riceville, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2005, at the Osage Hospital Hospice Unit, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 7, at the Riceville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Thelma Colorado Subramanian and Rev. Michael Carey officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville.

Randi Jo Johnson, was born to William and Ruth (Grinstead) Johnson on May 23, 1953 in Osage, Iowa. She lived and attended schools in many places growing up while her father was in the army. She graduated from the Sumner Community High School in 1971. Randi then attended the LaJames Cosmetology School in Cedar Falls, graduating in 1973. On August 29, 1975, Randi married Arnold Krukow at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their home in Riceville, Iowa where she and her husband have lived since. Randi and Arnie had three sons, Jamie, Joseph and Jacob.

In 1979 Randi started her own beauty shop next to her home in Riceville so she could be home and close to her boys. She thoroughly enjoyed being close to her sons, going to their school and sporting events. In 1995, she got her "perfect job" as the public librarian at the Riceville Library. She loved her work and being with all her friends at the library.

Randi took pleasure in her times with her family and especially her grandchildren which she adored. Even after the boys were married and had families of their own she enjoyed going to their ball games and camping with her extended family and friends. Randi also got pleasure tending to her flowers and yard, visiting with neighbors, reading, crocheting and the vacations that she and Arnie were able to take. Randi was forever the optimist, always enjoying and wanting to help others.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Bill and Ruth Johnson of Riceville; her husband, Arnie of Riceville; sons, Jamie and Tara (Sweeney) of Riceville, Joe and Sarah (Schroeder) of Osage and Jake and Amber (Watt) of Des Moines; her five grandchildren, Joshua, Jim Bob, Brianna, Emily and Cael; her brother, Richard and Teresa Johnson of Cedar Falls; her mother and father-in-law, Mavis and Clayton Burgart of New Hampton; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Randi was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Frank Johnson in 1962; her paternal grandmother, Velma Johnson in 1988; her maternal grandfather in 1973; her maternal grandmother, Corinne Grinstead in 1986; and her father-in-law, Arthur Krukow in 1979.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Russell Taets

July 13, 2005

Russell Taets, age 77, of Osage, died on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, July 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Rev. Mark Reasoner officiated. Inurnment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage.

Russell Taets, was born on December 31, 1927 in rural St. Ansgar, Iowa, the son of Mel and Ida (Boerjan) Taets. He married Jean Kleespies on November 14, 1951, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They farmed on the family farm, retiring and moving to Osage in 1989. Russell raised and showed purebred Duroc hogs. He also worked for the ASCS as a field man.

Russell served on the Mitchell County Cattlemen's Association Board, was a 4-H Leader, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a life long member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Russell enjoyed auctions, collecting farm toys, especially pedal tractors, playing cards and solitaire, dancing, telling stories and jokes and playing the weekly Bonanza Bill crossword puzzle.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean Taets of Osage; three children, Mark Taets and wife, Janet of Osage, Ann Phelps and husband, Gary of Titonka and Loren Taets and wife, Carrie of Osage; 11 grandchildren, Scott Taets of Osage, Wayne Taets of Osage, Matthew Taets of Germany, Andrew Taets of Ames, Libby Taets of Cedar Falls, Justine Phelps of Cedar Falls, Tyler Phelps of Titonka, Shelbi, Maci, Trevor and Emmi Taets, all of Osage; two great-grandchildren, Thurston and Desmund Taets of Osage; two sisters, Florence Flynn of Payson, Arizona and Mary Halverson of Osage; one brother, George Taets and wife, Kay of Osage; and 19 nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Francis at birth.

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

Aloysius P. Koenigs

July 13, 2005

Aloysius P. Koenigs, 91, of Stacyville, Iowa, died on Thursday, July 7, 2005, at his home in Stacyville.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 11, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meyer, Iowa.

Aloysius was born to Chrysandt and Anna (Schueller) Koenigs on June 10, 1914 at Meyer, Iowa. He married Olive Helen Blake on June 14, 1938, with whom he celebrated 63 years of marriage. Aloysius farmed his entire life.

His interests included sports, particularly baseball and bowling, and the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball. He enjoyed playing all types of cards. Aloysius was always positive and up beat. God, family and farm are what was dear to him.

His survivors are his three sons, Kenny (Veronica), Bob (Karen) and Steve (Lori), all of Stacyville; three daughters, Betty Ann (Ken) Menke of Polo, Missouri, Sr. Mary Jane Koenigs of Sioux City, Iowa and Pat (Tom) Weishaar of Fort Dodge; 11 grandsons; four granddaughters; two step-granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Aloysius was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son; and three daughters who died in infancy; one grandson; three sisters; and six brothers.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Dean W. Krones

July 13, 2005

Dean W. Krones, 79, of Osage, died on Friday, July 8, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 12, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage, with Military Honors by the Osage American Legion Post #278 and the Osage VFW Post #7920.

Dean Krones, was born on July 6, 1926 in Osage, the son of John and Alice (Herron) Krones. He attended schools in Osage and graduated from the Osage High School in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and entered active service on September 27, 1944 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Dean's military specialty was as a bandsman, playing the French horn. Dean served with the HQ Co., 136th Infantry. Battles included the Sou Philippines (Liberation). He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, Victory medal, Good Conduct medal, Army of Occupation Japan medal and three overseas bars. Dean received an honorable discharge at the rank of Tec. 4 of HQ Co., 136th Infantry on November 18, 1946 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

He was a life member of the Osage VFW Post #7920 and a member of the Osage American Legion Post #278. Dean married Florence E. Pint on January 22, 1949, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Father Thomas J. Conroy officiated. Dean was the owner and operator of Krones Welding & Manufacturing in Osage, from 1965 until his retirement in 1992. He purchased the former Adams Implement store after having worked for A. V. Adams. As owner and operator, Dean continued the manufacturing and improving of the "Adams Power Corn Rake." General repair, steel products and machine work were in demand. Dean's trailer hitches were very popular with the customers. Prefabricated metal work was often done for several area contractors, builders and the general public. Many projects required an original design by Dean. Examples of his railing work can be seen at many area private homes and churches, Osage City Hall and the Mitchell County Courthouse. Dean enjoyed music and spent many hours playing with various local bands.

His survivors include his wife, Florence Krones of Osage; a daughter, Lori Mark of Osage and her son, Adam; two sons, Larry (Karen) Krones of Austin, Minnesota and their two children, Karla and John; Lennis (Betty) Krones of Mason City and their two children, Magen and Billy; a sister, Janet (Lee) Sellers of Cherokee; and one great-granddaughter, Kylie Larson.

Preceding Dean in death were his parents; two brothers, John, Jr. and Lester; and grandson, Jason Krones.

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

David C. Miller

July 27, 2005

David Carrol Miller, 60, of Nora Springs, died on Friday evening, July 8, 2005, at his home following a massive heart attack.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, July 12, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City. The Reverend Harry Koelker officiated. Interment was in the Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.

David was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 28, 1944, to Roberta (Smith) Miller and Werner Alvin Miller. He married Brenda Hungerford on July 12, 1975, in San Antonio, Texas and they lived in San Antonio and North Little Rock for the next 18 years. In 1979, a son, Timothy Joel was born to David and Brenda in Little Rock. In 1990, David accepted a position as a social worker on the Mental Health Unit of the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, where he continued until his death.

David was an active member of AA, with 29 years of sobriety.

His survivors include his wife of 30 years, Brenda of Nora Springs and son, Timothy of Madison, Wisconsin; brothers, Robert of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Richard of Charlotte, North Carolina; a sister, Betty Rose Hall of Reidsville, North Carolina; his in-laws, Eldon and Kathryn Hungerford of Osage; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family members, in addition to many friends.

Preceding David in death were his mother and father and grandparents.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Alda D. Mallery

July 20, 2005

Alda D. Mallery, 77, of Rudd, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, after an extended illness.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 13, at the Rudd United Methodist Church, with Reverend Wendy Johannesen and Reverend William Polland officiating. Inurnment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Rudd.

Alda was born on August 25, 1927, to Lottie (Ask) and Thorvald Synsby, at home in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She attended grade school at the Rock Township School #3 in Mitchell County, and graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1944. After graduation, Alda worked at Johnson's Heating and Plumbing in Osage for a short time. She then moved to Mason City and worked for the telephone company.

Alda met her husband, Donovan Mallery in 1949, at a dance in Rudd. They were married on September 23, 1951, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. At that time Don was serving in the US Army. After a brief honeymoon, they moved to Kentucky, where he was stationed. After a few months, Don was transferred overseas to serve in the Korean War and Alda returned home and lived with her parents until his return in 1953. They lived on a farm just outside of Rudd for the next 50+ years, where they did grain farming and raised livestock. During those years, Alda worked at Hoover's Hatchery in Rudd, at the Rudd Elementary/Junior High as a cook, and then at the Nora Springs Care Center as an aide, cook and in housekeeping. She retired in 1989. They had four daughters, Jodee, Lynette, Jill and Dawn, between 1954 and 1962.

Alda was active in the Rudd United Methodist Church. She always put the needs of others first. She volunteered on many local committees and helped with many Rudd events. Alda's many interests included making latch hook rugs and quilts, vegetable and flower gardening and reading.

She is survived by her husband, Donovan of Rudd; their four daughters and their children, Jodee Gentile and her husband, Art and their children, Ann and Amy, of Salida, Colorado; Lynette Harrington and her husband, Steve and their children, Ashley and April, of Mason City; Jill Dolphin and her children, Jeremy and his fiancée, Katie Lattimer, Jessica and Janessa, of Olathe, Kansas; and Dawn Lynch and her husband, Stephen and their daughter, Amber, of New Canaan, Connecticut; and three great-grandchildren;sister, Doris Colley of Ridgeway, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Delores Muller of Rockford and Maxine Vance and her husband, Dale of Floyd; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers-in-law, Forrest Muller, Les Shelley and Orland "Bud" Cooley; one sister-in-law, Eunice Shelley; and one son-in-law, George Dolphin.

She was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed.

The Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Harland C. Hartwig

July 20, 2005

Harland C. Hartwig, age 81, of Stewartville, Minnesota and formerly of Osage, died on Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 16, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Pastor Lyle Fritsch of Stewartville, Minnesota officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Harland was born in rural Osage, Iowa, on November 20, 1923, the son of C. R. and Josephine (Schumacher) Hartwig. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Osage. He married Elaine L. Albrecht on December 19, 1943, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. They moved from Osage in 1976. Harland retired from White Motor in 1982.

Harland enjoyed family trips and holidays, photography, outdoor sports, camping, football and cooking for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Stewartville, Minnesota; two sons, David (Barb) Hartwig of Rochester, Minnesota and Mark (Mary) Hartwig of Elgin, Illinois; a daughter, Robyn (Robert) Milliken of Rochester, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Heath (Melissa) Hartwig of Rochester, Minnesota, Heather Hartwig of Rochester, Minnesota, Marilee (Paul) Tuite of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Geoff Reu of Chicago, Illinois; a sister, Ardella Hooker of Santa Ana, California; a step-brother, Oscar Erickson of Monona, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Harland was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold Hartwig and Edward Hartwig; and one sister, Evelyn Perrin.

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

Mindy (Carroll) Venz

July 27, 2005

Mindy (Carroll) Venz, formerly Mindy Buck, 47, of Nora Springs, Iowa, died on Friday, July 15, 2005, at her home.

A private service was held for family and friends.

Mindy grew up on a farm east of Little Cedar and attended and graduated from the Osage Community Schools. She has three children, Corey and Dustin Buck of Forest City, Alissa Buck of Nora Springs. Mindy and Gary Venz were married in October of 2004.

Mindy enjoyed working with flowers, basket weaving and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Venz; three children, Corey and Dustin Buck of Forest City and Alissa Buck of Nora Springs; two step-children, Hunter Venz of Louisville, Kentucky and Katie Venz of Mason City; her mother and step-father, Jane and Allen Smolik of Osage; brother, Chris Carroll of Marshalltown; sisters, Robertta Carroll Huffman and Mary Jo Johnson, both of Osage and Susan Smolik-Hagen of Janesville, Iowa; nine nieces; and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond P. Carroll; grandparents, Joe and Florence Bartholmey, Robert and Mary Louise Carroll.

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

Dean Robert Smith

July 20, 2005

Dean Robert Smith, age 52, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Saturday afternoon, July 16, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 21, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel, Austin, Minnesota.

Dean Smith, was born on November 13, 1953 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Evelyn (Wohlers) Smith. He attended school in St. Ansgar, Iowa, graduating in 1972. Following graduation, Dean worked for a few years at White Tractor Company in Charles City, Iowa. He later worked in truck repair at Kensett, Iowa. He then farmed the family farm before moving to Sacramento, California, where he worked at a truck manufacturing plant for several years. He returned to Austin, Minnesota, where he worked for the Austin Herald and recently had been restoring houses in Austin.

A member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Dean's personality was to be helpful to others. He had a number of friends in Austin and surrounding areas, all blessed with Dean's humor and generosity. He always gave willingly of the resources that he had whenever a friend was in need.

His survivors include his parents, Floyd and Evelyn Smith of Austin; one brother, Roger Smith of Alamo, California; two nieces, Allison and Amy Smith, both of Alamo, California; and several other family members and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his grandparents.

The Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Burdette Wayne "Hep" Hepner

July 27, 2005

Burdette Wayne "Hep" Hepner, 93, of Osage, died on Monday July 18, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Burdette was born on June 13, 1912 at Floyd, Iowa, the son of Roy S. and Myrtle (Barkhurst) Hepner. He grew up in Orchard, graduating from the Orchard High School in 1932. In May of 1934, Burdette was united in marriage to Beulah K. Koch and they spent their entire married life in the Osage area. Burdette farmed and drove truck, hauling livestock.

He enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes and especially enjoyed bass fishing at his "secret spots" on the Cedar River. He was a wonderful father to five children and grandfather to 15 grandchildren, who will always remember him with love.

Burdette is survived by his five children, Gary Hepner and wife, Elma of Ozark, Missouri, Jolene Kofoot and husband, Pete of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Nolyn Hepner of El Paso, Texas, Landis Hepner and wife, Patricia of Osage and Janeal Dunn and husband, Craig of Saint Ansgar; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Willard Koch and wife, Evelyn of Osage; and a sister-in-law, Merlin Havner of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beulah in 1993; three brothers; and one sister.

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

John Russell Cooper

August 3, 2005

Marine Cpl. John Cooper, of Bonifay, Florida, stationed in Hawaii, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2005, due to complication from a severe head trauma.

John Russell Cooper, was born at Camp Pendleton, California, on September 5, 1983. He attended school in Kentucky and Georgia before the family moved in August 1990 to Bonifay, Florida. He attended 1st-12th grade there. In 7th grade, he was burned in a gasoline fire and the Shriners took him back and forth to Galveston, Texas for 6 years. He learned to walk again. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001 before his senior year. He graduated from the Holmes County High in May 2002. On May 28th, 2002, he reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.

After successfully completing recruit training, he reported to the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina on September 4, 2002. On November 6, 2002, he reported to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, Alpha Company in Hawaii. In 2003, he deployed to the Philippines in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where they guarded an air base. In July 2004, they deployed to Okinawa, Japan, where he called at the end of August to say they were going to help fight the global war on terrorism. They went to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Cooper was involved in Operation Phantom Fury and Operation Citadel. He saw combat in both Fallujah and Hit, Iraq. Corporal Cooper had extended for the opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include: Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon(x2), National Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation.

John is survived by his parents, Tom and Kim; his brother, Paul and sister-in-law, Vicky, all from Bonifay, Florida; grandmother, Delores Badker; and aunts, uncles and cousins from Osage and the surrounding area.

He was a good friend and a good Marine and will be greatly missed.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Eunice M. Canny

July 27, 2005

Eunice M. Canny, age 94, of St. Paul, Minnesota and formerly of the Osage area, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at the Dellwood Care Center, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 28, at the Little Cedar United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, before the services at the church.

Eunice was born on August 29, 1910 in Union Township, Mitchell County, the daughter of Fred and Martha (Decker) Pacey. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1929. Eunice married Clarus Canny on June 12, 1933 in Osage. Eunice and her husband lived in the Mitchell County area most of their lives. She taught school for a number of years and was employed in other businesses. After moving to St. Paul, she served as a foster grandmother for 20 years in the St. Paul Schools.

Eunice is survived by four children, Phyllis (Vic) Klindt of Stillwater, Minnesota, Keith (Patricia) Canny of Andover, Minnesota, Arleigh (Marlene) Canny of Owatonna, Minnesota and Juliene (Timothy) Pike of Pine Island, Minnesota; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Irma Almquist of Osage; and a sister-in-law, Doris Canny of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarus Canny in 1969; a son, Clair Canny; a granddaughter, Lynette Hollatz; and a grandson, Todd Klindt.

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

Denise Sprung

July 27, 2005

Denise Sprung, 49, of Riceville, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood and Deacon Bill Merritt officiating. A private family burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

Denise was born on January 13, 1956, the daughter of Floyd and Jannette (McHargue) Brown in Pasco, Washington. Denise was united in marriage to Randal Sprung on September 10, 1986 in Charles City, Iowa. She was a member of the St Peter's Catholic Church, New Haven, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband, Randy of Riceville; her two sons, Levi and Rueben, both at home; brother, Dennis Brown; and two sisters, Arlene Brandau and Arleta Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Marvin.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Dr. Robert H. Koschmeder

August 3, 2005

Dr. Robert H. Koschmeder, age 77, of Grafton, died on Sunday, July 24, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 28, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Robert was born on December 12, 1927 at Mitchell, the son of Henry and Louise (Darius) Koschmeder. He graduated from the Riceville High School in 1946 and then served two years in the U.S. Navy. Robert married Carol Fieldman on June 13, 1954 at Perry, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1956 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. They lived in Grafton, Iowa, where he practiced veterinary medicine for over 49 years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Carol Koschmeder of Grafton; a daughter, Linda Dagostino and husband, Rick McBride of Grafton; two sons, Curtis Koschmeder and his wife, Teresa of Lawrenceburg, Indiana and Kevin Koschmeder and his wife, Sarah of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; a sister, Marian Weldin of Williams, Iowa; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and one sister.

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

Marvin G. Johnson

August 3, 2005

Marvin G. Johnson, age 80, of Stacyville, Iowa, died on Thursday, July 28, 2005, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 1, 2005, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Marvin G. "Cap" Johnson, was born in Buffalo Center, Iowa, on July 23, 1925, to Alfred and Grace (Abbas) Johnson. Cap started out working with his Dad on the railroad until he joined the Army. He became a sergeant and worked diligently training soldiers and security details during the Korean War. Shortly after, he met his true love, Therese Streit. They married in 1955, having moved to the family farm in Stacyville shortly thereafter. Cap worked very hard to support his family. He hauled milk for the Stacyville Creamery and spent the majority of his time tiling and farming the homestead.

He enjoyed playing cribbage with whoever was willing, including his children. He also enjoyed making baskets for family and friends.

Cap is survived by his wife of 50 years, Therese; his children, Chris (Sony) Johnson of Stacyville and their children, Angela and Richard; Steve (Julie) Johnson of Osage and their children, Paul, Sarah and Mary; Jim (Teresa) Johnson of Grinnell and their child, Jennifer; Don (Marti) Johnson of Urbandale; Laura (Jeff) Fjelstul of Coloma, Michigan and their children, Amanda, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Benjamin; Bob (Traci) Johnson of Altoona and their child, Collin; and David (Dana) Johnson of Higginsville, Missouri and their children, Spencer, Liliann and Sam; sisters, Alvera (Johnson) Phoenix of Tucson, Arizona and Josephine (Johnson) Shellburg of Johnston, Iowa; brother, Kenneth (Dot) Johnson of Kansas City, Kansas; and sister-in-law, Marguarite (Reuter) Johnson of Johnston, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Grace Johnson; brothers, Fred and Merriell; sisters, Kathleen Sazonovich, Maryiea Curtis, Dorothy Mehuse and Jennie LaRue; sister-in-law, Fleeda Johnson; brothers-in-law, Donald Sazonovich, Harry Shellburg, Jesse Phoenix, James Curtis, Russell LaRue and Grandville Mehuse.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Frederick Edward Brandt

August 3, 2005

Frederick Edward Brandt, age 83, of Osage, died on Friday, July 29, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, August 2, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar.

Frederick was born on May 10, 1922 and was raised and lived in the Mitchell County area his entire life. Frederick was united in marriage to Carla Ferguson on February 7, 1959, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, snowmobiling, riding motorcycle and camping in his earlier years. In later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Carla of Osage; two daughters, Joan Weber and husband, Ken of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Janet Winning and husband, Mark and grandson, Anthony Alexander Winning of Byron, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and six brothers.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Sean Ackerman

August 10, 2005

Sean Louis Ackerman, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2005.

Sean was born on May 8, 1968 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Don and Sandy Ackerman of Anamosa, Iowa and Karla and Bruce Sprauge of South Carolina.  He was united in marriage to Rebecca Power on July 7, 1990. They were later blessed with two children, Jordan and Stephanie.

His survivors include his children, Jordan and Stephanie Ackerman of Osage; his parents; one sister, Kerri Gerhart of Anamosa; and one nephew, Josh Gerhart.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Ricky Lee Ring

August 3, 2005

Ricky Lee Ring, age 46, of McIntire, Iowa, died on Sunday, July 31, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, Iowa, on Wednesday, August 3, at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Michael Parris officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in rural Riceville.

Ricky was born on November 5, 1958 in Osage, Iowa, to Wilford and Ilene (Roe) Ring. He graduated from the Riceville High School in 1977 and then attended ICCC in Fort Dodge, Iowa. On July 4, 1987, he married the love of his life Nancy Duryee at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, Iowa. The couple lived in Florida until 1990 when they returned to McIntire, Iowa. Prior to his illness Ricky worked at ACT in Northwood for nine years as a tool and die maker.

Ricky spent his free time creating memories with and loving his wife and three children, riding motorcycle and restoring his truck. "Bird" will always be remembered for his sense of humor and loving nature.

His survivors include his wife of 18 years, Nancy; three children still at home, Chelsey 15, Mikayla 9 and Dawson 3; his parents, Wilford and Ilene Ring of McIntire; one sister, Deanne (Raymond) Fjetland of Racine, Minnesota; three brothers, David (Katie) of Osage, Daniel (Michele) of Elma and Robby (Amy) of Osage; 10 nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends whom he held dear.

Ricky was preceded in death by one brother, Russell; grandparents, Ted and Inez Roe, Harry and Mabel Ring, Vivian Ring; one aunt, Esther Gilbert; and one uncle, Earl Ring.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press